The Growing Problem of Pedestrian Accidents in Boca Raton
South Florida has become one of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians in the United States. Boca Raton's busy intersections, wide roads, and increasing traffic present significant risks to those on foot. Many pedestrians suffer severe injuries or lose their lives due to negligent drivers who fail to yield the right of way or maintain proper speed in populated areas.
At Roselli & McNelis, we have successfully represented pedestrian accident victims for over five decades. We understand the devastating impact a pedestrian accident can have on your life, and we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Boca Raton result from a variety of dangerous driver behaviors and road conditions:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on phones, or using navigation systems often fail to notice pedestrians in the roadway.
- Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and intersections.
- Speeding: Drivers traveling above posted speed limits have less time to react to pedestrians and cause more severe injuries.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use impair a driver's judgment, coordination, and ability to see pedestrians.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents occurring at night or in bad weather are often caused by drivers who fail to use proper headlights or reduce speed.
- Unmarked Crosswalks: In areas where crosswalks are poorly marked or missing, drivers may not anticipate pedestrian traffic.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Florida
Florida law provides important protections for pedestrians. Under Florida statute, drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Pedestrians have the right to safely cross at intersections and in designated crossing areas. If a driver violates these rules and causes an accident, they may be held liable for damages.
Florida follows a "comparative negligence" rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. It's important to have an experienced attorney investigate your accident and protect your rights.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe or catastrophic injuries because pedestrians have no protection from the vehicle's impact:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Impacts to the head can cause concussions, bleeding, and permanent cognitive damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care.
- Broken Bones: Leg, pelvis, rib, and arm fractures are common in pedestrian accidents and may require multiple surgeries.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Lacerations, contusions, and muscle damage can cause long-term pain and disability.
Why Choose Roselli & McNelis?
When you've been injured as a pedestrian, you need attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases and will fight aggressively for your rights:
- Civil Trial Lawyers: Our attorneys are certified by the Florida Bar as Civil Trial Lawyers, demonstrating exceptional expertise.
- Decades of Experience: With over 50 years of combined experience, we know how to investigate pedestrian accidents and build compelling cases.
- Multi-Millions Recovered: Our track record demonstrates our ability to obtain substantial settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Personalized Attention: You'll work directly with experienced trial attorneys, not case managers or paralegals.
- Trial Ready: Insurance companies know we're willing to take cases to trial, giving us leverage in settlement negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Some injuries like internal bleeding or TBI symptoms may not appear right away. Call the police to report the accident and obtain a police report. Document the scene with photographs of the vehicle, your injuries, road conditions, and any visible evidence. Get contact information from witnesses and the driver. Do not admit fault or apologize. Before speaking with insurance companies, contact Roselli & McNelis to protect your rights.
Yes, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance coverage. However, insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims. Before accepting any settlement offer, consult with our attorneys. We can evaluate the offer, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including pedestrian accidents, is generally four years from the date of the accident. However, it's important to act quickly. Evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories fade, and prompt investigation and preparation strengthen your case. Contact us as soon as possible after an accident to protect your rights and preserve evidence.