Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Seeking Real Justice for Clients in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County & Southeastern Florida
A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer understands how shocking and devastating it can be to be hurt in an accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver. Walking is a daily practice for the people of Broward County. Whether you’re trying to save a little money on your way to work, get your steps in, or just enjoy the sunshine, there’s always the threat of being hit.
No matter how diligent and attentive you are, or how strictly you abide by pedestrian laws, you are at the mercy of the countless drivers who pass you while you are out on foot. Unfortunately, this can sometimes end in serious, life-changing injuries or even death. The team at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers has seen it, and we want to help you and your family get the real support you need to heal.
Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers are experienced, effective Real Advocates for injured victims and their families. We’ve secured more than $1B in Real Results for our clients through verdicts and settlements. Clearly, we know how to hold negligent motorists and their insurance carriers accountable.
If you or your loved one was hurt and you’re feeling overwhelmed, that makes sense. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is more than ready to help. To set up a FREE, no-obligation initial consultation with our dedicated team in Fort Lauderdale, please call 954-866-1111 or contact us online today. We’re proud to represent clients throughout Broward County and Southeastern Florida.
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What To Do Right Now!
- Call 911 & get to safety
- Get medical care ASAP
- Take photos & grab witness info
- Do NOT give a recorded statement
- Save what you can
- Contact Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation
Why Choose Us?
When you’re facing one of the toughest moments of your life, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a trusted ally who will stand with you and fight for your rights.
Real Results:
- $6,000,000 recovery: As our client was walking, they were struck by a distracted motorist using a cell phone. They suffered a severe spinal cord injury and paralysis, requiring ongoing treatment and support. We successfully secured a $6M recovery for our client.
Steps You Should Take After a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident
Were you hit by a car while walking in Fort Lauderdale, Florida? If so, what you and your loved ones do next can put you in the best possible position to heal from your injuries and recover full financial compensation.
Here are 5 steps to take if you are hit by a car in Florida:
1. Get Medical Attention
Nothing is more important than your safety. You need to see a doctor if you were injured as a pedestrian in Florida. To protect your health and avoid giving insurers an easy excuse to argue, get medical care right away. And if PIP applies in your case, getting initial care within 14 days is required.
2. Call the Police
All pedestrian accidents that result in physical injuries should be reported to law enforcement. As a pedestrian who was hit by a car, it is in your best interest to make sure that your crash is reported to the police immediately. An officer should be dispatched to write an official report.
3. Document the Accident
Although Florida has a no-fault auto insurance law, an injured pedestrian may be entitled to bring a fault-based personal injury claim in certain circumstances. The more documentation of your accident you have, the easier it will be to get Real Justice.
4. Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurers
After a pedestrian crash, an insurance adjuster may ask for a recorded statement. Just remember who they work for. Their job is to protect the insurance company and limit what it pays, and a recording gives them more opportunities to pick apart and manipulate your words later. It’s safer to simply report the accident and hold off on any detailed or recorded statements until you’ve gotten legal guidance. Then, let your attorney handle communications.
5. Consult with a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An attorney will champion your rights and interests, giving you time to heal. Not to mention, when your pedestrian accident claim is initiated by an attorney, the insurance company and adjuster can see that you know what you deserve and are willing to do what it takes to get it.
Unfortunately, the reality is that insurers often take advantage of inexperienced claimants. They may try to lead you into innocent pitfalls, procedural errors, or unclear situations where you could feel like you have no option but to accept an initial, low offer. When the team at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is handling the claim, they’ll have to Keep It Real.
Just know that you deserve to be treated with compassion and respect, and you have the right to pursue the compensation you need to make things right. We’re here for you. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation, and we’ll get real about your options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s filing deadline is shorter than it used to be. In most personal injury cases, including pedestrian crashes, and in wrongful death cases, you generally have 2 years to file a lawsuit. Injury claims once had a 4-year deadline, but Florida changed the law in 2023, and that extra time is no longer available for most newer cases. Some situations can still involve different timelines depending on when the crash happened and who the claim is against.
Treat the statute of limitations like a real risk, not a technicality. Deadlines sneak up fast. Starting early gives you breathing room and leverage. The longer you wait, the easier it is for evidence to disappear. And if a lawsuit is filed after the deadline, the court will most likely dismiss it.
Talking with a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian injury attorney as soon as possible helps you understand your options and protect your right to seek compensation before time runs out. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we plan our cases with that deadline in mind from the start. If the insurance company is stalling and a fair settlement hasn’t been reached, we are prepared to file so you don’t lose your chance to be heard.
Here’s How Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers Builds Your Case
When you hire our team, we focus on the real details that insurance companies “forget” to look for.
- We get your story right. How has the crash affected your health, work, routines, home life, and ability to move forward?
- We lock down evidence early. We’ll track down crash reports, witness statements, 911 records, scene photos, and any available video before it disappears.
- We identify every liable party (not just the driver) when the facts support it.
- We document the full extent of your damages. We take into account your medical records, treatment plans, proof of lost wages, and the long-term impact your injuries may have.
- We handle the insurance back-and-forth so you’re not stuck arguing with adjusters while trying to heal.
- We negotiate from a position of experience and strength. And if the insurer won’t respond reasonably, we’re prepared to take the case to court, where we’re very comfortable.
- We stay available to you for updates and answers. Our team becomes your team. We treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve. We Keep It Real. You can count on that.
Want help figuring out what your next step should be? Contact our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian injury attorneys today for a free consultation.
An Overview of Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Stats
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,314 pedestrians were killed, and more than 68,000 were injured in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023. That works out to a pedestrian being killed about every 72 minutes. In the same year, Florida had the third-highest number of pedestrian deaths in the country, behind California and Texas.
Florida is also consistently one of the worst-performing states for pedestrian safety. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) notes that “pedestrians have the highest fatality rate among all road users” in the state.
In 2024, Florida reported 12,223 pedestrian-related crashes statewide, with 706 fatalities and 1,354 serious bodily injuries suffered. In Broward County, the Crash Dashboard reported 1,219 crashes, 1,042 injuries, and 70 fatalities. That’s roughly 10% of the pedestrian deaths in the entire state happening right here.
Unfortunately, these aren’t just numbers. They’re real people and families whose lives changed drastically in only a moment. If you or someone you love was hit while walking, you deserve support and accountability. Contact our team today to talk through your options for pursuing fair compensation.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians can happen for a wide variety of reasons. In fact, most accidents are caused by several interacting factors. Every serious pedestrian crash should be thoroughly investigated to determine how and why it occurred.
Many pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents share an important commonality: the crash could’ve been prevented with basic safety precautions.
Some of the common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding: Speed limits exist for a reason. Not only does speeding make a pedestrian collision more likely, it also makes any crash more likely to cause severe injuries.
- Distracted Driving: Over the last decade, the number of pedestrian fatalities has been rising in Florida and throughout the United States. Distracted driving, especially texting while driving, has frequently been cited as a major contributor to this trend.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: A significant share of pedestrian collisions occur because drivers fail to properly yield the right of way. This is especially common when making left turns and right turns on red.
- Poor Road Design: Poor roadway design can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Unfortunately, some stretches of road in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County simply aren’t built with pedestrians in mind.
- Dangerous Conduct by Pedestrians: It is important to note that Florida is a modified comparative negligence state. That means insurers may try to argue that you contributed to the crash. Pedestrian behavior can be a factor. However, insurance companies may exaggerate it to push unfair blame onto the person who was hurt.
When a driver’s bad choice changes your life in seconds, you deserve accountability and real support. If they didn’t yield, were distracted, or were speeding, they should be held responsible for the harm they caused. The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner we can get to work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Pedestrian accidents in Fort Lauderdale occur in a wide range of ways. Similar to other urban areas, many pedestrian crashes in our community happen when motorists simply fail to take the required safety precautions. They may violate traffic laws or otherwise put pedestrians at risk. Another key issue is that our infrastructure is not always safe for pedestrians. Some sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic signals may be missing key safety features.
Negligence can be broadly defined as the failure to take due care. In the context of a pedestrian accident in Florida, negligence can take many different forms. For example, a motorist who blows through a stop sign and injures a pedestrian is negligent. On the other hand, a pedestrian who darts out in front of oncoming traffic between two parked cars may also be deemed negligent.
Some pedestrian accident claims fall under Florida’s no-fault insurance standard. However, for fault-based pedestrian accident claims, a thorough investigation will be required to determine who caused the crash and how it happened. A pedestrian could be deemed responsible for part of what occurred, or in some cases, most of it.
Florida uses a modified comparative fault system. Simply put, fault can reduce compensation. Each party is typically responsible for their share of the blame. But there’s an important limit to that. If someone is found to be more than 50% at fault for their own harm in a negligence case, they generally can’t recover damages in that lawsuit.
As an example, imagine that a person suffered $100,000 in total damages in a serious collision in Broward County. If the pedestrian is found to be 25% at fault (perhaps they crossed in violation of a “do not walk” signal), their recovery would typically be reduced by 25%. That means they could still pursue the remaining 75%, or $75,000, from the at-fault driver. If the pedestrian were found to be more than 50% at fault, they could be barred from recovering anything through a negligence lawsuit.
This is another reason why a real investigation matters. Insurance companies often try to push more blame onto pedestrians than the facts support, especially in cases involving crosswalks and intersections. Locking down evidence early and working with an attorney can make a major difference in how fault is assigned.
It depends on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of your injuries. In many cases, the first place to turn after a pedestrian accident in Florida is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. If you have your own no-fault PIP auto insurance (or you’re covered under a resident relative’s policy), it may apply even though you weren’t in a vehicle.
PIP is designed to kick in regardless of who was at fault. It generally pays 80% of medically necessary treatment and 60% of lost income, up to $10,000, as long as you receive initial care within 14 days. In addition, the available amount can be limited to $2,500 if a provider determines you did not have an emergency medical condition.
However, if you sustained serious injuries or you don’t have motor vehicle coverage of your own, you may be able to bring a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. When the driver has bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, that’s often the policy that pays damages beyond PIP, including the portion of medical bills PIP doesn’t cover and future care needs. Depending on the injury, Florida law may also allow additional damages when the serious injury threshold is met.
Most pedestrian accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything up front. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers recommends that you ask this question at the first meeting with your potential attorney, because you deserve to know exactly how fees and costs work before you commit. If we take your case, we won’t collect a fee until we secure a recovery.
For most Florida pedestrian injury lawsuits, you generally have 2 years from the date of the crash to file, with some exceptions depending on the specifics of your accident. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers urges injured pedestrians to reach out as soon as possible to discuss your claim and start strategizing. Once the statute of limitations passes, the court can dismiss your case, and your right to pursue compensation may be gone.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
What are the Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Pedestrians are inherently exposed. When a crash does occur, they are at a much higher risk of suffering serious injuries. Even a relatively slow-moving vehicle can cause severe or life-altering injuries to a pedestrian.
Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Cuts & lacerations
- Permanent scarring & disfigurement
- Broken or fractured bones
- Torn ligaments
- Muscle strains or sprains
- Facial injuries, including dental trauma
- Concussions & traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Amputations
- Spinal cord damage
When Should I Hire a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
You should consult with a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorney if you were injured in a crash. Despite being hurt, the bills keep coming, and the pressure on your family can become unbearable. Getting real support and guidance early on can help you protect your claim and seek the full and fair compensation you need to pay those bills and stabilize.
A major issue with handling your claim on your own is the fact that personal injury damages often go well beyond the obvious costs like medical bills or missed work. Insurance companies tend to focus exclusively on the obvious, easy-to-measure economic damages. They may downplay or ignore the bigger picture, which includes long-term costs and non-economic damages.
Non-economic damages are those impacts that don’t come with a neat receipt. These include the actual pain and suffering you have endured because of your injuries, the disruption to your daily life, and the emotional strain that follows a devastating accident.
Trying to assign a value to those harms can be intimidating for a victim, and insurers often brush them off. A dedicated pedestrian accident attorney, on the other hand, pays close attention to every detail so nothing important gets overlooked. It’s our job to make sure the full extent of your damages are documented and supported before negotiations begin.
So, when should you hire an attorney? Well, we can’t tell you that. What we can tell you is that it’s worth it to consult one as soon as possible. You owe it to yourself to explore every path to Real Justice. We want to help.
– you are in good hands!
How Can a Law Firm Help in a Pedestrian Accident Case?
The team at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers has decades of experience representing a wide range of personal injury and tort cases, and that Real Experience is a real asset as you move through the legal process. Our job is to handle the entirety of the legal work so you can focus your energy on your recovery and getting your life back on track, without taking on the added stress of dealing with insurance companies and deadlines.
Among other things, our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorneys are prepared to:
- Provide a free, comprehensive case review.
- Investigate the pedestrian collision and gather important evidence.
- Help you navigate the financial impact stemming from lost wages and growing medical bills.
- Handle insurance communications and clap back at blame-shifting.
- Push for a settlement or outcome that reflects the harm you’ve suffered, so you’re not left carrying the burden of someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior.
Real Advocacy When You Need It Most: Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers
Getting hit by a motor vehicle while you’re simply out walking can devastate every aspect of your life at once: your health, your income, and the plans you and your family had for the future. If a driver’s carelessness left you seriously hurt or facing a lasting injury, you need a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorney who’ll champion your rights and keep your best interests at the center of every decision.
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we Keep It Real. That means compassionate, honest support, open communication, and a personalized strategy that addresses your needs and goals. We’ve handled motor vehicle injury cases across Florida, including crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, rideshares, and delivery drivers, so we understand the rules and tactics that shape these claims.
You deserve a team with decades of real trial and negotiation experience that listens, stays real, and shows up for you. That’s us.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
The team at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers represents injured pedestrians in Fort Lauderdale, throughout Broward County, and across Southeastern Florida. We hold careless drivers and other responsible parties accountable for the harm they caused because you deserve Real Justice.
It all starts with a FREE consultation. We’ll learn your story, explain your options, and talk through what fair compensation could look like.
If you or someone close to you was hurt in a serious pedestrian collision, contact us online or call 954-866-1111 today. Our steadfast Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to help.