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.
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.
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.
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’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.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
- Speeding through neighborhoods or school zones
- Making turns without checking for pedestrians
- Distracted driving
- Poor visibility, especially at night or during rainstorms
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.
Injuries might include:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma or concussion
- Spinal cord injuries
- Deep bruises or internal injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
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.
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.
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 that doesn’t happen, people get hurt.
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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
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.
That might mean reviewing police reports, pulling traffic or security camera footage, and collecting photos from the scene. 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:
- Get medical care right away, even if you think you’re okay. Some injuries take time to show up.
- If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle that hit you.
- 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. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover anything at all.
There are exceptions, but they’re rare. 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. Here are some of the answers they need.
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 attorneys don’t use pressure or scare tactics. We talk to you like a real person. We ask questions. We listen. Then, we help you decide what to do next.
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. Contact our Coral Gables personal injury attorneys at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia today – 305-845-4470.
