Drivers aren’t the only people who are vulnerable on the road. Pedestrians are just as vulnerable to accident-induced injuries, like broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and disfigurement. Whether you’re walking, running, or riding a bike, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Being struck by a vehicle can have serious consequences. A Jacksonville pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you were harmed by a moving vehicle or semi-truck, you deserve compensation for any injuries you sustained, no matter how minor. That’s where Steinger, Greene & Feiner can help. Our personal injury attorneys have the skills and resources required to pursue justice and secure maximum financial compensation on your behalf. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Contact our team today to get started.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Jacksonville
Pedestrian accidents occur for various reasons. Unfortunately, most occur due to human errors that are completely preventable. The leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Jacksonville include:
- Texting and driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive driving
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Reduced visibility at night
Jacksonville is a hotbed for pedestrian accidents in the United States, holding a top ten spot in the top 100 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians—along with six other Florida cities. Here are some key statistics from recent years.
- 25% of traffic-related deaths between 2012 and 2017 involved a pedestrian
- Between 2010 and 2019, pedestrian deaths in the U.S. increased by 45%
- In 2019, pedestrians were involved in 515 car accidents in Duval County, which resulted in 45 fatalities
- In 2020, pedestrians were involved in 405 car accidents in Duval County, which also resulted in 45 fatalities
- 424 car accidents involving pedestrians occurred through December 2, 2021, with 50 pedestrian fatalities occurring as of December 13 of that year
The Legal Rights of Injured Pedestrians
Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian accident can be complicated. The driver isn’t always the party responsible for causing the accident. It could be the pedestrian, or both parties could share responsibility. That’s why Florida is a pure comparative negligence state.
This legal principle assigns fault based on the degree of fault each party shares. Even if the plaintiff is partially responsible for causing the accident, they can seek damages from the defendant. The damages will simply be reduced by the percentage of fault the plaintiff contributed. In a pure comparative negligence state like Florida, the plaintiff can be assigned up to 99% of the fault and still seek damages for the remaining 1% of the fault assigned to the defendant.
How a Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident in Florida can be complex and overwhelming. That’s why you need an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Jacksonville on your side. Steinger, Greene & Feiner is the firm you can trust to walk you through the process from start to finish. Our lawyers will:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence
- Determine fault
- Calculate damages
- Interview witnesses
- Build a strong case
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File and submit paperwork
- Meet key deadlines
- Handle your settlement
- Represent you in court
Proving Negligence
The plaintiff in the case must prove that the driver was negligent. Four criteria must be met to establish negligence.
- Duty: The driver owed the pedestrian a duty of care
- Breach: The driver breached their duty of care to the pedestrian
- Causation: The driver’s breach of duty caused the pedestrian’s injuries
- Damages: The pedestrian suffered a form of identifiable harm—whether physical, mental, or emotional—as a result of their injuries
Elements that help prove negligence include:
- Photo and video evidence of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Police report
Our Expertise
When hiring a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to find one you can count on to get the job done. You can trust the Steinger, Greene & Feiner team to fight for your rights while you recover. Just take a look at our track record of success representing pedestrian accident victims in Jacksonville. We have won:
- $2.3 million for a bicyclist who was hit by a company car
- $7.5 million for a bicyclist who was hit by a distracted driver and had multiple broken bones, several surgeries, and the eventual amputation of his leg
- $13 million for a bicyclist who sustained serious injuries after being hit by a car
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Although any accident will leave you shaken up no matter what, knowing what steps to take when you’re involved in one can make the experience a bit less stressful. Here’s what you should do immediately after getting in a pedestrian accident.
1. Seek Emergency Medical Care
The most important thing to do after getting in a pedestrian accident is to ensure your safety. If you’re seriously injured, call 9-1-1. First responders will arrive to provide emergency medical care.
2. Call the Police
Once you have gotten to safety, call the police. Officers will arrive at the scene to investigate the accident. They will gather statements from the driver, the pedestrian, and bystanders who witnessed the accident occur. The officers will use this information to file an official police report. Be sure to ask for a copy of the police report, as your attorney and insurance company will use this information as evidence for your personal injury claim.
3. Gather Evidence
Evidence is essential in any personal injury case. The pedestrian must prove that the driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident that resulted in the pedestrian’s injuries. Evidence you should gather at the scene includes photos and videos of the area, witness statements, and the driver’s insurance details—including the name of their insurer, their policy type, and their policy number. Your attorney and insurance company will use these details to determine fault and calculate damages.
4. Seek Primary or Urgent Medical Care
Even if you don’t sustain any visible injuries in the accident, you should still seek medical attention upon leaving the scene. You may have suffered internal injuries that only medical scans can detect. Whether you go to an urgent care clinic or your primary care doctor, be sure to secure copies of the bill and any scans or notes taken. This information will help prove the driver’s negligence and help you secure maximum compensation to pay for medical bills and other accident-related costs.
Case Evaluation & Compensation
When evaluating your case, we leave no stone unturned. We’ll consider every detail available to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Some factors we consider to calculate a fair settlement are:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of any lost wages (past and future)
- Whether you’re expected to make a full recovery
- The amount of rehabilitation needed
- Whether you contributed to the accident
- The extent to which your family relies on your income
The compensation you receive can cover the cost of both economic and non-economic damages. Here’s a breakdown of each type.
Economic Damages
These damages include objective losses that are assigned a specific dollar amount, like:
- Medical expenses
- Transportation costs for medical care
- Ambulance bills
- Hospital costs
- Loss of present and future income
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
These damages include subjective losses that cannot be assigned a dollar amount, like:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we offer clients a free, no-obligation case evaluation. An attorney will sit down with you in person or talk with you over the phone to discuss the details of your case. Contact us today to get started.
How Pedestrians Can Protect Themselves
Whether you’re walking, running, or biking, here are some tips to keep you safe from oncoming traffic.
- Wear brightly colored clothing and/or reflective gear
- Don’t text or talk on the phone, especially when using crosswalks
- Don’t listen to music too loudly
- Always face oncoming traffic
- Don’t use dimly lit sidewalks or paths at night
- Don’t walk on the road when possible
Contact Jacksonville’s Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers Today
When you need the best pedestrian accident lawyer in Jacksonville, look no further than Steinger, Greene & Feiner. Our lawyers will do whatever it takes to secure the financial compensation you need to recover from your accident. Plus, you don’t have to pay us anything until we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis to ensure your needs are prioritized above all else. Contact our team today to get the justice you deserve.