Answers to Important Questions About Pedestrian Accidents.

Why You Should Speak with Our Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Before Accepting a Settlement.

Following a pedestrian accident, victims are often left with serious injuries that prevent them from working and supporting themselves or their families. In this vulnerable state, many individuals quickly accept the first settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, unaware that they may be entitled to significantly more compensation under Florida law. Had they consulted with one of our experienced Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorneys, they could have recovered a more complete and just settlement for their injuries and losses.

Before speaking with or accepting any offer from an insurance company, it is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who understands Florida’s personal injury laws and can accurately determine the full value of your claim. When you retain a Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorney from McGRATH GIBSON LAW, you not only gain an advocate who will protect your rights, you also send a clear message to the insurance company that you are informed, represented, and not willing to settle for less than you are legally entitled to.

With decades of experience representing injured clients and previously working with insurance companies, we know how to properly calculate the total value of your claim. This includes not just current medical expenses, but anticipated future care, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost income, and diminished earning capacity. We also understand the tactics insurers use to shift blame or minimize payouts, and we know exactly how to counter them.

Our legal team is highly skilled in building strong, evidence-backed cases. From thorough documentation and expert analysis to strategic negotiation, we prepare every case with the same level of detail and readiness we would bring to trial. This comprehensive approach strengthens your position and makes it clear to the insurance company that we know how to justify your claim and are prepared to fight for you in court if necessary.

If you or a loved one was struck by a motor vehicle, don’t face the insurance company alone. Speak with the Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorneys at McGRATH GIBSON LAW. We offer detailed, no-obligation case evaluations at no cost to you. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Jacksonville, Florida Pedestrian Accident and Fatality Statistics.

Understanding the Risks and Realities for Pedestrians in Florida

Pedestrian accidents are a growing public safety concern, especially in high-traffic states like Florida. According to the National Safety Council, U.S. pedestrian fatalities peaked between 1995 and 2020, with 4,892 pedestrians killed by motor vehicles in 2005 alone. While there was a modest decline over the next few years, dropping to 4,457 deaths in 2011, the risk remains alarmingly high. Notably, approximately 25% of pedestrian fatalities during this period involved individuals between the ages of 25 and 34. Interestingly, impaired pedestrians accounted for a larger share of these fatalities than impaired drivers, with 25% involving pedestrian-only impairment, compared to just 10% involving impaired drivers.

Pedestrian safety issues extend beyond roadways. In 2020, of the 715 non-roadway pedestrian deaths reported, a staggering 60%, or 429 fatalities, occurred in public and private parking lots. These seemingly safe areas continue to pose significant risks due to poor visibility, distracted drivers, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.

Intersection safety is another critical concern. In 2021, only 23% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at roadway intersections. A far greater share of 77% happened outside of intersections, where pedestrians are often unprotected and drivers are less likely to anticipate foot traffic. This data highlights the importance of increased awareness, better street design, and more rigorous enforcement of traffic laws to protect pedestrians in all environments.

Unfortunately, Florida ranks as the second most dangerous state in the country for pedestrians, according to Smart Growth America. Six of the 20 most dangerous cities for pedestrian fatalities are located right here in Florida. These include high-density metro areas where rapid development has outpaced pedestrian safety infrastructure, leaving walkers and joggers exposed to high-speed traffic and unsafe road designs.

If you or a loved one has been injured or lost in a pedestrian accident, the Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorneys at McGRATH GIBSON LAW are here to help. We understand the factors behind these tragic statistics, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable. Our team will thoroughly investigate your case, explain your legal rights, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Schedule a free consultation today. There are no out-of-pocket costs for our services. We only get paid when you do.

The statistics below show how dangerous Jacksonville can be for pedestrians.
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Source: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

What Damages Can Pedestrian Accident Victims Claim?

At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our experienced Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorneys have helped thousands of injury victims recover the full compensation they deserve. After being struck by a motor vehicle or injured due to someone else’s negligence, many victims don’t realize the full scope of damages that Florida law allows them to claim, and insurance companies often take advantage of this lack of awareness.

We work closely with every client to explain their rights, assess all areas of loss, and build a strong, evidence-based claim. Below are the primary categories of compensation we evaluate in each pedestrian accident case we take on:

• Pain and Suffering: Includes physical pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, mental anguish, and—in wrongful death cases—loss of companionship. We use legally accepted formulas and expert assessments to quantify these damages.

• Medical Care Costs: Covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, ongoing medical care, medications, and transportation to appointments. Future medical expenses related to your injury can also be included.

• Loss of Personal Property: Compensation may be available for any personal property damaged in the accident, such as phones, clothing, or personal belongings.

• Loss of Income: We help calculate lost wages from missed work and assess long-term loss of earning capacity due to serious or permanent injuries. If you are unable to return to your previous job or must take a lower-paying position, these losses are claimable.

• Punitive Damages: If the driver acted with extreme negligence or recklessness, such as DUI or reckless speeding, we will pursue punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle, don’t settle for less than you are entitled to under the law. Contact our Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorneys for a free case review. There are no out-of-pocket costs, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, we fight for justice, and we only get paid when you do.