Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident in Clearwater, FL? Pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road—and pedestrian deaths are on the rise in South Florida. Contact an expert Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer today to see if you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party for your injuries and accident expenses.

Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers have represented injured pedestrians and their families for over 28 years. Contact our law firm today at (727) 513-6765 to schedule a free consultation with a Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer ready to help you.

How Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After Your Pedestrian Accident in Clearwater

When a careless driver hits you and leaves you with life-changing injuries, you should not have to fight an insurance company for fair compensation. Unfortunately, many injured pedestrians find themselves in a long battle with just such a company, one that minimizes their injuries and blames them for the accident. You deserve an aggressive Clearwater personal injury lawyer to give you the representation you need.

Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers’ award-winning Clearwater personal injury attorneys have recovered over $500 million for our injured clients. Indeed, we recently recovered a $1.5 million award for an injured pedestrian. We are a small firm that gives your cases the individualized attention it deserves. However, we have the reputation of a big firm and give your case the resources it needs to succeed.

Choose Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, and we will:

  • Give you sound legal advice, guidance, and support
  • Handle all communications, paperwork, and negotiations on your behalf
  • Investigate your accident to gather evidence and identify avenues for compensation 
  • Work with experts to prove negligence, causation, and the value of your damages
  • Build the strongest negligence case possible based on evidence and expert testimony
  • Negotiate for a settlement that fairly compensates you
  • Present your case before a jury if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer 

Contact our law office in Clearwater, Florida, today to schedule your free case evaluation with a Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer ready to fight for you. You deserve to focus on healing and moving forward; we’ll handle the rest.

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How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Clearwater, FL?

Sadly, simply crossing the street in Clearwater can be deadly. Florida is one of five states that accounts for almost 50% of pedestrian fatalities in the United States.

Although Clearwater is home to just 0.5% of the state’s total population, it was witness to about 1% of all traffic accidents – which means that the danger of experiencing an accident in Clearwater may be slightly higher than other Florida cities. And for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, the risk of being severely injured (or even dying) in an accident is far higher when compared to the dangers for vehicle drivers.

Clearwater, FL Pedestrian Accident Statistics [2022]

Clearwater is located in Pinellas County, which reported a staggering 15,682 crashes in 2022. Of these, nearly 500 were pedestrian accidents, and tragically, close to 40 pedestrians were killed as a result. Nearly 4,500 incidents were categorized as “hit and run” crashes, with at least one of the potentially at-fault parties leaving the scene of the accident. 

According to pedestrian accident data from Pinellas County:

  • On average, two people are seriously injured or killed each day as a result of accidents in Pinellas County.
  • Pedestrians make up about 40% of all fatalities in Pinellas County accidents.

What does this mean for pedestrians in Clearwater and the surrounding areas? Like any major city, Clearwater comes with worrisome risks for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike.

What is My Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?

Every accident is unique; there is no way to estimate the value of your case without a careful analysis of the circumstances. Some damages are easy to value, such as lost wages, but others require expert financial and medical expertise.

It’s important to remember that some factors can limit the value of your case, including the amount of insurance coverage available and whether you contributed to your accident. The more severe and long-lasting your injuries, the more your case is likely worth.

Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a Clearwater pedestrian accident attorney to discuss what your case may be worth.

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What Kind of Damages Can Pedestrian Accident Victims Recover?

You may be entitled to several types of damages after your accident. Typically, you may seek compensation for your economic damages and non-economic damages related to your accident. 

These damages include money for:

You may also be entitled to punitive damages. These damages do not compensate you for losses. Instead, a jury may award you punitive damages to punish the defendant for gross negligence or wanton disregard for human life.

If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you might be able to pursue separate damages through a wrongful death claim.

Can I Still Recover Damages if I’m Being Blamed for my Pedestrian Accident in Clearwater, Florida?

When a driver strikes a pedestrian, they may be completely to blame for the accident. However, sometimes pedestrians share fault for the collision. If you are found partially responsible for your accident, you can still recover compensation thanks to Florida’s pure comparative negligence rules. Under this rule, each party is assigned a percentage of liability for an accident. You can recover damages even if you are found 99% to blame. However, your recovery is reduced according to your share of fault.

There are many scenarios in which a pedestrian can be partially or completely at fault for an accident. A pedestrian might cross a road outside of a crosswalk, cross against a signal, or walk where there is no pedestrian access.

Keep in mind insurance companies often try to blame victims for their accidents or for failing to mitigate damages. If you are being blamed, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Clearwater personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

We Will Fight for Maximum Compensation for All Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries

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At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we understand how severe pedestrian injuries can be, even in a low-speed crash. A pedestrian has an 85% chance of being killed when they are struck by a motor vehicle going 40 mph. Nearly every Florida pedestrian accident results in injuries, and they are rarely minor. 

We represent injured pedestrians who have suffered:

Contact our law firm today to speak with a Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer. We will help you pursue the compensation you need for all your injuries, including your emotional and psychological injuries.

We’re here to help, 24/7

Call (727) 513-6765

Common Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents in Clearwater can result in severe injuries, given the unprotected nature of pedestrians compared to vehicle occupants. As experienced Clearwater pedestrian accident attorneys, we’ve seen a variety of injuries stemming from these incidents. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): When a pedestrian’s head hits the ground or a vehicle, TBIs can occur, leading to long-term cognitive issues and even permanent disability.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: These can range from temporary paralysis to permanent loss of function, depending on the severity of the impact.
  • Broken Bones: The force of a collision often results in fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs.
  • Internal Injuries: These can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention for organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
  • Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes can be severe, especially if the pedestrian is dragged or thrown by the impact.
  • Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often suffer emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Recovery from such injuries can be prolonged and costly, emphasizing the need for skilled legal representation. A Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer can help ensure that victims receive the necessary compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Clearwater, FL

Pedestrian accidents in Clearwater can occur due to various reasons, with the most common causes being:

  • Distracted Driving: Drivers who are not paying full attention to the road can easily miss seeing pedestrians, especially in busy areas.
  • Speeding: Higher speeds reduce a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
  • Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: Many accidents occur when drivers ignore crosswalks or traffic signals, endangering pedestrians crossing the street.
  • Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents.
  • Poor Visibility: Accidents are more common at night or in poor weather conditions, where driver visibility is reduced.

In any of these situations, the guidance of a Clearwater pedestrian accident attorney is invaluable. At Catania & Catania, we are committed to advocating for pedestrian rights and helping accident victims navigate the aftermath with dedicated legal support.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, the team at Catania & Catania is here to help. We can support you through the complex processes of gathering evidence, communicating with legal and insurance entities, and more. For more information about what to do after an accident or for a personal legal consultation, please contact our office today.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida?

To recover compensation after your accident, you must prove the other party was at fault. In a pedestrian accident, this involves proving negligence.

There are four elements of negligence:

  • The defendant owed you a duty of care. This means they owed you a duty to obey traffic laws, exercise caution, and act in a way that a reasonable person would.
  • The defendant breached their duty of care. This means they did or did not do what they should have. For example, a driver may have driven under the influence, failed to pay proper attention, or sped.
  • The breach of duty caused your accident. This can be difficult to prove. You must show that the driver’s conduct caused or contributed to the collision.
  • You suffered damages as a result of the breach. 

To prove the other party was negligent, your Clearwater pedestrian accidents lawyer will build an evidence-based using:

  • Police accident reports
  • Witness statements
  • Traffic citations
  • Dashcam and traffic cam footage
  • Driver cell phone records
  • Photos of damage to the vehicle, the scene of the accident, and the design of the road 

At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we may also work with specialists to strengthen your case, including medical professionals, financial experts, and accident reconstruction experts. Expert testimony can be crucial to proving causation and the extent of your injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida?

You have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. If you miss the statute of deadlines, your case will be dismissed; you will be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries. Wrongful death claims after a fatal pedestrian crash have a two-year statute of limitations under Florida law.

While two years sounds like a long time, it’s never wise to delay your case. This can allow crucial evidence to be lost and weaken your case. Contact our Clearwater personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to protect your claim and begin investigating your accident.

Contact a Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

After a serious accident, you face an uncertain future, medical bills, and an inability to work. Do not let the insurance company undervalue your case or unfairly blame you.

Contact Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers at (727) 513-6765 to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer ready to fight for you. You focus on your recovery; we’ll handle the rest. You have nothing to lose and no out-of-pocket costs; you only pay attorney’s fees if we recover money for you.

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Our Clearwater, FL personal injury law firm also provides: