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Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Standing up for Tampa pedestrians after an accident
Tampa’s mix of busy intersections and crowded downtown crosswalks can create hazardous conditions for pedestrians. Whether you were in a crosswalk, leaving a grocery store, or just on your way to catch the bus, an unexpected accident brings significant challenges. Our legal team has seen how these cases take shape on Tampa’s roads and knows what makes a claim strong from day one. Reach out to our team for the help you deserve.
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How we can help you
- How MattLaw Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help after your pedestrian accident in Tampa
- How often do pedestrian accidents happen in Tampa, FL?
- How can I show negligence after a pedestrian accident in Florida?
- Value of my Tampa pedestrian accident case
- Am I eligible for compensation if I’m partially responsible for my pedestrian accident in Tampa, Florida?
- Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Tampa, Florida
- What is the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in Florida?
How MattLaw Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help after your pedestrian accident in Tampa
When you're unexpectedly injured in a pedestrian accident, not just any lawyer will do. You need a team with experience in this area of law. Our founder, Matt Powell, leads the way with board certifications that few attorneys in Florida achieve. His rigorous training and leadership set our quality standard across every case. We've stood up for injury victims in Tampa for more than 35 years, taking on negligent drivers and resistant insurance companies. Here's what sets us apart:
- Over $250 million recovered for clients through tough negotiations and aggressive courtroom advocacy.
- 35+ years of experience focused on injuries like yours, making us familiar with not just the law, but also how local Tampa juries and insurance companies operate.
- Attorney Matt Powell is Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Bar, Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and Board Certified in Civil Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
- No upfront fees; you get help now and pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Going up against an insurance company without the right partner is never a good idea. The right legal team protects your rights and helps you achieve a good outcome.
How often do pedestrian accidents happen in Tampa, FL?
Tampa Bay has seen nearly 1,300 pedestrian deaths over the last ten years - a devastating number that shows just how dangerous the area’s roads can be for people traveling on foot. Between 2018 and 2022 alone, there were 599 pedestrian fatalities, averaging about 3.75 lives lost per 100,000 residents each year.
In 2025, there were 682 pedestrian crashes reported in Hillsborough County, which is where Tampa is located. This resulted in 611 injuries and 51 fatalities.
How can I show negligence after a pedestrian accident in Florida?
Showing a driver was negligent after a pedestrian accident in Florida means presenting evidence that their behavior caused your accident, and you suffered damages as a result. Below is an overview of the types of evidence used in these cases:
Evidence from the accident scene
Evidence from the accident scene can be incredibly helpful. This could include photos of the crosswalk, street signs, broken turn signals, tire marks, and broken glass or property damage. Surveillance or traffic camera footage capturing the accident could also be invaluable.
Witness accounts
People who saw the crash can confirm what really happened. Bystanders, shop owners, or even other drivers might have seen the driver run a light, speed through a crosswalk, or drive while being on their phone.
Violation of traffic laws
A traffic citation and other evidence of a statutory violation may help support your negligence claim and provide information for your attorney (Florida law generally restricts use of crash reports and related statements as trial evidence).
Expert analysis
Sometimes, reconstruction experts use damage, skid marks, and other evidence to reconstruct the accident and determine who was at fault. They can then testify on your behalf or write a report for insurance companies.
Establishing a driver's negligence takes hard work, and a lawyer can help you every step of the way.
Value of my Tampa pedestrian accident case
Injuries from pedestrian accidents can disrupt not only your physical health but also your finances and future plans. The value of your claim depends on many different factors, like how severe your injuries were, how they affect your daily and work life, and how strong your case is.
There’s no way to say what your case is worth without looking at the specifics and reviewing the evidence. An attorney who knows local Tampa cases can review your case and give you a better idea of what to expect.
Damages you can recover in your case
The money you seek after an accident is meant to help put your life back together. Court-awarded or agreed-upon damages cover anything from the physical to the emotional and financial harm sustained in the collision. These could include:
- Hospital and emergency medical bills
- Physical therapy, doctor’s visits, or required long-term care
- Repair or replacement for personal items damaged on impact
- Lost pay or reduced wages while recovering
- Funds to cover lasting pain, PTSD, or reduced enjoyment of daily life
- Other out-of-pocket costs are tied directly to the accident or recovery
Collecting the documentation and proof to support these damages gives you and your attorney more leverage to get the full amount you need as you move forward from the crash.
Am I eligible for compensation if I’m partially responsible for my pedestrian accident in Tampa, Florida?
You may still be able to recover compensation if you’re partially at fault for a pedestrian accident in Tampa, Florida. Under the current state law, which changed in 2023, Florida uses a “modified comparative negligence” system.
This means you can recover damages if you are found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident, but your compensation will be reduced according to your share of the fault.
Previously, Florida followed pure comparative negligence, which allowed you to recover even if you were more than 50% at fault, but this is no longer the case. Understanding these new rules can make a big difference in how your case is evaluated after a crash.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a dynamic city with growing foot traffic in places like downtown, Ybor City, Hyde Park, USF and the University of Tampa. Local pedestrians often share crossings with fast-moving cars, which can lead to pedestrian accidents. Accidents often result from:
- Drivers failing to see or yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Rush hour congestion causes hurried or aggressive driving
- Distracted and impaired drivers
- Drivers running a red light
- Poor lighting in large parking lots makes walkers harder to see at night
- Jaywalking
If everyone pays attention and slows down at crosswalks, it will help protect everyone on the road.
What is the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in Florida?
If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit after being hit as a pedestrian in Florida, it’s important to pay attention to the new, shortened timeframe for injury claims. As of March 24, 2023, Florida law gives you just two years from the date of your accident to file most personal injury lawsuits, including pedestrian accident cases.
If your crash happened before this change in the law took effect, you could still have up to four years to take legal action. There are also exceptions that could shorten or extend this deadline, so make sure you talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Get a free case review with one of our Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys
If you’ve been hurt as a pedestrian in Tampa and need answers, our team is here to listen and take action. We recognize the confusion and stress that follow a sudden accident, and we’re ready to help you pursue the response you deserve from those at fault. When you choose our firm, you gain an advocate committed to keeping you informed and working towards the best possible resolution. Reach out to us whenever you are ready to discuss your options and what we can do to assist. Call us now or complete the contact form on our website.