Tampa Heights Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Most think of walking to be the safest mode of transportation. Bicycles and motor vehicles can have a multitude of issues, leading to wrecks, serious injuries, and even death. We live in a dangerous world, however, and you could be risking your life just by walking across the street.

If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, Jeff Murphy Law, your Tampa Heights, FL pedestrian accident lawyer, is here to help fight for you. With three decades of personal injury experience, we’ve seen the devastating effects that the negligence of the at-fault party causes. You don’t have to do this alone. Our legal team has the tenacity and dedication to build your case.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Pedestrian accidents are often caused by reckless drivers who aren’t paying attention to what’s around them. People walking on the street can suffer serious injuries as a result. Some of the most common reasons pedestrian accidents happen include:

• Reckless and Distracted Driving: Cell phones are a major problem and source of distraction for distracted drivers who are texting, checking social media, navigating a GPS, or talking on their phone. Passengers in the car, control knobs for the car’s stereo volume of AC and heating system, or objects along the side of the road also compete for a driver’s attention. Drivers who are distracted are less likely to see pedestrians, causing accidents.
• Speeding: When drivers go over the speed limit, they increase the rate and the severity of potential pedestrian accidents. The faster a vehicle goes, the longer it takes to stop, and the greater the likelihood it will cause life-altering injuries.
• Crosswalks: Drivers are supposed to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing on a “walk” signal or crossing in a crosswalk within one lane of the lane the driver is traveling in. Crosswalk accidents are especially common when cars turn right on red.
• Not Checking Blind Spots: Young children are often the victims of accidents when someone backs out of a driveway without looking beforehand. Children could also lose a toy in their neighbor’s driveway or yard and suffer severe injuries when a driver backs out.
• Drunk Driving: Drunk drivers often fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks or weave in and out of the shoulder of the road, hitting people walking along the roadside. These accidents cause thousands of deaths in the US every year.

Although traffic accidents are at the top of the list as the main cause of pedestrian accidents, contact us even if you were hurt under other circumstances, as we may be able to help you. For example, if you were out for a walk and experienced a dog bite, our team can help you hold the negligent pet owner accountable for what happened.

No matter how your accident happened, the person whose recklessness caused it is responsible for the damage it caused. That means the individual should pay for all of your costs, no matter how minor or serious your injuries may be.

When A Driver Leaves The Scene After Hitting A Pedestrian

A pedestrian accident is already difficult, but it becomes even more overwhelming when the driver leaves the scene. These incidents leave victims and their families facing not just physical injuries, but legal and financial challenges that require quick action. In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a criminal offense, yet hit-and-run pedestrian cases are still reported far too often. When someone on foot is struck by a vehicle and the driver disappears, it can feel like justice is suddenly out of reach. If we’re facing this kind of situation, speaking with a Tampa Heights pedestrian accident lawyer may help us understand what steps to take next.

Why Hit-and-Run Cases Are Treated Differently

Our crosswalk accident attorney will share that hit-and-run accidents are treated with greater urgency because the absence of the at-fault driver disrupts the usual process of reporting, insurance claims, and accountability. Law enforcement must identify the vehicle and driver, which takes time and resources. For those of us who’ve been injured, this delay can mean waiting longer to access compensation. But it doesn’t mean we’re left without options. Law enforcement agencies often investigate these cases thoroughly, using traffic cameras, witness statements, and physical evidence left at the scene.

If the driver is later identified, they can face significant criminal consequences such as fines, loss of their license, and possible jail time. In addition to these charges, they can be held financially responsible in civil court for the injuries and damages caused. If the driver is never found, there are still ways to pursue compensation.

Options for Pursuing Compensation Without the Driver

In many cases, pedestrian hit-and-run victims can turn to their own insurance coverage. Personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply even though the injured party was not driving. This kind of coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and in some cases, long-term care. However, filing these claims still involves meeting deadlines, submitting documentation, and responding to insurance company requests. If we’re trying to recover from an injury, it can be overwhelming to manage this process on our own. Consulting with a Tampa Heights pedestrian accident lawyer can be an important step in moving things forward effectively.

Legal Support Can Make a Difference

The longer a case goes without resolution, the more it can affect our ability to recover physically, financially, and emotionally. Legal guidance from our pedestrian injury attorney can help gather evidence, speak with insurance adjusters, and pursue compensation even when the at-fault party remains unknown. Whether it’s identifying coverage, filing a lawsuit, or negotiating a settlement, each step requires careful planning. When the person who caused the accident isn’t available to answer for their actions, we don’t have to give up our right to take legal action.

Holding Drivers Accountable After a Hit-and-Run

We all deserve to feel safe crossing the street. When a driver flees the scene, the harm they cause doesn’t end with the collision—it stays with those affected well after the moment has passed. If you or someone you care about has been hurt by a hit-and-run driver,  it’s important to take steps to protect your health, your rights, and your future with help from a pedestrian rights lawyer. Speaking with a Tampa Heights pedestrian accident lawyer can help us explore the best path forward. For support that prioritizes your recovery and legal options, contact Jeff Murphy Law today to take advantage of more than 30 years of legal experience. Our firm offers 24/7 live call answering and complimentary consultations.

Contact Us if You Were in a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve suffered financial and non-financial damages as a result of your injury, you must have legal protection. Your personal injury attorney in Tampa Heights will help identify what damages you’re eligible for during a free consultation. If your pedestrian accident was caused by a negligent driver, you can file a personal injury claim. Contact Jeff Murphy Law today.