If you have been struck by a car, it can be hard to understand what to do. You’re hurting, confused about next steps, and worried about bills. You know the negligent motorist is liable, but it is tough to get started when you are recovering.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in St. Petersburg can help you understand your options and protect your claim. We represent injured pedestrians and families after crosswalk crashes, hit-and-runs, and fatal collisions across Florida.
Our team at Distasio Law Firm has more than 35 years of experience handling insurance claims and lawsuits involving pedestrians struck by cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Call today for your free consultation and learn how our personal injury lawyers in St. Petersburg can help.
Understanding Your Rights After a Crash
As a pedestrian, you can pursue compensation when a negligent driver hits you. If you own a vehicle with Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, that No-Fault insurance may pay a portion of medical bills and lost income first.
However, you may still bring a claim against the at-fault party for losses PIP does not cover. Pain and suffering damages require a permanent injury under Florida’s threshold.
When a loved one is killed, eligible survivors can file a wrongful death action under Florida law. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in St. Petersburg can help you recover compensation for lost support and services, funeral costs, and other losses tied to the decedent’s death.
For a free legal consultation with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer serving St. Petersburg, call (813) 259 0022
How Our Legal Team Can Help
Pedestrian cases call for prompt investigation, strategic negotiations, and readiness for trial. We build each file for settlement and for court so that insurers take your claim seriously. Our team keeps you informed with plain-language updates and clear next steps.
While it is often best to settle cases out of court, we only do so when it is in the best interest of our clients. We have the clout to take on the big insurance companies, and we don’t back down from a challenge.
If litigation becomes necessary, we file in the appropriate Pinellas County court and manage discovery, depositions, and expert testimony. Throughout, our pedestrian hit by car lawyers work to secure the best net result for you, and we’ll never refer your case to another firm.
St. Petersburg Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me (813) 259 0022
The Insurance Process and UM/UIM Coverage
Florida PIP can provide early medical and wage benefits, but it rarely covers the full cost of a serious injury. You can seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage for unpaid bills, future care, and other losses.
If the driver lacks enough insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your auto policy may apply, even if you were walking. UM/UIM can pay for medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages up to the policy limits.
We identify all applicable policies, including resident-relative policies, rideshare coverages, and commercial policies. When an insurer disputes fault or value, we present a documented claim package and, if needed, file suit.
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Proving Fault and Building Your Injury Case
Liability turns on evidence, not blame. We examine police reports, scene diagrams, skid marks, debris fields, signal-phase data, and onboard vehicle telemetry when available. Digital evidence from dashcams, security cameras, and rideshare apps can be decisive.
Witness statements help clarify signals, speeds, and driver attention. Our pedestrian injury lawyers also analyze vehicle damage to show angles of impact and pedestrian throw distance, which speak to speed and braking.
We move fast to request nearby business videos before they are overwritten. We canvass for doorbell cameras, obtain 911 audio, and secure phone records in litigation. For serious injuries, we consult with medical experts to link trauma to the collision and to describe lasting impairment.
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Damages You Can Seek Under Florida Law
Your claim can include medical bills, future treatment, rehabilitation, and mobility devices. You may also recover lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and household services you can no longer perform.
Non-economic damages address pain, scarring, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Florida’s threshold for pain and suffering applies to vehicle-related claims, so medical proof of a permanent injury is often required.
Families bringing a wrongful death claim may seek funeral costs, lost support and services, and loss of companionship as provided by statute. We explain available categories based on your relationship to the decedent.
Common Defenses and How We Respond
Insurers may argue you crossed against the signal, wore dark clothing, or were distracted. We counter with timing data, lighting analysis, and human-factors testimony to put the conduct in context.
They may downplay injuries by pointing to gaps in treatment or prior conditions. Medical records, treating physician opinions, and imaging help show how the crash aggravated or caused your symptoms.
When a hit-and-run driver flees, we explore nearby camera footage and vehicle paint transfer. Quick reporting and local outreach can make a difference.
Deadlines for Filing Your Claim
Most Florida negligence cases now carry a two-year statute of limitations for incidents after March 24, 2023. Wrongful death actions also carry a two-year period. Claims involving government entities may require early written notice and shorter timeframes.
Delays can cost evidence. Scene video can be deleted within days, and witnesses move. Contacting a St. Petersburg pedestrian accident lawyer early helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Connect With Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in St. Petersburg
If you were struck while walking in St. Petersburg, you do not have to sort this out alone. Our team can evaluate liability, identify every available insurance policy, and pursue full compensation.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys in St. Petersburg work on contingency fee agreements. You pay no upfront fees, and our fee comes from a settlement or verdict. We explain costs and percentages at the start so you can make an informed decision.
Contact Distasio Law Firm for a free consultation today. We will listen, answer your questions, and outline a plan to move your case forward. If you are searching for a “pedestrian accident lawyer near me,” call now.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form