From the packed sidewalks of Brickell to the tourist-heavy streets of South Beach, Miami’s unique geography and rapid growth create an environment where pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common.
Every year, hundreds of Miami pedestrians are hurt in accidents that leave them injured, traumatized, or worse. Behind each statistic is a personal story – a parent, a child, a friend whose life has been irrevocably changed. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families. Our mission is not just to provide legal representation but to offer hope and a path to recovery for those whose lives have been wrecked by pedestrian accidents.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, know that you’re not alone – we’re here to listen, to support, and to fight tirelessly for the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Prosper Shaked Can Help You After a Miami Pedestrian Accident
At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA, we offer more than just legal representation – we deliver results. Born and raised in Miami Beach, Attorney Prosper Shaked understands the unique challenges and dynamics of our local community. He has secured millions of dollars in compensation for his clients and is known for prevailing in some of the most challenging cases. Prosper Shaked doesn’t shy away from difficult fights. Let him fight for you and your loved ones after a serious pedestrian crash.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Miami?
Miami’s diverse neighborhoods, including Little Havana and Wynwood, are crisscrossed by wide boulevards, major highways, and heavily trafficked intersections. High-speed roads like Biscayne Boulevard and Flagler Street are essential to the city’s flow but also become hotspots for pedestrian injuries. Tourists and residents alike often find themselves navigating crowded streets without proper crosswalks or facing drivers who speed or ignore traffic signals. The risk is particularly high near attractions like the Miami Design District and Bayside Marketplace, where foot traffic surges alongside heavy vehicles.
South Florida’s tropical climate, while a draw for many, contributes to year-round high pedestrian activity, especially in districts like Coconut Grove or along the Miami Riverwalk. Add to this a mix of construction zones, fluctuating traffic laws, and distracted driving, and it becomes clear why Miami ranks among the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. In fact, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area has often been in the top 20 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians, according to various studies.
In recent years leading up to 2024, Miami-Dade County typically saw around 70-90 pedestrian fatalities per year. Sadly, for every pedestrian fatality, there were typically many more injuries. The ratio of injuries to fatalities was often around 20:1 or higher.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The majority of pedestrian accidents occur because of motor vehicle drivers. Drivers have a legal responsibility to share the road safely with pedestrians and cyclists. When they fail, they can cause serious and fatal accidents.
Many pedestrian accidents result from driver behavior. Distracted driving, particularly due to smartphone use, remains a leading cause. Drivers who take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can miss seeing a pedestrian crossing the street. Similarly, failing to yield the right of way at crosswalks or intersections is a common issue, often occurring when drivers are making turns or entering and exiting driveways.
Speeding and impaired driving significantly increase the risk and severity of pedestrian accidents. A speeding driver has less time to react to a pedestrian in their path, and the impact of a high-speed collision is much more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities. Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, impairs judgment and slows reaction times, making it a particularly dangerous factor in nighttime accidents.
Miami’s unique characteristics add additional risk factors:
- High-traffic tourist areas like South Beach and Bayside Marketplace see a mix of distracted tourists and busy local traffic.
- Busy urban intersections in areas like Downtown Miami and Brickell have complex traffic patterns and high volumes of both vehicles and pedestrians.
- Nightlife districts such as Miami Beach and Wynwood have high pedestrian activity after dark, coinciding with an increased risk of impaired driving.
The city’s significant elderly population faces higher risks due to potentially slower movement and impaired senses. Areas near retirement communities or medical centers may see more accidents involving older pedestrians.
Miami’s ongoing urban development also contributes to pedestrian risks. Construction zones in rapidly growing areas like Edgewater can disrupt normal pedestrian paths, creating confusion for both walkers and drivers. Temporary walkways and detours may not be as clearly marked or as safe as permanent infrastructure.
Public transit hubs present another risk factor. Areas around Metrorail stations and busy bus stops see high concentrations of pedestrians, often in a rush to catch their ride or make a connection. This can lead to risky behavior like darting across streets against traffic signals.
Injuries Involved in Miami Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian collides with a motor vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. Even at low speeds, the human body cannot withstand the forces of a 3000-pound vehicle.
These collisions often result in life-altering injuries, if not fatal outcomes – from shattered bones to traumatic brain injuries. In the blink of an eye, lives can be irreversibly changed. This is why injured Miami pedestrian accident victims deserve fierce legal support to secure the compensation needed for their long road to recovery.
Some common injuries suffered due to pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Torn and sprained ligaments
- Cuts and lacerations
- Head trauma
- Dental damage
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain injury
- Paralysis
- Death
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
In a personal injury cause of action, injured pedestrians can recover two types of damages: compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages include:
- Present and future lost earnings
- Present and future medical expenses
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Household services
- Wrongful death damages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress.
Punitive damages are awarded less frequently than compensatory damages. A court will award punitive damages in cases where a defendant’s behavior is particularly egregious or outrageous. The purpose behind punitive damages is to “throw the book” at the defendant so as to deter people from committing similar acts in the future.
Shared Fault in Pedestrian Accidents: What You Need to Know
After a pedestrian accident in Miami, determining fault isn’t always straightforward. Florida law recognizes situations where multiple parties, including pedestrians, may share responsibility for the incident. If you think you’re partly to blame for your accident – will you still be able to collect compensation?
The Concept of Shared Fault
Accidents often result from a complex interplay of factors, and in some cases, both the driver and the pedestrian may have contributed to the incident. For example:
- A pedestrian might be texting while crossing the street
- An individual may choose to jaywalk instead of using a designated crosswalk
- A person could dart into traffic unexpectedly
In such scenarios, the pedestrian might be assigned a portion of the blame for the accident. The amount you can recover is reduced by your degree of fault. Insurance companies know this. That’s why they will try to pin as much of the blame on you as they can.
At Proper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA., our lawyers know that pedestrians in Miami face an uphill battle when trying to fight insurance companies after an accident. That’s why we work tirelessly to help them secure justice from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pedestrian Accidents in Miami
1. How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit for a pedestrian accident. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. It’s crucial to act promptly, as failing to file within this two-year window can result in losing your right to seek compensation through the court system.
2. How can I pay for a pedestrian accident lawyer?
Most pedestrian accident lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You don’t pay any upfront costs or hourly fees.
- The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of your compensation if you win your case.
- If you don’t win your case, you typically don’t owe the lawyer any fees.
This arrangement allows accident victims to access high-quality legal representation without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses during a challenging time.
3. What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident in Miami?
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident in Miami, take these steps if you’re able:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Call the police to report the accident and get an official report.
- Gather contact and insurance information from the driver involved.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Don’t discuss fault or give statements to insurance companies without legal advice.
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Contact Our Miami Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
You’ve suffered enough. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take.
Take the first step towards recovery today. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (305) 694-2676 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight tirelessly for your legal rights.