Walking should feel safe. Especially in a beautiful city like Coral Gables, where wide sidewalks, tree-lined streets, and pedestrian-friendly districts make it easy to enjoy time outside. But when a driver doesn’t pay attention, a short walk can end in a hospital visit—or worse. Pedestrian accidents occur frequently and can have severe consequences. Hire a Coral Gables pedestrian accident lawyer from Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia to help you with your injury claims.

If you or someone you care about was hit by a car, you’re probably trying to piece together what comes next. You don’t have to figure it all out right now. But you do deserve answers, support, and someone who knows how to step in and help. That’s where a pedestrian accident lawyer in Coral Gables steps up to the plate. Call Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia at 305-845-4470 or contact us online for a free case evaluation today. The firm offers a free consultation to discuss your legal options. An initial consultation with a skilled Coral Gables pedestrian accident attorney can provide the guidance you need to handle your case.

Why Choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia?

When someone reaches out to us after a pedestrian accident, we know they’re not just looking for a lawyer. They’re looking for clarity. For someone who will pick up the phone, listen to their concerns, and take the pressure off their shoulders.

At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, that’s how we do things. We treat every client like they matter—because they do. We bring years of experience with Florida pedestrian accident laws, and we take the time to build a strategy that fits the person in front of us, not just the paperwork. Our dedicated legal team works tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of your case is handled with the utmost care and expertise. Our commitment is to secure the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

We’re proud to be a Coral Gables pedestrian accident law firm that values clear communication, real respect, and meaningful results. That means you’ll always know where your case stands, you’ll be treated like a person—not a file—and your claim will be built with care, whether it settles or heads to trial. We provide essential legal guidance to help you deal with insurance companies and protect your rights. We’re here to stand up for people who never should have been hurt in the first place.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Coral Gables?

Most pedestrian accidents don’t happen because someone did something outrageous. They happen because a driver made a quick decision, looked at their phone, or assumed a person on foot would move out of the way. Understanding the causes of pedestrian accidents is important to preventing them.

Some of the most common causes include situations where drivers fail to yield at crosswalks, speed through neighborhoods, or make turns without checking for pedestrians:

Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
Speeding through neighborhoods or school zones
Making turns without checking for pedestrians
Distracted driving, including driver texting
Poor visibility, especially at night or during rainstorms

Traffic lights and stop signs play an important role in preventing pedestrian accidents. The sad truth? Many of these crashes could have been prevented if the driver had simply slowed down or paid closer attention.

Injuries We Often See After a Pedestrian Is Hit

When a car hits a person, there’s no seatbelt, no helmet, no protection. Even at low speeds, the damage can be serious. It is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. In some cases, pedestrian accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that have life-altering consequences.

Common injuries might include:

Broken bones
Head trauma or concussion, including TBIs
Spinal cord injuries
Deep bruises or internal injuries
Road rash and lacerations
Severe injuries

Long-Term Effects After a Pedestrian Accident

Some injuries seem small at first. A bump or bruise might not feel like much in the moment, but days or weeks later, it could turn into something more serious. Pain that doesn’t go away. A limp that gets worse. Headaches that start to interfere with work or sleep.

Then, there’s the long road of recovery—surgeries, rehab, or permanent changes to how you live and move through the world. And sometimes, the hardest part to talk about is what’s going on in your mind: the fear, the anxiety, the way a normal walk across the street no longer feels safe. These are examples of non-economic damages such as emotional distress and pain and suffering.

We don’t just focus on where you are today. We will work with doctors, therapists, and other professionals to understand what kind of care and support you may need down the line. That way, your claim reflects everything this accident has set in motion—and what it will take to move forward. It’s also important to document any personal belongings damaged in the accident, such as clothing or bags, as these can factor into your legal claim for compensation. Thorough investigation and support from witnesses can make all the difference in securing the compensation you need for long-term care.

Liability in Pedestrian Accidents

In Florida, drivers aren’t automatically considered at fault in a pedestrian accident—but often, they are. The law expects drivers to watch for people crossing the street, especially near marked crosswalks, intersections, and school zones. When a driver failed to uphold their duty of care by not paying attention or following traffic laws, people get hurt. Pedestrians who do not use designated crosswalks may face limited rights to compensation if injured in an accident.

That said, some cases involve more than one contributing factor. Maybe a pedestrian crossed mid-block. Maybe a traffic signal was broken and never fixed. We will take a close look at every detail to figure out who should be held financially responsible. If poor road conditions contributed to the accident, government entities may share liability.

Depending on the circumstances, that could include a negligent driver, their employer (if they were working at the time), a property owner, or even a city agency. Our job is to hold the right people accountable and pursue the compensation our clients deserve.

Florida also follows a comparative negligence rule. That means even if you were partly at fault, you may still be able to recover money—but your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. It is also crucial to call the police after an accident to obtain an official report, which will document the details and serve as important evidence for your claim.

What a Pedestrian Accident Claim Can Cover

Most people don’t realize just how many things a legal claim can include. Medical bills are usually the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s much bigger than that. Injured pedestrians often face significant medical expenses and financial losses.

Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

Emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays
Physical therapy, follow-up care, and ongoing medical treatment
Medications, mobility aids, and other out-of-pocket medical costs
Lost income from missing work
Lost wages
Medical expenses
Financial losses
Reduced future earning ability if you can’t return to your job
Pain and physical discomfort
Emotional distress, including anxiety, fear, or trauma
Permanent disability or visible scarring and disfigurement

Understanding the legal process is crucial to ensuring that all potential compensation avenues are explored.

How Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Coral Gables Build Your Case

We don’t believe in guesswork. When we take on your pedestrian accident claim, we’ll start by gathering the details that show exactly what happened and how it’s affected your life. Gathering evidence is important for proving fault and building a strong legal case.

That might mean reviewing police reports, pulling traffic or security camera footage, collecting photos from the scene, obtaining surveillance footage, and gathering witness statements. It is also important to document the vehicle involved, including taking photos and noting the license plate number. We will also go through your medical records and speak with the doctors who treated you so we can explain your injuries clearly and accurately when presenting our demand for compensation.

If there are witnesses, we’ll get their statements. And if your case calls for it, we may bring in experts—like accident reconstruction specialists or long-term care planners—to help explain what the future might look like. The more solid information we have, the stronger and more persuasive your claim becomes.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian accident is disorienting, to say the least. The moments right after can feel scattered and surreal. But if you’re able to take a few simple steps, they can make a real difference later when it’s time to file a claim. Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in Miami-Dade County, making it crucial to know what steps to take immediately after an incident. Documenting the accident scene is crucial for gathering evidence:

Get medical care right away, even if you think you’re okay. Some injuries take time to show up. Seeking medical attention immediately ensures your health and helps establish a medical record for your claim.
If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle that hit you. Make sure to document the license plate number. Documenting the scene of traffic crashes, including pedestrian accidents, is essential for building a strong legal case.
Try to get names and contact info for any witnesses who saw what happened.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Keep a journal in the days and weeks afterward to track your physical symptoms and emotional state.

These early details can help tell the full story of what happened.

Timing Matters in Florida

Florida law gives you a limited amount of time to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. The alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities underscores the importance of timely legal action. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover anything at all.

A thorough investigation is crucial to establish liability in pedestrian accident cases. There are exceptions, but they’re rare. In cases of wrongful death, timely legal action is crucial to ensure that the victims’ families receive the justice and compensation they deserve. That’s why we encourage people to reach out sooner rather than later—not to rush you, but to protect your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

People injured in these kinds of crashes often have questions. Miami pedestrians face unique challenges and risks, making legal guidance essential. Here are some of the answers they need.

Pedestrian accident victims often have many questions about their rights and the legal process. It is crucial to seek legal guidance when dealing with insurance adjusters, as they often try to minimize payouts by shifting blame onto victims.

Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?

It helps to have one. Insurance companies tend to offer less to people without legal representation. A personal injury lawyer for pedestrians can handle communication, gather evidence, and make sure your claim reflects the full scope of your injuries and losses.

What if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when I was hit?

You might still have a case. Florida law looks at the actions of everyone involved. Even if you were outside a crosswalk, the driver still had a responsibility to be alert and avoid hitting you.

Can I afford to hire your firm?

Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you. No upfront costs, no hourly fees.

What if the driver left the scene?

Hit-and-run cases are frustrating, but we can still help. We will look into uninsured motorist coverage or other options, depending on your insurance and the details of the case.

How long does a pedestrian accident case take?

It depends. Some cases resolve in a few months. Others take longer—especially if they go to court. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way and move things along as quickly as we can without rushing your recovery.

We’re Here When You’re Ready

We know it can feel strange to call a lawyer. You might not be sure if you even have a case. But one call can help you understand your options, and that can make a big difference in how you move forward.

Our team of attorneys don’t use pressure or scare tactics. We talk to you like a real person. We ask questions. We listen. Then, our law firm will help you decide what to do next. We believe in holding negligent drivers accountable to promote road safety and provide justice for victims.

If you’re looking for legal help for pedestrian accidents in Coral Gables, we’re here. And if you choose to work with us, we’ll be by your side every step of the way—calm, steady, and focused on what matters to you. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Coral Gables are committed to securing fair compensation for our clients, ensuring they receive the damages they deserve for their suffering. Contact our Coral Gables personal injury attorneys at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia today – 305-845-4470.