Tampa is an extremely traffic-heavy city, which can spell danger for pedestrians getting around on foot. Whether it’s a parking lot, intersection, or sidewalk near a road, pedestrians can be at risk from negligent drivers who ignore the rules of the road.
If you have injuries from a recent pedestrian accident, you need the services of a pedestrian accident lawyer in Tampa. If the driver was negligent when they harmed you, you may be able to file an insurance claim to recover financial compensation for your medical bills, lost work income, and other injury-related losses.
The team at Blakeley Law Firm has recovered over $250 million for deserving clients and has over 40 years of combined legal experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Tampa personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
Tampa Has a High Pedestrian Accident Rate
Florida has one of the highest rates of pedestrian accidents in the nation, particularly around urban metro areas like Tampa. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were nearly 700 pedestrian accidents and over 50 pedestrian fatalities in Hillsborough County in 2025 alone.
Pedestrian crashes have slightly increased in the Tampa area over the past seven years, partially due to the region’s high population growth and increased driver numbers.
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Pedestrian Accident Injuries are Severe
Pedestrians are completely exposed and have zero protection, so collisions can cause severe injuries. Even at low speeds, the sheer blunt force trauma of a vehicle impact can break bones and cause internal injuries. Below are some common types of injuries associated with pedestrian accidents:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Scrapes, abrasions, and bruising
- Joint injuries and soft-tissue injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Head injuries and concussions
- Leg, hip, and torso injuries
- Vertebral and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Crushing injuries and amputation
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa
Below are some common causes of pedestrian accidents in Tampa and Florida more generally:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is behind a significant number of pedestrian accidents, particularly texting and driving. Pedestrians already have a small profile, so it’s extremely easy for distracted drivers to not notice them crossing the street.
Speeding
Speeding is another major factor in pedestrian accidents and is responsible for some of the most severe injuries and fatalities. Speeding drivers can blow through pedestrian intersections and may lose control of their vehicles.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol and other intoxicating substances impair judgement and driving ability. Even a fraction of a second reduction in reaction times can result in drunk drivers striking pedestrians.
Not Yielding
Pedestrians have the right of way at most intersections and crosswalks, but many drivers fail to properly yield. Drivers, especially in urban areas, may be more worried about nearby traffic than pedestrians.
PIP Coverage Will Initially Pay for Pedestrian Injuries
Every driver in Florida must carry no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on their auto policy. This coverage will pay for injuries after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. PIP coverage applies even when you’re not in a car, so you can use it after a pedestrian accident.
PIP coverage will pay for your medical bills and lost work income after an accident, up to the policy limits. Since coverage is no-fault, you won’t have to worry about proving the driver’s liability and your lack of fault. Note, however, that PIP coverage will not pay for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses.
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You Can Sue the At-Fault Driver If Your Injuries are Severe
PIP coverage is meant as a first source of coverage, and policy limits are often not sufficient to pay for the extensive injuries pedestrian accidents cause. If your injuries exhaust your PIP coverage or meet the legal threshold for severe, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for remaining losses.
Making a traditional at-fault claim requires proving the other driver was negligent when they caused the accident. The benefit of fault-based claims is that you can recover a greater range of damages than no-fault claims allow, including compensation for pain and suffering.
Time Limit for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
Florida Statute § 95.11 gives you no more than two years to file a lawsuit for pedestrian accidents. If you wait more than two years, you will lose your chance to recover compensation through legal means. There are some exceptions to this rule, but in most cases, two years is an absolute limit.
Even though two years seems like a long time, you need to start early. It takes time to build a strong case, and delays could hurt your claim chances. We can start managing your case immediately and ensure you meet filing requirements and deadlines.
Contact Blakeley Law Firm for a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’re in pain and can’t work after a pedestrian accident, no doubt you are looking for answers and solutions. Blakeley Law Firm can provide compassionate and effective legal representation aimed at securing the money you need for healing and recovery. We take our dedication to justice seriously and will fight using every tool in our arsenal to protect your rights and interests.
Contact our offices online or call today for a free case consultation with a Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer.
