Florida consistently ranks as the most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrians — and Miami-Dade County is one of the most dangerous counties in Florida. If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Miami, you have likely suffered serious injuries, and you have the right to hold the negligent driver accountable.

Juan Cordero Lawyers has represented pedestrian accident victims throughout Miami-Dade County for over 26 years. Here is what you need to know about your rights and your claim.

Miami's pedestrian fatality rate is driven by a combination of factors that make it uniquely hazardous for people on foot:

High-speed arterial roads — Miami's major roads — US-1, Biscayne Boulevard, NW 7th Avenue, SW 8th Street, and dozens of others — were designed for vehicle throughput, not pedestrian safety. Wide lanes, high speed limits, and long blocks between crosswalks force pedestrians into dangerous situations.

Distracted and impaired drivers — Cell phone use while driving is epidemic in Miami. Impaired driving — alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs — is a significant factor in pedestrian accidents, particularly at night.

Inadequate crosswalk infrastructure — Many of Miami's busiest pedestrian corridors lack adequate crosswalk markings, pedestrian signals, and refuge islands. Pedestrians are forced to cross multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic without adequate protection.

Tourist and unfamiliar drivers — Miami's large tourist population includes drivers unfamiliar with local roads, driving patterns, and pedestrian behavior.

Rideshare and delivery vehicles — The proliferation of Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Amazon delivery vehicles has added a new category of distracted, unfamiliar drivers to Miami's streets.

Our firm has handled pedestrian accident cases throughout Miami-Dade County. The areas we see most frequently include:

• Brickell — High pedestrian density, heavy traffic, and aggressive driving around the financial district
• Little Havana / Calle Ocho — Dense commercial corridor with heavy foot traffic and frequent mid-block crossings
• Wynwood — Rapidly growing arts district with inadequate pedestrian infrastructure
• Overtown — High-speed roads and limited crosswalk infrastructure
• Hialeah — Palm Avenue and W 49th Street corridors are among Miami-Dade's most dangerous for pedestrians
• Miami Beach — Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue see frequent pedestrian accidents, particularly at night

Florida law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the road.

However, Florida's comparative negligence law (§768.81) means that if you were partially at fault for the accident — for example, by crossing outside a crosswalk or against a signal — your compensation may be reduced proportionally. Under Florida's modified comparative fault rule (effective March 2023), if you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

This is why having an experienced attorney is critical. Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame to pedestrians to reduce or eliminate their liability. We fight back.

Pedestrian accidents typically cause severe injuries because the human body has no protection against a vehicle. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses — Emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages — Income lost during recovery and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering — Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability — Compensation for lasting impairment, including paralysis, traumatic brain injury, and limb loss
• Wrongful death damages — If the accident was fatal

Always call 911. Get police and medical responders to the scene. A police report is critical evidence.

Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe. Get to an emergency room immediately, even if you feel you can walk. Internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries may not produce immediate symptoms.

If you are physically able, photograph the vehicle, the driver, the crosswalk or intersection, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get the driver's license, insurance information, and license plate number.

Witnesses who saw the accident can provide critical testimony about the driver's behavior.

Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer without first consulting an attorney.

Florida's statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is 4 years from the date of the accident (§95.11(3)(a)). Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of death.

Contact us immediately — evidence disappears quickly.

We have represented pedestrian accident victims throughout Miami-Dade County for over 26 years. We know how to investigate these cases, fight insurance companies that try to blame the pedestrian, and maximize our clients' recovery.

• Contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win
• Bilingual — full service in English and Spanish
• 24/7 availability — call or text anytime

Call or text 24/7: 305.525.8957