Pedestrian accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries, and when drivers fail to exercise caution, victims deserve a clear path to accountability. Andrew Pickett Law is proud to serve Melbourne with aggressive, trial-ready legal representation for serious personal injury cases.
Melbourne’s roadways, including high-traffic corridors like US-1, Wickham Road, and intersections near Eau Gallie Boulevard, see a steady mix of vehicle and foot traffic. Areas around downtown Melbourne, local schools, and shopping centers increase the risk for pedestrians, especially during peak commuting hours. Even a moment of driver inattention can lead to devastating consequences.
Call Andrew Pickett Law in Melbourne today to schedule your free consultation.
What You Need to Know About Pedestrian Accident Laws in Florida
Florida law requires drivers to exercise care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. Under Florida Statutes §316.130, pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks and at intersections, but the law also expects pedestrians to act responsibly.
In pedestrian accident cases, liability often depends on:
- Whether the pedestrian was in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
- Traffic signals and right-of-way rules at the time of the incident
- Driver behavior, including speed and distraction
- Visibility conditions, such as lighting or weather
Florida’s comparative negligence system means fault can be shared. This makes it critical to carefully analyze the circumstances of the accident.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents are preventable. They typically occur when drivers fail to pay attention or follow traffic laws.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
- Speeding in residential or high-traffic areas
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Driving under the influence
- Poor visibility at night or in bad weather
- Unsafe turns at intersections
In busy areas like West Melbourne and near major roadways, these risks are amplified by higher traffic volume and complex intersections.
Injuries Often Seen in Pedestrian Accidents
Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no physical protection during a collision. As a result, injuries are often severe and require extensive medical care.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and road rash
These cases frequently involve catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, especially when high-speed impacts occur.
Andrew Pickett Law has experience handling serious injury claims involving brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatal accidents.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. Taking the right steps early can protect your claim.
Here’s a practical checklist:
1. Seek immediate medical attention – Even if injuries are not fully apparent
2. Call law enforcement – A police report is critical
3. Document the scene – Photos of the road, crosswalk, and vehicle
4. Gather witness information – Independent accounts can be valuable
5. Avoid speaking with insurance companies without legal guidance
6. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible
Hospitals such as Holmes Regional Medical Center and Palm Bay Hospital often treat serious pedestrian injuries, and medical documentation from these facilities can support your claim.
Common Challenges in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrian accident cases often involve disputes over fault. Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the pedestrian to reduce payouts.
Common challenges include:
- Claims that the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk
- Arguments about visibility or lighting conditions
- Disputes over speed and driver behavior
- Comparative fault reducing compensation
Andrew Pickett Law approaches these cases with a trial-ready mindset, focusing on evidence that clearly establishes liability.
Not sure where to start? Andrew Pickett Law is here to guide you.
How to Know When You Should Contact a Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents are rarely minor. You should consider legal representation if:
- You required emergency medical treatment
- You suffered fractures, head trauma, or internal injuries
- The driver denies responsibility
- An insurance company contacts you quickly
- You are facing ongoing recovery or disability
Even when fault seems clear, insurance companies often attempt to minimize compensation.
Speak with a trusted Florida trial lawyer, contact Andrew Pickett Law now.
Melbourne ZIP Codes We Serve
- 32901 – Downtown Melbourne / Crane Creek
- 32903 – Indialantic / Barrier Island
- 32904 – West Melbourne
- 32934 – Wickham Park / North Melbourne
- 32935 – Eau Gallie / Croton Road Corridor
- 32940 – Viera / Suntree Area
How Andrew Pickett Law Builds Strong Pedestrian Accident Cases
A strong pedestrian accident case requires detailed investigation and strategic preparation.
Andrew Pickett Law focuses on:
- Reviewing traffic camera and surveillance footage
- Analyzing accident reports and witness statements
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Evaluating medical records and long-term impact
- Calculating full damages, including future care
Every case is built with the expectation that it may go to trial, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Can Change Your Life
A serious pedestrian accident can affect your ability to work, move independently, and maintain your quality of life. Recovery may involve long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, or permanent disability.
Florida’s comparative negligence laws allow insurance companies to reduce compensation by assigning partial fault. Without strong legal representation, victims may not recover the full value of their claim.
Having a lawyer who prepares for trial sends a clear message that your case will be taken seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
Do pedestrians always have the right-of-way? Not always. While pedestrians often have the right-of-way in crosswalks, they must still follow traffic signals and laws.
What if I wasn’t in a marked crosswalk? You may still have a valid claim, depending on the circumstances.
How long do I have to file a claim? In most cases, Florida allows two years from the date of the accident.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault? Yes, but your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Talk to a Melbourne Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Pedestrian accidents require careful legal handling and a clear understanding of Florida law. You deserve representation that reflects the seriousness of your injuries and your future needs.
Andrew Pickett Law represents clients throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, and across Brevard County with a focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, call Andrew Pickett Law today for a free consultation.
More Personal Injury Services in Melbourne
In addition to representing families in slip and fall accident cases, Andrew Pickett Law handles a wide range of accident and injury cases throughout Melbourne and Brevard County, including:
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