Were you hit by a vehicle while walking in Key West, Florida? You may have the right to file a personal injury claim for compensation. A Key West personal injury attorney at Garvin Injury Law can guide you through that process while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Injured While Walking Across A Street?
Contact an Attorney at Garvin Injury Law Today
Our firm has been standing up for accident victims throughout South Florida since the early 1970s. Our Key West pedestrian accident lawyers have secured tens of millions of dollars for our clients and will be fully committed to your case from the start if you decide to hire us.
Call (239) 277-0005 today to find out where you stand legally. We provide a free initial consultation with zero obligations.
Why Trust Garvin Injury Law With My Case After a Pedestrian Accident in Key West, Florida?
Garvin Injury Law is one of the most respected personal injury firms in the Florida Keys and has received countless awards to back up that claim. Some of the victories we’ve won for our clients reach into the seven figures, giving us a track record of success you can depend on.
Our Key West personal injury attorneys can assist you by:
- Evaluating who bears liability for your injuries
- Calculating the full scope of your damages
- Bringing in experts to strengthen your claim
- Defending you against unfair accusations of fault
- Handling negotiations with insurers on your behalf
- Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t available
Your initial consultation is completely free of charge. Contact our law offices in Key West, FL, today to learn more.
What Do I Need To Provide in a Key West Pedestrian Accident Case?
In most cases, you’ll need to show that the driver owed you a duty of care, failed to uphold that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. Florida law under Statute 316.130 requires motorists to yield to pedestrians who are lawfully within a crosswalk. Drivers also have a general obligation to exercise due care to avoid hitting anyone on foot.
You do not necessarily have to prove that you were in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. Even if you were crossing outside of a designated area, the driver may still be at fault depending on the circumstances. For instance, a motorist who was speeding or looking at their phone might bear most of the blame regardless of where you were walking.
Our legal team will investigate the details of your accident to build the best argument we can for liability. Note that while you may be able to file a claim against your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in a pedestrian accident case, that might not fully compensate you. That’s why it’s worth looking into the possibility of filing a lawsuit for additional money damages.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen Most in Key West?
Key West draws millions of tourists each year, and the island’s narrow roadways were not designed for the volume of traffic they now carry. Monroe County ranks among the top 25 counties in Florida for serious pedestrian and bicycle crashes. That combination of congested streets and heavy foot traffic makes certain areas especially risky.
Our attorneys are prepared to help no matter where your accident took place. Common locations include:
- Busy commercial corridors in Old Town
- Intersections near hotels and resorts
- Crosswalks along U.S. Route 1
- Residential side streets with limited lighting
- Parking lots near shopping centers and restaurants
- Sidewalks adjacent to construction zones
If you were injured as a pedestrian anywhere in the Key West area, our lawyers can evaluate your case. Contact us today to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.
What Compensation Can I Pursue After Being Hit by a Vehicle in Florida?
Florida law recognizes two main forms of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages reimburse you for the financial impact of the accident. Medical bills and rehabilitation expenses are among the most common. Lost wages from time away from work also fall into this category.
Non-economic damages account for the personal toll the accident has taken. Pain and suffering is a major component. Emotional distress and a diminished ability to enjoy daily life are also recoverable.
Punitive damages are possible in limited situations. If the driver’s behavior was especially egregious, such as driving under the influence, a court may award additional compensation meant to punish the at-fault party. These awards require a heightened standard of proof known as “clear and convincing evidence.”
What Injuries Do Pedestrian Accident Victims Commonly Suffer?
Pedestrians have no barrier between themselves and a moving vehicle, which means the injuries tend to be severe. Our attorneys have helped clients who suffered all types of harm after being struck.
We can handle cases involving:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal organ injuries
- Deep lacerations and scarring
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Nerve damage and chronic pain
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Even if your specific injury is not on that list, we can still help. Reach out to a member of our legal team for a free case review.
How Much Will a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Key West, FL, Cost Me?
Hiring a pedestrian accident attorney will not require any money out of your pocket. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means we only collect a fee if we win compensation for you through a settlement or jury verdict.
Contingency fees are typically around 33%, although the exact percentage depends on your case. You will review and sign a fee agreement before any work begins so that the terms are clear from the start. This model benefits both sides. It gives you access to experienced legal representation without financial risk, and it motivates your attorney to maximize your recovery.
What if I’m Partially Responsible for the Accident?
Florida adheres to a modified comparative negligence standard for the issue of shared fault. Under this rule, you can still pursue damages even if you played some role in the accident. Your total compensation will be reduced by your share of fault.
However, there is a firm cutoff. If you are assigned more than 50% of the blame, you cannot recover anything at all. Insurance companies often try to shift fault onto pedestrians by claiming they were jaywalking or not paying attention. A qualified attorney with our law firm can counter these tactics and protect your right to fair compensation.
Contact a Key West Pedestrian Accident Attorney To Review Your Case for Free
Getting struck by a vehicle while walking can turn your entire life upside down, but you do not have to face the aftermath without legal advocacy on your side. Garvin Injury Law can help you hold the responsible party accountable and pursue all of the money you need to move forward.
Our Key West pedestrian accident attorneys have recovered tens of millions on behalf of injured clients over more than five decades.
Call our law offices today at (239) 277-0005 to schedule your free case evaluation.