Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Palm Beach County
Legal Guidance for Victims of Pedestrian Injuries in Palm Beach Gardens and Throughout South Florida
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the consequences are often devastating. Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have no seatbelts, airbags, or steel frames to protect them. In Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County, crashes involving pedestrians frequently lead to catastrophic injuries that can alter the course of a victim’s life.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we represent injured pedestrians and their families in claims throughout South Florida. Mr. Shomo has more than three decades of experience fighting for victims of serious accidents, recovering more than $85 million on their behalf. Our firm combines the personal attention of a small practice with the resources and results you’d expect from a much larger one.
If you suffered a serious injury after being hit by a car, our team is here to help you understand your rights, document your damages, and demand the full compensation you deserve.
The Serious Nature of Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents are among the most dangerous personal injury cases because of the direct impact between a vehicle and the human body. Even at relatively low speeds, the force can cause life-threatening trauma. Victims often face long hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and permanent disabilities.
The severity of these injuries doesn’t just create medical challenges — it impacts every area of a person’s life, from their ability to work to their emotional well-being. That’s why it’s critical to work with a pedestrian accident lawyer who can account for the long-term effects when pursuing a claim.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head injuries are one of the most common and severe outcomes of pedestrian accidents. A traumatic brain injury can occur even if the victim’s head never directly strikes the vehicle, as the force of the impact can cause the brain to move violently inside the skull.
TBIs range from concussions to severe brain damage that permanently impairs memory, speech, and motor skills. Victims may require long-term rehabilitation, assistance with daily living, or permanent medical support. These injuries also create significant financial burdens due to ongoing care needs.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The spine is particularly vulnerable in pedestrian accidents, especially when a victim is thrown to the ground or against another object. Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a person’s independence.
Even less severe back injuries, such as herniated discs or fractures, can cause chronic pain and limit mobility. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery times, keeping victims out of work and limiting their ability to enjoy life as they once did.
Fractures and Broken Bones
When a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the impact often leads to multiple fractures. Victims may suffer broken legs, hips, arms, or ribs. While some fractures heal with time, others require surgical repair with plates, screws, or rods.
The recovery process can be long and painful, involving rehabilitation and physical therapy. In severe cases, fractures may never fully heal, leaving victims with permanent mobility limitations.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
One of the most devastating outcomes of a pedestrian accident is an amputation. These injuries can occur at the scene of the crash or later in the hospital when doctors are forced to remove a limb to save the victim’s life.
Amputations not only cause physical limitations but also emotional trauma. Victims often face the challenges of adapting to prosthetics, ongoing therapy, and changes in employment or daily activities. Compensation in these cases must account for these lifelong adjustments.
Internal Injuries
The force of a vehicle striking a pedestrian can cause severe internal trauma. Injuries to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Internal bleeding is especially dangerous, as symptoms may take hours to develop. That’s why immediate medical evaluation is critical after any pedestrian accident, even if the victim initially feels “okay.”
Soft Tissue Injuries
Not every injury is visible on an X-ray. Pedestrian accident victims often suffer damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can cause long-term pain, reduced mobility, and the need for ongoing therapy.
Soft tissue injuries are sometimes dismissed by insurers as “minor,” but their impact can be severe. A skilled attorney ensures these injuries are taken seriously and fully documented in your claim.
The Emotional Toll of Pedestrian Injuries
Physical trauma is only one part of the harm caused by pedestrian accidents. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. They may avoid walking near traffic, struggle with sleep, or relive the accident through flashbacks.
Emotional suffering is compensable under Florida law. A pedestrian accident lawyer can include these damages in your claim, ensuring the full human cost of your injuries is recognized.
How Injuries Affect Case Value
The type and severity of your injuries play a central role in determining the value of your pedestrian accident case. Cases involving catastrophic injuries such as TBIs, paralysis, or amputations typically involve higher compensation due to the long-term impact on a victim’s life.
Factors that influence case value include:
- Extent of medical treatment required (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation).
- Duration of recovery (weeks, months, or lifelong disability).
- Impact on employment (lost wages and reduced future earning capacity).
- Emotional distress (trauma, pain, and loss of enjoyment of life).
- Need for future care (ongoing therapy, in-home support, medical devices).
A skilled lawyer works with medical experts and economists to calculate these damages, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
The Importance of Immediate Legal Action
In Florida, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to compensation.
Beyond the legal deadline, evidence also fades quickly. Witnesses may forget key details, surveillance footage may be erased, and accident reports may be harder to obtain. Acting quickly gives your lawyer the best chance to build a strong case.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A.?
When you’re facing life-changing injuries, you need more than just legal representation. You need a team that understands what’s at stake. Mr. Shomo personally oversees every case his firm accepts, ensuring each client receives the care, attention, and resources they deserve.
With decades of litigation experience and a proven track record of multimillion-dollar results, Mr. Shomo is dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing justice for injured pedestrians.
Contact a Palm Beach County Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we provide compassionate guidance and aggressive legal advocacy for victims throughout Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach County.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you demand the compensation you deserve.
"When your world is flipped upside down in an instant and you’re not sure where to turn, this team can help! I am eternally grateful for Attorney Shomo and his staff. They showed up for me and my family in the most difficult time in our life and worked diligently to bring some sort of light to our situation when I didn’t think it was possible." - Amanda M., ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐