Talk to a Palm Beach County Pedestrian Accident Attorney About Your Rights

Legal Help for Pedestrians Injured in Palm Beach Gardens and Throughout South Florida

Walking is one of the most basic forms of transportation, yet it can be one of the most dangerous in Palm Beach County. Every day, pedestrians in Palm Beach Gardens and surrounding communities face risks when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks, speed through neighborhoods, or drive distracted. The consequences of being hit by a car can be devastating, including traumatic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and emotional distress that lingers long after the crash.

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we understand how overwhelming life becomes after a pedestrian accident. For more than three decades, attorney Casey D. Shomo has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of the injured. With over $85 million recovered for clients, Mr. Shomo combines the personalized attention of a small firm with the resources and results you’d expect from a much larger practice.

If you were hit by a car in Palm Beach Gardens or anywhere in Palm Beach County, our team can investigate your case, prove negligence, and demand the full compensation you deserve.

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FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in Palm Beach County

• What should I do right after being hit by a car in Palm Beach Gardens?
• How can a Palm Beach County pedestrian accident lawyer help me?
• What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Palm Beach County?
• What types of injuries happen when pedestrians are hit by cars?
• Can I recover compensation if I wasn't using a crosswalk in Florida?
• How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida?
• What damages can I recover after a pedestrian accident in Palm Beach Gardens?
• Who can be held responsible for a pedestrian accident in Palm Beach County?
• How do lawyers prove fault in pedestrian accident cases?
• What should I know about pedestrian accidents involving children in Florida?
• How do hit-and-run pedestrian accident claims work in Florida?
• What role does distracted driving play in pedestrian accidents?
• What should I avoid saying after being hit by a car in Palm Beach County?
• How do wrongful death claims work after a fatal pedestrian accident?
• How do I choose the best pedestrian accident lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens?

What Should I Do Right After Being Hit by a Car in Palm Beach Gardens?

The moments after a crash are frightening and confusing, but your actions can protect both your health and your future claim. Always call 911 immediately, even if you think you’re not badly injured. Many serious conditions, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Get medical treatment on the scene or at the hospital and follow up with your doctor.

If you’re able, gather evidence at the scene. Take photos of the crosswalk, roadway, and any visible injuries. Get the driver’s license and insurance information, as well as names and contact details for witnesses. File a police report and request a copy for your records. After the accident, avoid speaking in detail with the driver’s insurance company before consulting an attorney — they may use your words against you.

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How Can a Palm Beach County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me?

An experienced lawyer does far more than file paperwork. At our firm, we thoroughly investigate every case to uncover the facts and hold negligent drivers accountable. This includes reviewing police reports, obtaining video footage, interviewing witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts when necessary.

We also calculate the full scope of your damages, which often extend far beyond immediate hospital bills. You may need ongoing medical care, therapy, or home modifications. You may lose wages or future earning capacity if you cannot return to work in the same way. A lawyer ensures these long-term costs are not overlooked. Most importantly, we handle negotiations with insurers so you can focus on recovery rather than fighting a legal battle alone.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Palm Beach County?

In Palm Beach Gardens and throughout Palm Beach County, pedestrian crashes are often linked to driver negligence. Some of the leading causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car systems takes attention away from the road.
• Failure to Yield: Many crashes occur when drivers fail to stop at crosswalks or intersections where pedestrians have the right of way.
• Speeding: High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of injuries when collisions occur.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drug impairment slow reaction times and impair judgment.
• Unsafe Road Conditions: Poor lighting, missing signage, or obstructed crosswalks can increase risk.

Each of these causes reflects a breach of the duty drivers owe to pedestrians. Holding negligent parties accountable not only compensates victims but also helps make our communities safer.

What Types of Injuries Happen When Pedestrians Are Hit by Cars?

Pedestrian accidents often result in some of the most catastrophic injuries we see in personal injury law because the human body has no protection against a vehicle’s force. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries ranging from concussions to severe, permanent brain damage.
• Spinal cord injuries that may cause partial or full paralysis.
• Multiple fractures and broken bones that require surgery and long rehabilitation.
• Internal bleeding or organ damage that can be life-threatening.
• Severe lacerations, road rash, or soft tissue injuries.

Many of these injuries come with long recovery times, high medical bills, and significant changes to quality of life. Victims may be unable to work or enjoy the activities they once loved. Compensation in these cases can help provide financial stability while victims focus on healing.

Can I Recover Compensation If I Wasn’t Using a Crosswalk in Florida?

Yes, you may still have a case. Florida law requires pedestrians to use crosswalks when available, but drivers also have a legal duty to remain alert and avoid collisions when possible. Even if you were not in a designated crosswalk, the driver may still be found negligent if they were speeding, distracted, or impaired.

Your recovery could be reduced if you are found partially at fault, but Florida’s comparative negligence system allows you to seek damages as long as you were not more responsible for the crash than the driver. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances and fight to limit the percentage of fault assigned to you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Florida?

In most cases, Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

While two years may sound like plenty of time, pedestrian accident cases often require detailed investigation and expert review. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witnesses’ memories fade. That’s why contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is critical to building a strong case.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident in Palm Beach Gardens?

Damages are designed to cover both economic and non-economic losses. Depending on your case, compensation may include:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and long-term treatment.
• Lost Wages: Income missed while recovering and future earnings if you cannot return to work in the same capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the impact injuries have on daily life and hobbies.
• Loss of Consortium: Damages available to family members in severe cases affecting companionship.

Your lawyer will carefully document your losses and may work with medical and financial experts to calculate long-term costs, ensuring nothing is left out.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident in Palm Beach County?

While the at-fault driver is most often liable, other parties may also share responsibility. For example:

• An employer may be liable if the driver was working at the time of the crash.
• A manufacturer could be responsible if defective brakes or tires contributed.
• A local government entity may be accountable if unsafe road design or maintenance was a factor.

Identifying every responsible party is crucial to maximizing your recovery. A thorough investigation can uncover all sources of compensation.

How Do Lawyers Prove Fault in Pedestrian Accident Cases?

Proving negligence requires evidence. At our firm, we gather and analyze:

• Police and accident reports.
• Eyewitness statements.
• Traffic and surveillance camera footage.
• Vehicle data and accident reconstruction analysis.
• Medical records linking injuries directly to the crash.

By piecing together these details, a lawyer can build a compelling case that demonstrates the driver’s negligence and secures the compensation you deserve.

What Should I Know About Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children in Florida?

Children are especially vulnerable to pedestrian accidents, often near schools, parks, or neighborhoods. Florida law recognizes that drivers must exercise extra caution in areas where children are present.

When children are struck by vehicles, the injuries can be severe and life-altering. In addition to immediate medical treatment, long-term therapy, rehabilitation, or special education services may be required. These damages must be considered in any claim, and families deserve legal advocacy that takes into account the full scope of their child’s future needs.

How Do Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Claims Work in Florida?

Hit-and-run accidents can feel hopeless, but victims still have options. If the driver cannot be located, you may be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

A lawyer can work with law enforcement, review surveillance footage, and gather witness testimony to help identify the at-fault driver. If that isn’t possible, your UM coverage may still provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

What Role Does Distracted Driving Play in Pedestrian Accidents?

Distraction is one of the leading causes of pedestrian crashes. In Palm Beach County, where busy roads intersect with neighborhoods and commercial areas, distracted driving poses constant risks. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, but even brief distractions like adjusting navigation systems can have devastating results.

Proving distraction often requires evidence such as cell phone records, witness statements, or video footage. A lawyer can subpoena records and consult experts to show how distraction contributed to your accident.

What Should I Avoid Saying After Being Hit by a Car in Palm Beach County?

What you say after an accident matters. Avoid apologizing, admitting fault, or making speculative statements about what happened. Even saying “I’m okay” can be used by insurers to downplay your injuries.

Instead, stick to basic facts when speaking to law enforcement, and avoid speaking directly with the driver’s insurance company. Always consult your lawyer before making detailed statements or signing any documents.

How Do Wrongful Death Claims Work After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident?

If a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Florida law. Compensation can cover funeral expenses, lost income, medical bills, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.

These claims are complex, but they also provide families with the opportunity to hold negligent drivers accountable while securing financial support for the future. A compassionate attorney can guide families through this process while handling the legal burdens.

How Do I Choose the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens?

When selecting a lawyer, consider experience, results, and personalized service. Mr. Shomo has more than 30 years of litigation experience, a track record of multimillion-dollar results, and a commitment to one-on-one attention for every client.

Choosing the right lawyer means working with someone who will listen to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and stand by you from start to finish.

Protecting Cyclists After Serious Bicycle Accidents

Legal Help for Injured Bike Riders in Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach County

Bicyclists face many of the same dangers as pedestrians, but with little protection against the force of a vehicle, the consequences of a crash are often severe and long-lasting. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we represent injured bicyclists and their families throughout Palm Beach County, fighting for the justice and compensation they deserve.

Careless drivers, distracted motorists, and unsafe intersections can all lead to devastating crashes. When these accidents happen, victims often suffer life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures. These injuries may require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation. Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team work with medical professionals, crash investigators, and other experts to build strong cases that reflect the full impact of a bicycle crash, ensuring victims have the resources they need to move forward.

In-Depth Articles About Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Mr. Shomo regularly publishes in-depth articles that provide guidance for victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents. These expert insights cover important topics such as proving liability, understanding Florida insurance rules, and knowing what steps to take after a crash.

Visit our Expert Articles section to gain valuable information that can help you make informed decisions about your case.

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Contact a Palm Beach County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

After a pedestrian accident, you may feel overwhelmed by medical treatment, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future. You don’t have to go through this alone. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we combine big-firm resources with small-firm attention, making sure every client receives the personalized care and strong advocacy they deserve.

To find out how Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team can help with your potential legal case, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.