When a person is hit by a vehicle while walking in West Palm Beach, the consequences can be severe. With no barrier between themselves and a vehicle, pedestrians absorb the full impact of a collision. These accidents can result in serious injuries that affect mobility, employment, and daily life.
Many pedestrian accident victims must also endure an overwhelming recovery process, especially when they suffer from a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or broken bones, any of which could lead to lasting complications. Beyond the physical pain, the emotional distress and financial challenges can be difficult to manage without support.
If you or someone you love was hit by a negligent driver, a West Palm Beach pedestrian accident lawyer from Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers can provide the legal guidance you need to pursue justice and begin rebuilding your life.
Pedestrian Accidents Are Rising in Florida
Pedestrian crashes are a growing problem across the state. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 9,500 pedestrian crashes statewide in one recent year, resulting in more than 700 fatalities.
West Palm Beach, with its bustling intersections, coastal traffic, and popular downtown areas, sees a concerning share of these incidents. Tourists, residents, and children walking to school are all at risk when drivers fail to follow the rules of the road. And when they don’t, the consequences are often severe.
Palm Beach County consistently ranks among the counties with the highest number of pedestrian injuries and deaths. In one recent year, 62 pedestrians were killed and 101 were seriously injured. Most of these accidents occurred in West Palm Beach.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in West Palm Beach
Pedestrian crashes rarely happen without someone making a poor decision. While every case is unique, many of these tragedies are caused by careless or reckless drivers. Our attorneys often see patterns that include:
Distracted driving
Texting, eating, or fiddling with GPS takes a driver’s attention off the road. A split-second of inattention can result in tragedy.
Speeding
The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time a driver has to react. Speeding also increases the severity of the injuries pedestrians suffer.
Failing to yield
Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Failing to do so, especially in school zones or busy downtown areas, can be deadly.
Drunk driving or impaired driving
Alcohol and drugs affect reaction time, decision-making, and vision—all of which are critical when operating a vehicle near pedestrians.
Poor visibility or illegal turns
Accidents often occur at night or in poorly lit areas, especially when drivers make unsafe turns or ignore signals.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious or catastrophic harm, especially when a vehicle is traveling at moderate to high speeds. Even at lower speeds, the lack of protection for a pedestrian means the human body absorbs the full impact. Some of the most common injuries our West Palm Beach pedestrian accident lawyers see include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Head injuries are among the most serious outcomes of a pedestrian crash. These can range from concussions to severe brain damage, which may impair memory, cognition, or motor functions permanently.
Spinal cord injuries
Injuries to the neck or back can lead to herniated discs, nerve damage, or paralysis. Some victims lose their ability to walk or experience chronic pain that affects their quality of life.
Fractures and broken bones
Legs, arms, hips, and ribs are frequently broken in these accidents. Complex fractures may require multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation.
Internal injuries
Blunt force trauma can cause damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal bleeding may not be visible right away, but it can be life-threatening without immediate medical attention.
Facial and dental injuries
A fall or impact may lead to broken facial bones, dental trauma, or eye injuries that require reconstructive surgery and long-term care.
Soft tissue injuries
Sprains, bruising, and torn ligaments might seem minor, but they can be incredibly painful and take months to fully heal.
These injuries often come with emotional trauma as well. Anxiety, PTSD, and depression are common in victims who have been through a violent collision. At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we consider every impact these injuries have on your daily life when building your case.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you were hit by a car, your top priority should be getting medical help, even if you feel okay. Some serious injuries may not be immediately noticeable. Once you're safe, there are important steps to protect your legal rights:
- Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer: Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers will remove the heavy legal weight from you. We protect your rights and interests while fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
- Avoid negotiating with insurance companies: Politely tell insurance adjusters for the at-fault party to call your lawyer to discuss all legal matters.
- Continue all medical treatments: Attend every scheduled appointment and follow your provider’s care plan. Gaps in treatment can hurt both your health and your case.
- Keep a personal injury journal: Write or video record about how your injuries affect your daily life, including your pain levels, mobility, and emotional state. Doing this can make your injuries less abstract to objective parties.
- Gather and organize documentation: Save all receipts, prescriptions, medical bills, and correspondence related to the accident.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media: Posts can be misinterpreted or used against you later by insurance adjusters or defense attorneys.
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better chances they’ll have of preserving critical evidence from the accident scene before it’s lost or erased. Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers can step in right away to begin building your case while you focus on getting better.
Legal Rights for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Florida
As a pedestrian accident victim, you have the right to seek compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Under Florida law, motorists have a legal responsibility (or duty of care) to others on the road, including pedestrians. When they fail in that duty or responsibility, and you’re harmed as a result, you may be entitled to damages.
Proving negligence in a pedestrian injury case
To hold a driver accountable, your attorney must establish that:
- The driver had a duty to operate the vehicle safely;
- They breached that duty (for example, by speeding or failing to yield);
- That breach directly caused your injuries, and
- You suffered measurable harm as a result (medical bills, lost income, etc.).
Once we establish all four elements of negligence, we have a strong foundation for your personal injury claim.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Pedestrian accident injuries are often serious and can impact every part of your life. The physical, emotional, and financial tolls combined can quickly overwhelm you. When you’re injured by someone else’s negligence, you should receive full and fair compensation that helps restore you and your life to the way it was before the accident. Depending on your case, your damages may include a combination of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and long-term care.
- Lost wages ot income: Time off work, reduced earning capacity, or job loss due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and the disruption to your daily life.
- Property damage: If any personal items (like phones or glasses) were damaged in the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once loved.
In the event of a fatal pedestrian crash, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. This can provide financial relief for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
Why You Need a West Palm Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Filing a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident is not simple. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the pedestrian. They may even pressure you to accept a low settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
When you work with Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, you get a legal team that puts your needs first. We know how to investigate these cases, gather critical evidence, and fight back against insurance companies that don’t want to pay.
Our attorneys have successfully recovered substantial settlements and awards for injured pedestrians throughout West Palm Beach and surrounding areas because we know what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is two years from the date of the incident. This applies to both personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Waiting too long to take legal action can result in losing your right to recover damages. Evidence may disappear, and witnesses’ memories can fade. It’s always best to speak with a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible so they can start building a strong case while the details are still fresh.
How Frankl Kominsky Builds a Strong Case for You
Every pedestrian accident case has its own facts, challenges, and opportunities. At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we handle each case with the attention and care it deserves. We don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we rely on thorough investigation and detailed legal strategy to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Here’s how we help you build a winning case:
We launch a detailed investigation
Our legal team will immediately begin gathering and preserving evidence, including:
- Police reports
- Surveillance footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Cell phone data
- Vehicle data
- Road conditions and signage
- Medical records and expert analysis
We work with experts
In more serious or disputed cases, we may consult accident reconstructionists, traffic engineers, and medical professionals to support your claim. Their insight can strengthen your case and help maximize the compensation you receive.
We handle negotiations with the insurance company
You won’t have to deal with pushy insurance adjusters or confusing paperwork. We handle all communication with the at-fault party and their insurer. Our attorneys know the tactics insurers use—and we know how to push back to protect your interests.
We prepare every case for trial
While many pedestrian injury cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach often results in stronger settlements, and if a trial becomes necessary, we are ready to fight for you in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash. Your recovery may be reduced in proportion to your level of fault, but you may still have a valid claim.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose by speaking with an attorney and everything to gain by protecting your rights.
What if the driver left the scene?
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common. If the at-fault driver fled the scene, our team can work to identify them through police investigations, camera footage, and witness accounts. If they can’t be found, you may still have options through your uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn what your best legal options are.
Real Help From Real Lawyers—Serving Pedestrian Injury Victims in West Palm Beach
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we believe in giving accident victims the time, attention, and aggressive advocacy they deserve. If you've been hit by a car while walking in West Palm Beach, we’re here to protect your rights and help you reclaim control of your life.
You will be treated with care and compassion from the moment you walk in our door or call our office. Our team will explain your legal options, answer your questions clearly, address all of your concerns honestly and transparently, and get to work on your case.
We’ve seen the way insurance companies try to avoid responsibility. We know the financial and emotional toll a pedestrian accident can take. And we know how to help you fight back.
You don’t need to go through this alone. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Speak With a West Palm Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Whether you’re still in the hospital or recovering at home, the decisions you make now can impact your future. Don’t delay. Reach out to the team at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today for trusted guidance and fierce representation.
We offer free consultations—no pressure, just honest answers and real solutions. Our attorneys serve injured pedestrians throughout West Palm Beach and nearby communities. Call us today at (561) 800-8000 to discover how we can help you. You can also contact us online. We speak English, Spanish, and Creole.