What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car in Palm Beach County
Legal Help for Pedestrians Injured in Palm Beach Gardens and Across South Florida
Being hit by a car while walking is one of the most devastating accidents a person can experience. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a vehicle. A single moment of carelessness by a driver can leave a pedestrian facing life-changing injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty about the future.
In Palm Beach Gardens and throughout Palm Beach County, these crashes happen far too often. Drivers who speed, fail to yield at intersections, or look down at their phones instead of the road put lives at risk every day. For victims, the aftermath can feel chaotic: you’re injured, you may not know your rights, and the insurance company is already working to minimize what they pay.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we’ve seen firsthand the challenges injured pedestrians face. Attorney Casey D. Shomo has spent more than three decades protecting the rights of accident victims, recovering over $85 million in compensation. If you were hit by a car in Palm Beach Gardens or anywhere in South Florida, our team can help you navigate the legal system and demand justice.
What Happens When a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Car?
When a pedestrian is struck, the injuries are often severe because the human body cannot withstand the force of a vehicle. Victims may suffer broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or internal organ damage. Even accidents that happen at relatively low speeds can lead to life-altering consequences.
Beyond the physical pain, there’s also the emotional shock of the event itself. Many victims experience post-traumatic stress, depression, or anxiety that lingers long after the physical wounds begin to heal. And for families, the stress of caring for an injured loved one or dealing with the financial fallout can be overwhelming.
From a legal standpoint, a pedestrian accident immediately raises questions about fault. Under Florida law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and exercise caution at all times. However, insurance companies often try to shift blame onto pedestrians, arguing that they weren’t in a crosswalk or that they “came out of nowhere.” This makes it critical to have a lawyer who knows how to push back with evidence and protect your rights.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Car
If you’ve been hit by a car, the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can make a major difference in both your medical recovery and your legal case.
Call 911 Immediately
Always contact law enforcement and request emergency medical services. The police report will be an essential piece of evidence later.
Get Medical Care
Even if you feel okay, seek medical treatment right away. Many serious injuries — such as concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal cord injuries — may not show symptoms until hours or days later.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of the vehicle, crosswalk, traffic signals, and your injuries. Collect the driver’s information and names of any witnesses.
Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company Alone
Insurers are not on your side. They may call within days, asking for statements they can use to limit your claim. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An experienced attorney can begin an immediate investigation, preserve evidence, and guide you on the right next steps.
Understanding Florida Law in Pedestrian Accidents
Florida has some of the highest rates of pedestrian accidents in the nation, and the law provides important protections for victims. Under state law:
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
- Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even if the pedestrian is not in a marked crosswalk.
- Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and use crosswalks when available.
This means that even if you weren’t in a designated crosswalk at the time of the crash, you may still have a valid claim. Florida’s comparative negligence system allows victims to recover compensation as long as they were not more responsible for the accident than the driver.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Palm Beach County
While every case is unique, many pedestrian accidents share common factors:
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who don’t stop at crosswalks or intersections are a leading cause of crashes.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, or other distractions take drivers’ attention off the road.
- Speeding: The faster a vehicle travels, the less time a driver has to react — and the more severe the injuries when a collision occurs.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use significantly increase the risk of pedestrian fatalities.
- Poor Road Design or Visibility: Inadequate lighting, missing signage, or obstructed views can make intersections especially dangerous.
Understanding the cause of your accident is critical because it determines who can be held legally responsible. In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to include employers, vehicle manufacturers, or even municipalities.
The Role of Insurance in Pedestrian Accident Claims
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, multiple insurance policies may come into play. The driver’s auto insurance typically provides liability coverage, but in Florida, coverage minimums are often low. If damages exceed the driver’s coverage, other sources may be pursued, such as:
- The pedestrian’s own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Employer liability if the driver was working at the time.
- Third-party claims against other entities that contributed to the crash.
Insurance companies are known to minimize payouts, often disputing the extent of injuries or arguing the pedestrian was partly to blame. Having a lawyer to gather evidence, bring in expert witnesses, and negotiate aggressively is the best way to protect your claim.
Types of Compensation Available to Injured Pedestrians
The financial impact of a pedestrian accident can be staggering. Compensation in these cases may include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and ongoing therapy.
- Lost Income: Wages missed during recovery and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous work.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The impact injuries have on daily activities and hobbies.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
By carefully documenting your losses and working with medical and financial experts, your lawyer can build a case that reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accident claims are often contested. Drivers may deny fault, witnesses may give conflicting accounts, and insurers may argue you share responsibility. Without legal help, victims risk settling for far less than they need.
Attorney Casey D. Shomo and his team know the tactics insurance companies use. With decades of trial and negotiation experience, Mr. Shomo has built a track record of securing meaningful results for his clients across Palm Beach County and throughout Florida. By combining personal attention with strong resources, he ensures every client receives dedicated representation tailored to their case.
Contact a Palm Beach County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was hit by a car in Palm Beach Gardens or anywhere in Palm Beach County, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. is here to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
"Casey D. Shomo and team are very professional, caring, honest, and knowledgeable. This law firm is the best of all I have known." - Michael R., ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐