Polk County
Pedestrian Accident

Attorney

person walks across a pedestrian crosswalk

Polk County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking should be a safe and convenient way to get around Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and other communities in Polk County, but reckless drivers make the roads dangerous for pedestrians. Whether you were crossing the street, walking along a sidewalk, or navigating a parking lot, a negligent driver can cause life-altering injuries in an instant.

At Kemp Injury Law, we help injured pedestrians hold careless drivers accountable. If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle in Polk County, we are ready to fight for the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Polk County?

Pedestrian accidents are common in areas with heavy traffic, poor visibility, or inadequate crosswalks. Some of the most dangerous locations in Polk County include:

Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland: A major road where speeding and distracted driving put pedestrians at risk.
Florida Avenue (US-98) in Lakeland: A busy corridor with frequent pedestrian crossings and high traffic volume.
Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven: A high-traffic area near shopping centers and tourist destinations.
Main Street in Bartow: A downtown area with frequent foot traffic and crosswalk hazards.
U.S. Highway 27: A major trucking route where pedestrian visibility is often poor, especially at night.

Pedestrians are especially vulnerable at crosswalks, parking lots, bus stops, and school zones. Even when pedestrians follow traffic laws, reckless drivers can still cause severe accidents.

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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Many pedestrian accidents happen because drivers fail to pay attention or ignore traffic laws. Some of the most common causes include:

Distracted Driving: Drivers using their phones, adjusting their GPS, or eating may fail to see pedestrians.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: Many drivers do not stop or slow down for pedestrians, even in marked crosswalks.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid a pedestrian.
Drunk or Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use impair reaction time and judgment, making pedestrian collisions more likely.
Unsafe Turns and Red-Light Running: Drivers making left turns or running red lights often strike pedestrians in intersections.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Polk County

If you are hit by a car while walking, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:

Call 911: Report the accident to local law enforcement, such as the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or city police.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, injuries may not appear right away.
Document the Scene: Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle involved, and the surrounding area.
Get Contact Information: Obtain the driver’s details and contact any witnesses.
Do Not Discuss Fault with the Driver or Insurance Company: Anything you say could be used against you later.
Speak to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: A lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians have no protection against the force of a moving vehicle, which means injuries are often severe or life-threatening. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Broken bones and fractures
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Soft tissue injuries and lacerations

Many victims require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, making it crucial to pursue full compensation for their losses. In the event of a wrongful death, this compensation becomes even more vital to support the surviving family members and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Polk County

At Kemp Injury Law, we handle a variety of personal injury cases, including:

Car Accidents: Crashes on I-4, U.S. Highway 98, and State Road 60 often cause serious injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents: Bikers are vulnerable to severe injuries in Polk County’s busy traffic.
Truck Accidents: Semi-truck and commercial vehicle crashes can be devastating.
Boating Accidents: Polk County’s lakes are common sites for watercraft collisions and injuries.
Construction Accidents: Injuries on job sites can occur due to fall hazards, defective equipment, and unsafe working conditions.
Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists often suffer serious injuries when struck by inattentive drivers.

Contact a Polk County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, Kemp Injury Law is ready to fight for your rights. We understand the devastating impact of these accidents and will work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, under Florida’s modified comparative negligence laws, you can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. If you are found partially liable, your damages may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your damages. Determining fault in a pedestrian accident can be complex, especially in busy Polk County intersections. An experienced attorney can help build a strong case to minimize your liability and maximize your compensation. At Kemp Law Group, we carefully investigate each case to challenge unfair fault assignments.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover damages. However, if the case involves a government entity—like if you were struck by a city vehicle—there may be shorter notice periods. It’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. Gathering evidence and building a case takes time, so early legal help is critical. At Kemp Law Group, we ensure all deadlines are met so your case stays on track.

Why should I choose Kemp Law Group for my pedestrian accident case?

Kemp Law Group has years of experience representing injured pedestrians in Polk County and throughout Florida. We understand how traumatic and life-altering a pedestrian accident can be, especially when it results in serious injury or disability. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and fight insurance companies that try to minimize your claim. We have a strong track record of securing full compensation for our clients. From start to finish, we provide personal, compassionate support along with aggressive legal representation. If you’ve been injured, reach out to us today to discuss your legal options.

Additional Information in Polk County, Florida

Florida Department of Transportation – Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety: Outlines Florida’s statewide efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, including engineering, education, and enforcement initiatives. It includes safety program details, local outreach efforts, and guidelines for creating safer infrastructure such as crosswalks, signals, and pedestrian-friendly street designs. The site prioritizes high-risk areas and vulnerable populations, like those near construction zones. It also promotes awareness campaigns aimed at both drivers and pedestrians to reduce fatalities and injuries. For a construction accident case involving a pedestrian, this page helps establish Florida’s expectations and strategies for pedestrian safety in public areas, especially near active construction sites. It can be used to argue that project managers or municipalities failed to adhere to established safety protocols, contributing to the accident.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Pedestrian Safety: Highlights key statistics and safety information regarding pedestrian injuries and deaths in the U.S. It outlines risk factors such as night-time walking, alcohol involvement, and lack of infrastructure like sidewalks or proper lighting. The page offers safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians, as well as links to resources for local safety initiatives and programs. It emphasizes the role of visibility, alertness, and enforcement in preventing pedestrian fatalities. In a construction accident case involving a pedestrian, this resource can support claims about known dangers and the importance of safety design and awareness, especially in high-traffic or poorly lit areas. It can be used to show that simple measures—such as better signage or barriers—could have reduced the risk of harm.

Forbes - For Walkers, The Deadliest Time And Place Is On City Roads After Dark: Article reports on recent data showing that pedestrians are most at risk in urban areas after dark, especially where street lighting is poor or traffic is heavy. It discusses findings from national safety reports and interviews with experts who recommend urban planning changes and better enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws. The piece emphasizes the growing danger due to distracted driving, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for illuminated crosswalks and lower speed limits. It also suggests that cities and contractors must prioritize pedestrian safety when planning road work and urban development. In a pedestrian-related construction case, this article can serve as persuasive context showing the foreseeability of risk. It strengthens arguments that failing to implement proper nighttime safety measures—like lighting, signage, or protective barriers—was negligent.

Polk County
Pedestrian Accident

Attorney