Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Jacksonville

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Walking is good for your health and good for the environment. Cities across the country are encouraging citizens to walk and bike more and drive less. But there’s a downside to foot travel–the growing number of pedestrian injuries and deaths in traffic accidents.

Unfortunately, that risk is significant close to home. In 2025, The Zebra put Jacksonville at the top of its list of the worst cities for pedestrian safety. Though the rate of pedestrian fatalities in Jacksonville is close to the national average, the city has a low “walk score.” That means pedestrians are more likely to be walking unsafe routes.

Help for Victims of Pedestrian Accidents

At Harrell & Harrell, we have a long history of advocating for Jacksonville injury victims. We know how important it is for someone injured in traffic to get reliable information as soon as possible after the accident. That’s why we make it easy for you to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. You can call (904) 251-1111 right now, or fill out our contact form.

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are more dangerous than other types of motor vehicle accidents because motor vehicles are so much larger and heavier than the human body. Hundreds of Florida pedestrians are killed in traffic each year, and many more are seriously injured.

Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Pedestrian actions, such as walking while intoxicated, walking in a poorly-lit area after dark, or walking in the roadway can contribute to an accident.

Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Nearly any type of injury is possible when a pedestrian is hit by a car. These injuries range in seriousness from scrapes and bruises to traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other potentially life-altering injuries. The most commonly impacted parts of the body are:

• Lower extremities
• Head and neck
• Upper extremities
• Back/spine

It’s important to note that the extent of injuries isn’t always immediately obvious after an accident. So, it’s important to check in with your doctor, a walk-in clinic or a hospital emergency department if you believe you may have been injured. Some pedestrian accident injuries, such as internal bleeding, may be invisible to the injured person and those around them.

Legal Rights and Compensation

If you were hit by a car or other vehicle while walking, you may be entitled to compensation. If the driver who hit you was negligent, they will typically be liable for your damages, including compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost work time
• Pain and suffering
• The cost of assistance and equipment required due to the accident
• Projected future losses, including medical expenses and diminished earning capacity

Of course, these are just common types of damages awarded in pedestrian injury cases. The best source of information about the damages that may be available in your case is an experienced Jacksonville pedestrian accident lawyer.

Statute of Limitations in Pedestrian Accident Cases

The general statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims and other motor vehicle accident claims in Florida is two years. However, it is important to talk to a personal injury lawyer about the time limit for filing as soon as possible after your injury. There are exceptions that may require you to act more quickly, and people whose injuries occurred before March 23, 2023 may have longer to file.

Negligence in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Florida drivers have a general obligation to exercise due care to avoid harm to others on the road and to their property. If they fail to live up to that responsibility, they are typically liable for the harm they cause.

Florida also recognizes the doctrine of negligence per se. That means a person who was violating a safety law or regulation when the accident occurred can be presumed negligent. For example, if the driver who hit a pedestrian was drunk at the time of the crash, the injured person won’t have to prove each element of negligence independently. Your pedestrian accident attorney can explain this doctrine in greater detail and tell you whether or not it is likely to play a role in your case.

Shared Blame in Pedestrian Accident Cases

In many pedestrian accident cases, the driver and the pedestrian share responsibility for the accident. For example, if a driver is speeding and a pedestrian steps into the middle of the street from between two cars, each may be partly responsible. In that case, the injured pedestrian may still be able to collect partial compensation.

Steps to Take after an Accident

The first steps after a pedestrian accident are the same as any other motor vehicle accident:

• Assess yourself for injuries
• If you’re able, see if anyone else is injured and in need of help
• Move out of the road to a safe location if you are able
• Call 911
• Get insurance information from the driver who hit you
• Allow emergency medical personnel at the scene to check you out
• Collect contact information from any witnesses

Of course, all of these steps depend on your medical condition. Because pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries, you may not be able to take these steps on your own.

When you leave the scene, seek medical attention if necessary, or if you are unsure whether it’s necessary. Then, you’ll want to consult a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Choose Harrell & Harrell?

The personal injury attorneys at Harrell & Harrell devote their entire legal practice to helping injured and disabled people in and around Jacksonville. Our firm has extensive experience with pedestrian accident cases and other negligence claims, and deep knowledge of the relevant substantive laws and procedural requirements necessary to fight for your rights.

To learn more about how we can help, schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney today. The initial consultation is absolutely free, and there’s no obligation. Just call (904) 251-1111 or fill out our contact form to get started.

DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN YOU DESERVE.^®