Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents in Lakeland often lead to serious injuries because there is little protection between you and a moving vehicle.
You might have just started a long course of medical treatment, and insurance companies are already reaching out soon after the incident.
You should have guidance on your rights as soon as possible.
Our Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyers at Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A. can evaluate your options and advise on the right next steps. Call (863) 355-4204 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Why Choose Our Firm for a Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Case
Pedestrian accident cases demand more than a glance at a police report and a quick settlement with an insurer. They require a detailed examination of what happened and who should be responsible, so you can engage in proper negotiations for full compensation. That kind of preparation takes time and experience, and it is exactly how our personal injury attorneys approach every case.
We do not build cases around a hoped-for settlement. We build them as if a jury will hear every detail, because we are in every case for the long haul. Insurance companies that handle cases in Florida recognize our firm’s willingness to go to trial, and that changes how they approach negotiations.
What our clients count on throughout the process is honest communication. No vague timelines, no unreturned calls. You will know where your case stands and why at every stage. You can explore our client testimonials to hear directly from people we have represented. We have been dedicated to injured clients for over 50 years, and we continue that dedication with every case we accept today.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Lakeland
Lakeland has a mix of busy roads, residential neighborhoods, and commercial areas where pedestrian traffic is common. Accidents tend to happen in places where driver attention lapses or traffic design creates blind spots.
Common locations include:
- Busy intersections along South Florida Avenue and Memorial Boulevard
- Crosswalks near Lakeside Village, Lakeland Square Mall, and local school zones
- Parking lots at grocery stores, retail centers, and downtown Lakeland businesses
- Residential streets with limited lighting or obstructed sightlines, particularly near parks and community areas
These areas put pedestrians at risk when drivers fail to yield or stay attentive, and familiarity with these local conditions can matter when building a claim.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians have no protection, the injuries from these collisions tend to be severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries from initial impact or ground contact.
- Broken bones: Fractures that may require surgery or extended rehabilitation.
- Spinal injuries: Damage that can affect long-term mobility and independence.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage that may not be immediately visible at the scene.
- Soft tissue injuries: Strains, sprains, and muscle damage that can linger for months.
Medical documentation connecting these injuries to the accident is one of the most important pieces of any pedestrian claim, making prompt medical attention necessary.
How Liability Is Established in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Drivers in Florida have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care around pedestrians. When that duty is breached, through distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, or ignoring traffic controls, and a pedestrian is injured as a result, the driver may be held liable for the resulting damages.
Establishing liability typically involves reviewing the police report, witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence from the scene. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts help clarify how the collision occurred. Our attorneys handle this investigation so the evidence is preserved and the responsible party is clearly identified.
Possible Compensation for Pedestrian Injuries
No formula determines exactly what a pedestrian accident claim is worth, as the value comes from a thorough accounting of what the injury has actually cost you and what it will continue to cost going forward.
That typically includes current and future medical expenses, from emergency treatment through any ongoing rehabilitation or care needs. Lost wages during recovery factor in, and in more serious cases, reduced earning capacity may need to be evaluated if the injury limits your ability to return to your prior work. Pain and suffering is also part of the picture, as are any additional costs tied to lifestyle changes or long-term accommodations.
Insurance providers often present early offers that do not account for the full long-term picture. Thorough documentation and strong negotiators are the best protection against a low settlement.
Filing Deadlines for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Florida
Florida law limits the window for filing personal injury claims, and missing that window typically ends your ability to recover anything. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, most negligence claims must be filed within two years of the accident. One notable exception involves claims against government entities, which have a notice deadline of three years. If your injuries were not immediately apparent, the limitations period may not begin until you discover them. That said, waiting to begin the process is never advisable.
FAQs About Lakeland Pedestrian Accidents
What If I Was Not in a Crosswalk When the Accident Happened?
Being outside a marked crosswalk does not automatically eliminate your claim. Drivers have a general duty to exercise reasonable care and avoid collisions with pedestrians, regardless of location. The specific facts, like speed, visibility, and whether you entered traffic unexpectedly, will influence how fault is evaluated.
Yes. Florida’s comparative fault rules allow recovery even when a pedestrian bears some responsibility for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but it is not eliminated unless you are found to be more than 50% to blame.
How Long Does a Pedestrian Accident Case Take?
There is no standard timeline. Cases with clear liability and contained injuries can resolve relatively quickly in six months to a year through settlement. Cases involving disputed fault, severe injuries, or uncooperative insurers can take over a year when they require filing a lawsuit.
What If the Driver Left the Scene?
A hit-and-run does not eliminate your options. Uninsured motorist coverage under your own auto policy may apply, and law enforcement investigation can sometimes identify the driver after the fact. Reporting the accident immediately and gathering whatever information is available (witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and nearby business cameras) matters more in these situations than in a standard collision.
Talk to Our Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
Getting hit by a car changes things fast. Medical appointments and bills stack up, paychecks stop, and insurance adjusters start calling before you have had time to process what happened. You do not have to navigate that alone.
Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A. represents pedestrian accident victims in Lakeland and across Florida. Call (863) 355-4204 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
Phone calls were returned timely. I was kept informed of my case and my questions were answered. The staff was professional, courteous, concerned and caring. Overall my experience with this law firm was good and I would recommend them to a friend.
- Rhonda D.
Keep up the good work!
- Thomas B.Everyone who I had the pleasure in talking to or email correspondence has been great and professional. Thank you all for the good service.
- Elixsandra F.Everyone in the office was always helpful and did everything to help up on the case.
- Thomas D.I appreciate all the work you all did. I will recommended Brad Smith and Smith, Feddeler & Smith to anyone who is looking for good legal help.
- Robert S.I would like to thank Mr. Feddeler and the Law Firm for their help in my workers; compensation case. I want to especially thank Julie for being such a special lady and for have such a patient and wonderful personality and manners. She kept me informed of what was going on and answered all my questions when I needed them.
- Stanley E.I am thankful with the firm and staff for always being so courteous and helpful with my case and with me. You guys helped me every step of the way and I am glad I chose your firm to represent me. Thank you for all you do!
- A Montalvo.Everyone that was involved with my case was awesome! No complaints. Hope I never need to get a lawyer again, but if I did I would choose this Law Firm. So thank you!
- Juanita B.I was bit by a Pit Bull in the face in May of 2016. The injuries I suffered was a fractures nose and teeth marks to the nose and under my lip. I chose Smith, Feddeler because they had a great reputation on line. They were very compassionate, very sympathetic and very respectful of the situation I was going through. The attorney was very sincere and staff always responsive and available when I needed. I would definitely recommend Smith, Feddeler & Smith. Kevin Balentine was very helpful and efficient.
- Lauren M.If you ever want a good attorney who is going to fight and advocate for injured workers and knows the law of workers’ comp in the State of Florida, please contact Brad at Smith, Feddeler & Smith. I assure you they will fight for your rights and you will come out victorious, and you will be able to tell somebody else like I’m telling you.
- Ricky B.Contact Us For A Free Consultation With A Qualified Lawyer
