Sarasota.Law

Pedestrian Accidents
in Sarasota

    Your Guide to Crosswalks, Hit-and-Runs, and Pedestrian Rights

    Sarasota’s walkable streets—like downtown near Selby Gardens or the paths to Siesta Key Beach—are a joy until a car, bike, or scooter turns your stroll into a crisis. Pedestrian accidents can leave you with broken bones, brain injuries, or worse, and Florida law offers a path to justice. As Sarasota’s trusted attorney referral service, we connect you with top personal injury lawyers who fight for the settlement you deserve. Learn your rights and take action—Get referred to a skilled pedestrian accident attorney today (#).

    Understanding Pedestrian Accidents

    Pedestrian accidents fall under personal injury law, often tied to driver negligence—speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring crosswalks. Sarasota’s tourist-heavy traffic, nightlife, and busy intersections—like U.S. 41 & Ringling—make these crashes too common.

    Common Pedestrian Injuries and Florida Law

    Fractures and Soft Tissue Injuries

    The Injury

    A car clipping you on Main Street can break legs, arms, or ribs, or tear ligaments.

    The Law

    Florida’s no-fault PIP covers $10,000 initially (Florida Statute 627.736), but serious injuries let you sue the driver for full damages if negligent (e.g., running a light).

    Sarasota Stat

    1,094 pedestrian crashes in Sarasota County in 2022—fractures dominate.

    Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

    The Injury

    A head strike—like on a curb near St. Armands—can cause concussions or permanent brain damage.

    The Law

    Sue for long-term care if the driver’s at fault. Florida Statute 316.130 mandates pedestrian priority in crosswalks.

    Local Risk

    Nighttime tourist drivers spike this risk.

    Wrongful Death

    The Injury

    Fatal hits—like a 2025 double child fatality on 17th Street—leave families grieving.

    The Law

    Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statute 768.21) lets survivors claim lost support and grief damages.

    Sarasota Case

    High pedestrian death rates (62 total crashes in 2022) fuel these claims.

    Florida’s Pedestrian Rules

    No-Fault

    PIP pays first, but severe injuries (e.g., permanent damage) allow PI suits.

    Comparative Negligence

    If you’re partly at fault (e.g., jaywalking), your payout drops (Florida Statute 768.81).

    Time Limit

    4 years for PI, 2 for wrongful death (Florida Statute 95.11).

    What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

    Injured on your stay? Take these steps:

    Get Medical Help

    Call 911 or hit Sarasota Memorial—records are crucial.

    Report It

    File a police report—get driver and witness info.

    Snap Photos

    Capture the scene, crosswalk, and injuries.

    Save Records

    Keep bills and a pain journal.

    Call an Attorney

    Insurers fight hard—our experts prove fault fast.

    Mistakes to Avoid

    Skipping care, not reporting, missing evidence, talking to insurers solo, or waiting too long (4 years flies by).

    Getting Your Settlement

    Our attorneys—experienced in pedestrian cases—fight for medical costs, lost wages, and pain. Most settle out of court, with no upfront fees (33-40% contingency). Get Referred Now (#)

    Quick Facts

    Injury Key Rule
    Fractures PIP first; sue for serious harm.
    TBI Driver fault unlocks big claims.
    Death 2-year limit for family claims.
    Time Limit 4 years PI, 2 years wrongful death.

    Hit in Sarasota? We’ve Got You

    A crash near Bayfront Park or a hit-and-run downtown shouldn’t ruin you. Sarasota.law connects you with top attorneys for free—start here.