Pedestrian accidents are some of the most devastating traffic collisions in Clearwater. With heavy foot traffic near Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, US-19, Clearwater Beach, Court Street, and downtown Clearwater, pedestrians are constantly exposed to vehicles traveling at high speeds or driven by distracted, impatient, or impaired drivers. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the injuries are often catastrophic—and entirely preventable.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident in Clearwater, you may be facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term physical and emotional trauma. At Slater | Grant, we represent injured pedestrians and families who have lost loved ones, fighting to hold negligent drivers fully accountable and pursue the maximum compensation available under Florida law.
This article explains why pedestrian accidents occur, who may be liable, and how injured victims can protect their legal rights.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Dangerous
Pedestrians have no protection against the force of a moving vehicle. Even at low speeds, a pedestrian impact can cause severe or fatal injuries.
Pedestrian accidents are especially dangerous because:
- The body absorbs the full force of impact
- Victims are often thrown onto pavement or into traffic
- Head and spinal injuries are common
- Secondary impacts with other vehicles may occur
- Drivers often fail to stop or render aid
In many cases, pedestrian accident injuries are life-altering or fatal.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Clearwater
Most pedestrian accidents are preventable and caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
1. Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, using GPS, or adjusting in-car technology often fail to notice pedestrians.
2. Failure to Yield
Drivers frequently fail to yield at crosswalks, intersections, and when turning.
3. Speeding
Higher speeds dramatically increase the likelihood of death in pedestrian crashes.
4. Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving
Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment.
5. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Traffic violations place pedestrians directly in harm’s way.
6. Poor Visibility
Nighttime driving, rain, or inadequate lighting increases risk.
7. Aggressive Driving
Drivers rushing through busy areas often ignore pedestrian right-of-way laws.
Identifying the cause of the accident is essential to proving liability.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Occur in Clearwater
Pedestrian accidents frequently happen:
- At intersections and crosswalks
- Near Clearwater Beach and tourist areas
- In downtown Clearwater
- Near shopping centers and restaurants
- In parking lots and garages
- Along major roadways without sidewalks
These areas often involve predictable pedestrian activity—making driver negligence inexcusable.
Who May Be Liable in a Clearwater Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian accident claims may involve multiple responsible parties, depending on the circumstances.
1. Negligent Drivers
Drivers who speed, drive distracted, or fail to yield are often primarily responsible.
2. Commercial Drivers or Employers
If the at-fault driver was working, their employer may be liable under Florida law.
3. Rideshare Drivers
Uber and Lyft accidents may involve commercial insurance coverage depending on app status.
4. Government Entities
Poor road design, missing crosswalks, malfunctioning signals, or inadequate lighting may create government liability.
Claims against government entities involve strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines.
5. Property Owners
In parking lot or private property accidents, negligent property owners may share responsibility.
Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing compensation.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Clearwater
The steps you take after a pedestrian accident can significantly affect your claim.
1. Call 911 Immediately
A police report documents the crash and preserves key evidence.
2. Seek Emergency Medical Care
Internal injuries and head trauma are common—even if symptoms seem mild.
3. Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of:
- The vehicle involved
- License plate
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals
- Your injuries
4. Gather Witness Information
Witness testimony is often critical in pedestrian accident cases.
5. Avoid Insurance Statements
Do not give recorded statements without legal representation.
6. Contact a Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault in Pedestrian Accident Claims
At Slater | Grant, we build strong pedestrian accident cases using evidence such as:
- Police crash reports
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Dashcam video
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records
- Vehicle black box (EDR) data
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Medical records
This evidence helps establish negligence and counter insurance defenses.
Common Injuries in Clearwater Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe and life-altering, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken legs, arms, hips, and ribs
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and road rash
- Facial injuries
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Victims often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Compensation Available to Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Ongoing medical care
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent impairment
- Disfigurement or scarring
Wrongful Death Damages
Families may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, and companionship.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rules
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system:
- You may recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
Insurance companies often attempt to unfairly blame pedestrians. Slater | Grant aggressively challenges these tactics.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Pedestrian Accident Claims
Insurers frequently attempt to:
- Blame pedestrians for visibility or location
- Argue jaywalking
- Minimize injury severity
- Dispute long-term medical needs
- Push quick, low settlements
Experienced legal representation levels the playing field.
How Slater | Grant Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims
At Slater | Grant, we fight for injured pedestrians by:
- Launching immediate investigations
- Preserving video and electronic evidence
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Identifying all liable parties
- Handling all insurance communications
- Accurately valuing damages
- Negotiating aggressively or taking cases to trial
Our mission is accountability and justice.
Why Choose Slater | Grant?
Pedestrian accident cases require experience, precision, and compassion. Slater | Grant offers:
- Extensive personal injury experience
- Aggressive legal advocacy
- Personalized client support
- Trial-ready representation
- No upfront fees — you pay only if we win
We stand with injured pedestrians and grieving families.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident in Clearwater, do not face the insurance companies alone.
Start by completing thefree case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444.
Slater | Grant is ready to fight for your recovery, your rights, and your future.
Sources
1. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Pedestrian crash data and traffic safety information.
https://www.flhsmv.gov
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Research on pedestrian safety and traffic fatalities.
https://www.nhtsa.gov
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Pedestrian injury statistics and prevention strategies.
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety
4. Florida Statutes – Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws
Legal standards governing pedestrian safety and liability.
https://www.leg.state.fl.us
