Pedestrian accidents in St. Petersburg happen in places people use every day. Crosswalks. Parking lots. Busy intersections downtown. And most of the time, they are preventable.
At Marsalisi Law, we see it over and over. A driver is looking at traffic, not at the crosswalk. Or they are turning right on red and never check the sidewalk. Or they are simply distracted for a few seconds. That is all it takes.
Why These Cases Are So Serious
When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, there is no protection. Even at lower speeds, the injuries can be severe and may require ongoing medical care, not just a quick recovery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 8,000 pedestrians were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles in 2022, which works out to roughly one death every 64 minutes nationwide.
The injuries we commonly see in pedestrian cases include:
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries;
- Broken bones, often requiring surgery and physical therapy;
- Internal injuries that may not be obvious right away;
- Long-term mobility issues that affect daily life for months or years.
These are cases that often involve ongoing medical care, not just a quick recovery, and the financial impact can stretch far beyond the initial hospital bill.
The Right of Way Is Not Always the End of the Story
Florida law does protect pedestrians, especially in marked crosswalks. But here is what happens in real cases. Insurance companies still look for ways to shift blame. They ask whether you were in the crosswalk, whether you were paying attention, whether it was dark, and whether the driver had time to react.
Even when a driver should have yielded, fault can still be argued. Florida follows modified comparative negligence, which means any recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault and may be barred entirely if you are found more than 50 percent responsible.
Where We See These Accidents in St. Pete
Certain areas come up again and again in pedestrian accident cases. Downtown intersections with heavy foot traffic. Beach areas with tourists who are unfamiliar with traffic flow. Shopping centers and parking lots where drivers are not expecting pedestrians. These are not random. They are patterns.
Insurance Complications
Pedestrian cases can get complicated quickly. You may be able to use your own PIP coverage if you have auto insurance. However, PIP benefits may depend on receiving initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. If you do not have your own PIP coverage, that may be obtained from the at-fault driver or owner’s policy. And of course, the insurance company is not looking to pay more than they have to.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
The early steps you take after a pedestrian accident often shape how your case is handled later on. If you are hit as a pedestrian, get medical attention immediately, make sure a police report is filed, get names and contact information if you can, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies right away. This is where early decisions start to matter.
Talk To a St. Petersburg Pedestrian Accident Attorney at Marsalisi Law
Pedestrian accident cases often come down to details. Where you were. What the driver did. What can actually be proven. At Marsalisi Law, we take the time to build that picture clearly and push back when blame is shifted unfairly. Working with Frank P. Marsalisi means receiving direct attention from an attorney with more than 18 years of personal injury experience and over 300 5-star Google reviews.
We offer free consultations so you can understand your options without pressure. Before speaking with the insurance company, it is important to understand your rights and how these issues may affect your claim. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal! To get started, please contact our office today.
