Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Boca Raton, FL

A person walking across Federal Highway, along A1A, or through a parking lot near Mizner Park has no protection when a car fails to stop. Pedestrian crashes often cause fractures, head injuries, and long recoveries, even at moderate speeds. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Boca Raton, FL can explain which insurance pays first, prove the driver’s fault, and pursue full compensation. Jacobson Injury Firm represents pedestrians hurt by drivers throughout Boca Raton and southern Palm Beach County. Contact the firm for a free consultation.

How Pedestrian Accident Claims Work in Florida

Many people are surprised to learn that a pedestrian hit by a car in Florida may first turn to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Under Florida Statute 627.736, a vehicle owner’s PIP policy covers the owner, and relatives living in the same household, when they are struck by a motor vehicle while walking in Florida.

A pedestrian who does not own a car and has no household PIP coverage may still be covered by the PIP policy of the vehicle that hit them, as long as the pedestrian is a Florida resident. PIP generally pays 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost income, up to $10,000. Initial treatment must happen within 14 days of the crash.

Because pedestrian injuries are often severe, PIP is rarely enough. When an injury meets Florida’s threshold, such as a permanent injury or significant scarring, the injured person can bring a claim against the at-fault driver for the remaining medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Boca Raton

Boca Raton has a large population of walkers, including students at Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University, older residents, downtown diners, and beachgoers. City crash data covering 2018 through 2023, reported by The Coastal Star, found that pedestrians were involved in 20% of all crashes in Boca Raton. The same report noted that the risk for people walking and biking in the city is higher than in Florida generally.

Wide, fast state and county roads are a major factor. Those roads make up 14% of the city’s network but 67% of its serious crashes. Federal Highway, which runs past Mizner Park and the downtown core, is one example. In March 2025, the Boca Raton Police Services Department reported a fatal crash in which an 86-year-old pedestrian crossing North Federal Highway near NE 24th Street was struck by a northbound SUV.

Other areas with heavy foot traffic include Glades Road near FAU and Town Center, Palmetto Park Road between downtown and the beach, and A1A near the oceanfront parks. The city’s Vision Zero program aims to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Boca Raton

Jacobson Injury Firm handles pedestrian claims involving:

• Drivers turning left or right who fail to yield to people in crosswalks
• Distracted drivers looking at phones or map apps
• Speeding on multi-lane roads such as Glades Road and Federal Highway
• Vehicles backing up in parking lots and garages
• Poor visibility at dusk and after dark
• Drunk or impaired drivers
• Hit-and-run drivers who leave the scene
• Uber and Lyft drivers dropping off or picking up passengers

What Compensation Can an Injured Pedestrian Recover?

A pedestrian who meets Florida’s injury threshold may seek compensation from the at-fault driver for:

• Medical expenses beyond PIP, including surgery and future care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Home care and mobility equipment
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life

Common pedestrian injuries include leg and pelvic fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries. Older pedestrians may face longer recoveries, which can raise the cost of care.

Right-of-Way Rules and Partial Fault

Florida Statute 316.130 sets out the duties of both pedestrians and drivers. Key rules include:

• Crosswalks without signals. Where there is no working traffic signal, drivers must yield, slowing or stopping as needed, to a pedestrian in a crosswalk on their half of the road or approaching closely from the other half.
• Signalized crossings. When a pedestrian has a walk signal and is in the crosswalk, drivers must stop before the crosswalk and stay stopped.
• Stopped vehicles. A driver may not pass another vehicle that has stopped to let a pedestrian cross.
• Crossing mid-block. A pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles. Between two adjacent intersections with working signals, pedestrians may only cross in a marked crosswalk.
• Where sidewalks exist, pedestrians should use them. Where there are none, pedestrians should walk on the left shoulder, facing traffic.
• Driver due care. Every driver must use due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian, and must take extra care around children and people who appear confused or impaired.

Insurers often argue that a pedestrian was jaywalking, wearing dark clothing, or looking at a phone. Under Florida’s modified comparative fault rule in Florida Statute 768.81, a person more than 50% at fault for their own injuries cannot recover. A pedestrian who is 50% at fault or less can still recover, reduced by their share.

Even a pedestrian who was not in a crosswalk may recover if the driver was speeding, distracted, or not watching the road. For example, a pedestrian found 25% at fault with $200,000 in damages could recover $150,000. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Boca Raton, FL can gather video, signal timing, and witness accounts to push back on inflated blame.

What Should You Do After a Boca Raton Pedestrian Accident?

If it is safe to do so, an injured pedestrian, or a family member, should:

• Call 911. Florida Statute 316.065 requires crashes involving injury to be reported. A police report also documents the driver’s identity and insurance.
• Get medical care within 14 days. PIP medical benefits depend on it. The nearest Level I trauma center for southern Palm Beach County is Delray Medical Center.
• Note nearby cameras. Businesses, buses, and traffic signals may have recorded the crash, but footage is often erased quickly.
• Collect witness information. Other pedestrians and drivers can confirm the signal and the driver’s behavior.
• Request the crash report from the Boca Raton Police Services Department.
• Avoid recorded statements to the driver’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer.

The firm’s guide on what to do after an accident covers these steps in more depth.

How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Florida?

Under Florida Statute 95.11, most negligence claims, including pedestrian accident claims, must be filed within two years. Florida shortened this deadline from four years to two for claims arising after March 24, 2023.

Different rules may apply if a government agency is involved, such as a claim over a dangerous crosswalk design. The firm’s overview of the Florida statute of limitations covers these exceptions.

No Fee Unless We Win

Jacobson Injury Firm handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost, and no attorney fee is owed unless the firm recovers compensation.

The firm represents injured people only. Clients speak directly with attorney Adam Jacobson, who is licensed in Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Illinois. He prepares each case as if it may go to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my car insurance cover me if I was hit while walking?

Often, yes. Florida PIP covers a policyholder and resident relatives who are struck by a motor vehicle while walking in Florida. A pedestrian without household PIP may be covered by the PIP on the vehicle that hit them.

Can I recover if I was not in a crosswalk?

Possibly. A pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles, but drivers still have a duty to use due care. If the driver was also negligent, the pedestrian may recover, reduced by their share of fault.

What if the driver fled the scene?

The pedestrian’s own PIP and uninsured motorist coverage may help. Reporting the crash quickly gives police the best chance of finding the driver.

Can a family file a claim if a pedestrian was killed?

Yes. Florida allows a wrongful death claim, generally within two years of the death. A lawyer can explain who may bring the claim and what damages are available.

How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost?

Jacobson Injury Firm works on a contingency fee basis. Clients pay nothing upfront, and there is no attorney fee unless money is recovered.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Boca Raton, FL

People walking in Boca Raton deserve safe streets, and drivers who fail to yield should be held accountable. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Boca Raton, FL can review the crash, deal with insurers, and pursue full compensation. Call (561) 567-7163 or contact Jacobson Injury Firm today to schedule a free consultation.