Strolling down the tree-lined streets of the "City Beautiful" is one of the greatest pleasures of living in or visiting Coral Gables, Florida. From shopping along the Miracle Mile to walking near the University of Miami campus, our community is built to be enjoyed on foot. However, a single moment of motorist distraction or recklessness can turn a pleasant walk into a life-altering nightmare.
If you or a loved one has been struck by a motor vehicle, you do not have to navigate the complex legal and medical aftermath alone. At Raposo & Lukacs, our Coral Gables pedestrian accident attorney is ready to protect your rights, stand up to aggressive insurance companies, and fight for the financial compensation you need to heal.
Our team has obtained major results in defended, high-stakes cases across Florida, including a $40 million wrongful death verdict and an $8 million wrongful death verdict ranked among the state’s top jury verdicts in 2024.
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot is struck by a motor vehicle. These accidents can happen in a variety of locations, including crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, sidewalks, residential neighborhoods, and commercial areas.
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries because the human body is exposed to the direct force of impact. Even collisions at relatively low speeds can cause broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other life-altering conditions.
In many cases, pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, or impaired driving. When negligence contributes to an accident, injured pedestrians may have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim.
Florida Pedestrian Laws
Florida law provides certain rights and responsibilities for both pedestrians and drivers.
Some important pedestrian laws include:
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully crossing within marked crosswalks.
Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and crossing indicators.
When a sidewalk is available, pedestrians generally should use it rather than walking in the roadway.
If no sidewalk exists, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic whenever possible.
Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and must take precautions when they observe vulnerable individuals, including children or disabled persons.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means an injured pedestrian may still recover compensation if they were partially responsible for the accident, provided they were not more than 50% at fault. However, any compensation awarded may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Because liability issues can become complex, working with an experienced Coral Gables pedestrian accident attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Often Happen in Coral Gables?
While a collision can happen on any residential block, local traffic data highlights several high-risk corridors and heavily congested zones in Coral Gables where pedestrians are frequently endangered:
U.S. 1 (South Dixie Highway): Especially at busy intersections like Bird Road (SW 40th Street), LeJeune Road, and 57th Avenue (Red Road), where high speeds and heavy commuter traffic mix with foot traffic from the nearby Metrorail stations and the University of Miami.
Coral Way (SW 24th Street): The bustling commercial areas surrounding Miracle Mile feature heavy foot traffic alongside distracted drivers hunting for parking.
Ponce de Leon Boulevard: Despite traffic-calming efforts and trolley routes, the sheer density of shoppers, commuters, and delivery vehicles leads to frequent intersection collisions.
Old Cutler Road: Where narrow lanes and low visibility at night pose significant hazards to joggers and pedestrians alike.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The vast majority of pedestrian injuries are entirely preventable and stem directly from driver negligence. The most common factors our legal team uncovers include:
Distracted Driving: Texting, browsing maps, adjusting infotainment consoles, or talking on cell phones.
Failure to Yield: Drivers rushing through intersections or making unprotected right or left-hand turns without checking crosswalks.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Traveling too fast for conditions, which reduces a driver’s reaction time and exponentially increases the severity of the pedestrian's injuries.
Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs severely impair a motorist’s depth perception, peripheral vision, and braking response time.
Poor Visibility: Many accidents occur at dusk or during nighttime hours on poorly lit segments of roadway where drivers fail to scan ahead.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability requires establishing who breached their duty of care on the road. While the at-fault motorist is usually the primary liable party, other entities can share responsibility:
The Motorist: For violating traffic signals, speeding, or driving while distracted.
Commercial Employers: If the driver was operating a delivery truck, rideshare, or corporate vehicle during the scope of their employment.
Government Entities: If a poorly timed traffic light, a hidden crosswalk sign, or a defective roadway design directly contributed to the dangerous situation.
To build a winning case, our team at Raposo & Lukacs moves quickly to preserve vital evidence, such as traffic camera footage, nearby business surveillance video, black box data, cell phone logs, and eyewitness testimonies.
Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians
Because Florida is a "no-fault" insurance state, your initial medical care may be partially covered under your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy or the driver's PIP policy up to a limit of $10,000 (provided you seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident). However, because pedestrian injuries are frequently catastrophic, medical bills easily exceed this threshold.
By filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver, you can pursue comprehensive compensation for:
Economic Damages
Past, present, and future medical expenses (surgeries, physical therapy, assistive devices)
Lost wages and lost earning capacity if you can no longer return to your career
In-home rehabilitative or nursing care costs
Non-Economic Damages
Physical pain and suffering
Mental anguish, PTSD, and emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being hit by a car in Coral Gables?
Your health is the top priority. Call 911 immediately so police can document the scene and paramedics can evaluate you. Even if you think your injuries are minor, adrenaline can mask serious internal trauma or concussions. If you are physically able, take photos of the vehicle, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Finally, contact a Coral Gables pedestrian accident attorney before speaking to any insurance adjusters.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. If you are filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a lost loved one, the timeline is also strictly limited to two years. Failing to file within this legal window means losing your right to seek compensation forever.
Can I still recover compensation if I was walking outside of a marked crosswalk?
Yes, potentially. Walking outside of a crosswalk (often referred to as jaywalking) does not give drivers a free pass to hit you. Drivers still maintain a legal "duty of care" to avoid colliding with pedestrians. Under Florida's modified comparative negligence system, you can still recover damages as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. Your final financial recovery will simply be reduced by your percentage of blame.
How much does it cost to hire Raposo & Lukacs?
We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out of pocket, and there are no upfront hourly fees. We only get paid if we successfully secure a settlement or a jury verdict on your behalf. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
“Raposo & Lukacs fought for our family and won. Thoughtful, thorough, and professional—John, Jose, and Cassandra truly go above and beyond!”
John P.
“Compassionate Support, Outstanding Results”
“Professional, caring, and always responsive—this team secured a great settlement during a difficult time. Grateful for their support!”
D. Conra
“Dedicated, Professional, and Compassionate”
“Grateful for the hard work, professionalism, and kindness this firm showed throughout my case. Their dedication made all the difference.”
Phyllis P.
“Exceptional Service & Professionalism Throughout”
“A seamless and professional experience from start to finish. This firm provided exceptional care, support, and expertise throughout the entire process.”
Brenda C.
“Trustworthy Support Every Step of the Way”
“A seamless, caring, and professional experience from start to finish. Grateful for their dedication and support throughout the process.”
J.C.
“Dedicated Advocacy for the Best Results”
“Raposa & Lukacs work tirelessly to secure the best outcome for their clients. Highly recommended for anyone in need of legal services!”
Justin P.
“A True Fighter for His Clients”
“John goes the extra mile to fight for what you deserve, keeping you informed every step of the way. Highly recommended!”
Octavio C.
“Professionalism with a Personal Touch”
“José and Cassandra provided exceptional support, creating a family-like environment. Grateful for Dr. B’s help in restoring my back after the accident!”
Contact a Coral Gables Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
When you are facing mounting medical debts and physical pain, the last thing you should worry about is fighting a multi-billion-dollar insurance company. Let Raposo & Lukacs shoulder the legal burden for you. We understand the local laws, the Coral Gables roadways, and how to combat the aggressive tactics used by insurance adjusters to minimize your claim.
When the stakes are high, you need a legal team that won’t flinch. We are aggressive, strategic, and relentless in our pursuit of justice. Our track record speaks for itself—when we take on a case, we fight to win.
When Everything Is on the Line, We Deliver.
High-value cases demand precision, experience, and fearless representation. We take on the toughest legal battles, standing firm against powerful opponents to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Powerful Representation
We don’t handle minor claims—we focus on complex, high-stakes cases where the results matter most. Our firm is built on the principles of aggressive litigation, tactical strategy, and an unwavering commitment to winning.
Your Case. Your Future. Our Mission.
Your legal battle isn’t just another case to us—it’s your future, your financial security, and your peace of mind. We take a personal stake in every case we handle, fighting with determination to deliver the justice and compensation you deserve.
