I used to defend the drivers and their insurers.Now I fight for the people they hit.
A person on foot has no protection against a 4,000 pound vehicle. Pedestrian injuries are almost always serious: broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries.
The driver’s insurer knows it. You weren’t in the crosswalk. You wore dark clothes. You stepped out without looking. I know that story because I used to help write it.
AV Preeminent · Martindale Rising Star · Super Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 · The National Trial Lawyers Member · Florida Justice Association
The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
In a car crash, your own PIP pays first: up to $10,000 if a doctor finds an emergency medical condition. Fla. Stat. § 627.736
Where people on foot get hurt, and what I do about it.
Drivers who never look for people in the crosswalk.
Drivers looking left for traffic, not right for walkers.
UM coverage can pay if you or a relative you live with carries it.
Drivers leaving bars and restaurants. A bar may share the blame.
Head injuries often miss the CT scan. I build the medical proof.
I know how they shift blame. The first defense move is putting fault on the pedestrian. I push back with evidence, not argument.
I lock down video fast. Businesses, traffic cameras, doorbells, and buses catch these crashes. Most footage is gone within days.
I find every policy. The driver’s coverage, your PIP, your UM, a household member’s policy, and an employer’s policy if the driver was working.
I’m ready for trial. I tried 20 jury trials as a prosecutor and have handled 500+ litigated cases. I prepare every case like it’s going in front of a jury, and I’ll take it there if that’s what it takes.
Drivers must yield in crosswalks. They must stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and yield at unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Fla. Stat. § 316.130
Fault is shared. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
Florida PIP usually pays first. If you own a car, your own PIP covers you when a vehicle hits you on foot. If you don’t, PIP from a relative you live with may cover you. If neither applies and you’re a Florida resident, the PIP on the vehicle that hit you may.
Hit and run. If the driver fled, uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your injuries if you or a relative you live with carries it.
Your deadline. Most negligence claims must be filed within 2 years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11
Steps that protect your claim.
Often, yes. Drivers still have a duty to avoid hitting people. Florida lets you recover if you are 50% or less at fault.
Call police and call me. If you or a relative you live with carries uninsured motorist coverage, it may pay your claim.
PIP from a relative you live with may cover you. If not, and you’re a Florida resident, the PIP on the car that hit you may.
Usually 2 years. Video and witnesses disappear much sooner.
Nothing unless we win. No fees or costs upfront.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Brain injury · Catastrophic injury · Property damage and diminished value · Car accidents
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026