Pedestrian Accident Attorney Lakeland
Negligent drivers are the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. These drivers often fail to pay full attention to the road, engage in distracted behaviors (like using cell phones or adjusting navigation systems), or operate vehicles at unsafe speeds. Even minor lapses in judgment can lead to severe injuries for pedestrians, who have no protection against the impact of a vehicle.
The legal team at Howell & Thornhill, P.A., is experienced at handling pedestrian accident cases in Lakeland. We manage all communications with the insurance company, gather evidence, document injuries, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. If necessary, we are prepared to litigate your case to hold negligent drivers and others accountable and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
For a free legal consultation with our trusted pedestrian accident attorney Lakeland, FL law firm contact our law firm online or call us at (863) 293-3166.
Why Our Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Should Represent You
When you are injured in a pedestrian collision in Lakeland, Florida, having experienced attorneys handle your case is essential.
Our Law Firm Has Got This
At Howell & Thornhill, P.A., our team is dedicated to serving clients throughout Central Florida, guided by our motto: “We Got This!” We are local lawyers who understand the unique needs of the community, combining familiarity with the area and neighborly care to provide personalized legal support.
More Than 120 Years of Combined Legal Experience
While practicing in Polk County, our attorneys have more than 120 years of combined experience representing over 10,000 clients, giving us a deep understanding of both pedestrian accident cases and the local legal landscape. We listen carefully to each client, fight aggressively for their rights. We work for you, handling communication with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Legal Representation in English and Spanish
Howell & Thornhill, P.A. offers free consultations and can meet clients where they are, whether at our office or another convenient location. We are trusted local personal injury lawyers who also provide resources in Spanish, including a Spanish-language website, to meet the needs of our diverse community. When you choose our firm, you gain a team that is not only experienced but also live local.
Determining the Value of a Pedestrian Accident Case in Lakeland
The value of a pedestrian accident case in Lakeland, Florida, depends largely on the severity and impact of the injuries. Serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries, typically increase the potential compensation because they require more extensive medical treatment and may limit a person’s ability to work or perform daily activities.
Other factors that influence case value include medical bills, ongoing rehabilitation, lost wages, and any long-term physical or emotional impairment resulting from the accident.
Available Insurance in Pedestrian Accidents
Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is a form of health insurance that all owners of vehicles are required to purchase, applies in Florida pedestrian accidents when the injured person is struck by a motor vehicle and either they or someone in their household carries a Florida auto insurance policy with PIP benefits. While it should not raise your insurance rates, the pedestrian can file a PIP claim under their own policy, or the policy of a household relative, to cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault. If the pedestrian does not have access to PIP coverage, the at-fault driver’s PIP insurance may apply. PIP ensures prompt compensation for immediate injury-related costs following a pedestrian accident.
An injured pedestrian in Florida can file a claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance for medical bills, future medical bills, wage loss, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
The type of accident and the circumstances surrounding it can affect case value. For example, if the accident involved reckless driving, the case may have a higher potential settlement or jury award. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life are additional elements that can contribute to overall compensation in pedestrian accident claims.
Most Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Lakeland
Pedestrian accidents in Lakeland, Florida, often occur in places where driver negligence is more likely due to traffic volume, road design, or limited visibility.
Dangerous Intersections and Busy Roads
Certain intersections have been identified as high-risk areas for pedestrians. Intersections such as Florida Avenue at Memorial Boulevard, Combee at Hwy 92, and Massachusetts Avenue at Lime Street frequently see pedestrian collisions, often caused by drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or running red lights.
Busy roads like South Florida Avenue, U.S. Highway 92, State Road 33, and Kathleen Road also present significant dangers to pedestrians because of high traffic speeds and limited safe crossing points.
School Zones
Pedestrian crossings near schools are another area of concern, particularly for children. Locations such as Lakeland High School on North Massachusetts Avenue, Crystal Lake Elementary near Crystal Lake Drive, and Bartow Elementary along East Main Street experience higher pedestrian traffic during school hours.
Drivers who fail to reduce speed in these zones or ignore crossing guards put young pedestrians at significant risk.
Streets Near Senior Communities
Elderly pedestrians also face heightened dangers around senior communities and assisted-living facilities. Facilities such as Arbor Ridge Senior Living on Lake Miriam Drive, Regency Palms on South Florida Avenue, and The Ridge at Lakeland on Kathleen Road often have residents who may walk with limited mobility.
Drivers who are distracted, speeding, or failing to observe right-of-way laws create serious hazards for these vulnerable adults.
Shopping Areas with Lots of Foot Traffic
Other common pedestrian accident locations include shopping centers, such as Lakeside Village and the box stores north of I-4 in Lakeland, along with other plazas along major thoroughfares.
How Negligent Drivers Cause Pedestrian Accidents
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Lakeland. Drivers using cell phones, adjusting navigation systems, or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice pedestrians crossing streets or walking along sidewalks. Even a brief lapse in attention can lead to serious collisions, resulting in life-altering injuries.
Speeding
Speeding is another major contributor to pedestrian accidents. Drivers exceeding the posted speed limit or traveling too fast for road conditions have less time to react to pedestrians. Higher speeds not only increase the likelihood of a collision but also magnify the severity of injuries when an accident occurs.
Failure to Yield
Failing to yield the right-of-way is a frequent factor in pedestrian accidents. Drivers who ignore stop signs, red lights, or pedestrian signals put pedestrians at significant risk. Even brief moments of negligence at intersections or crosswalks can result in devastating consequences.
Impaired and Aggressive Driving
Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications reduces coordination, reaction time, and judgment, often leading to catastrophic pedestrian accidents. Aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating, running red lights, or making unsafe lane changes, further increase the danger to people on foot.
Other Forms of Negligence
Additional causes of pedestrian accidents include failing to maintain a safe distance, not checking blind spots before turning, and failing to adjust driving for poor weather conditions. Even minor negligence can have severe consequences, as pedestrians have no protective barrier during a collision.
Most Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Head and Brain Injuries
One of the most common and serious injuries in pedestrian accidents involves the head and brain. Victims can suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or skull fractures when struck by a vehicle. These injuries often result in symptoms such as dizziness, memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and, in severe cases, permanent impairment. Brain injuries typically require extensive medical treatment, including imaging, hospitalization, and ongoing therapy, and they can significantly impact a victim’s ability to work or maintain daily activities.
Bone Fractures and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Pedestrian accidents frequently cause fractures, dislocations, and other musculoskeletal injuries. Broken legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones are common due to the direct impact of vehicles, while injuries to the knees, ankles, and hips can result from being thrown or landing on hard surfaces. These injuries often require surgical intervention, casting, or physical therapy and can lead to long-term mobility issues.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Internal injuries are also common in pedestrian accidents. Damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs can occur even without visible external trauma. Internal bleeding and organ damage are life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention, sometimes including emergency surgery. Such injuries can result in long-term health complications and a lengthy recovery period.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash, sprains, strains, and bruising are common soft tissue injuries that often accompany pedestrian accidents. While they may initially seem less severe, these injuries can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Soft tissue injuries sometimes require weeks or months of physical therapy, pain management, and ongoing medical care.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
Many pedestrian accident victims also experience psychological effects, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Emotional trauma can affect daily functioning and may require counseling or therapy in addition to physical rehabilitation.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Pedestrian Accident Case
The Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyers at Howell & Thornhill, P.A., are dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting for fair compensation.
Communication and Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, delay claims, or deny responsibility altogether. Our attorneys handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, reviewing medical records, accident reports, and other evidence to work to prove your case. We negotiate aggressively on the claim to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident.
Identifying Lowball Tactics
Insurance adjusters may use tactics such as offering quick, lowball settlements or requesting statements that could later be used to reduce your claim. Our attorneys fight to protect you from these tactics, guiding you through every step of the claims process while advocating for your best interests.
Willingness to Take Your Case to Court
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, our attorneys are fully prepared to litigate your case in court with your permission . Litigation begins with filing a complaint against the at-fault party in the appropriate court, followed by the discovery process. During discovery, we gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts to document your case and challenge the insurance company’s defenses.
Transparency Throughout the Legal Process
After discovery, the case may move toward trial, where we present evidence, question witnesses, and argue for the full compensation you deserve in front of a judge or jury. At every stage, our attorneys explain the legal process, so you can understand your options and potential outcomes.
When We Said We’ve Got This, We Meant It
By combining careful investigation, practiced negotiation skills, and experience in the courtroom, our Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyers at Howell & Thornhill, P.A., fight to maximize your compensation.
Whether your case is resolved through a fair settlement or requires trial, we fight to hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable
Most Important Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Lakeland
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Lakeland, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can protect your health, legal rights, and potential compensation.
- First, be sure to keep any police reports or official documentation related to the incident.
- Next, seek medical attention. Your health is the top priority, and this all ensures that your condition is documented. Follow all treatment plans and keep detailed records of medical visits, prescriptions, and therapy sessions.
- Finally, contact our Lakeland pedestrian accident attorneys at Howell & Thornhill, P.A., as soon as possible. We can guide you through the claims process, handle communication with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and strengthens your case for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Our Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney Lakeland, FL Law Firm
At Howell & Thornhill, P.A., our attorneys welcome the opportunity to aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve, either through settlement negotiations or litigation. For a free legal consultation with a trusted pedestrian accident attorney Lakeland, FL law firm contact our law firm online or call us at (863) 293-3166.