Pedestrian Hit by a Car in Sarasota? Here’s What to Do Next
If you’re hit by a car as a pedestrian in Sarasota, your first steps should include calling 911, seeking immediate medical attention, and reporting the crash to law enforcement. It’s also critical to gather evidence at the scene—such as driver information and witness contacts—and avoid making statements to insurance companies before consulting a lawyer. Florida law allows injured pedestrians to pursue compensation even if they were partially at fault. Your recovery may include damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Protecting your legal rights from the beginning can greatly affect the outcome of your case.
Read on for a step-by-step guide on what to do after a pedestrian accident in Sarasota, your rights under Florida law, and how Dannheisser Injury Law can help. To speak with an experienced Sarasota pedestrian injury lawyer, call 941-365-7600, submit our contact form, or start a live chat with us on our website.
Step 1 – Prioritize Your Safety and Health
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle, your first concern should be your safety. If you are in immediate danger (e.g., lying in the road or near traffic), try to move to a safer area if you’re physically able.
Once safe, call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for emergency medical assistance. Even if you feel okay, internal injuries and concussions are common in pedestrian accidents and might not show symptoms right away.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), nearly 10,000 pedestrian crashes occurred in Florida in 2023, resulting in over 700 fatalities. Prompt medical attention not only protects your health—it also documents your injuries for any future legal claim.
Step 2 – Call the Police and File a Crash Report
Florida law requires that accidents involving injuries or deaths be reported to law enforcement. In Sarasota, that means calling the Sarasota Police Department or Florida Highway Patrol. The responding officer will file a crash report and gather critical evidence, including driver information, witness statements, and scene conditions.
Be sure to request a copy of the police report. This official document can play a key role in any insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Step 3 – Gather Evidence (If You Can)
If you’re physically able to do so—or if someone with you can assist—gather as much evidence as possible:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Pictures of your injuries
- Contact information for the driver
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
- A written or voice memo detailing what happened
This information can become invaluable later, especially if the driver attempts to deny responsibility or if there are disputes with the insurance company.
Step 4 – Avoid Making Statements to Insurance Companies
Soon after the crash, you’ll likely get a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Be cautious. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so could harm your claim.
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to limit what they pay. Politely decline to discuss the accident until you’ve spoken to a Sarasota pedestrian accident lawyer.
Step 5 – Understand Your Legal Rights as a Pedestrian
In Florida, pedestrians have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by negligent drivers. Even if the driver claims you were partially at fault (e.g., jaywalking), you may still be entitled to compensation under Florida’s comparative fault laws.
Potential damages include:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
For a deeper look at these damages, visit our Sarasota Pedestrian Accident Lawyer page.
Step 6 – Consult a Sarasota Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Navigating a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident is complex—especially while you’re recovering. At Dannheisser Injury Law, we help injured pedestrians secure the compensation they need to move forward. We’ve spent decades holding negligent drivers, insurers, and even municipalities accountable.
Our team will:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial if needed
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
You Are Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
Being struck by a car is traumatic, and the aftermath can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Let Dannheisser Injury Law be your advocate and guide during this difficult time.
To learn more or speak directly with our team, call us at 941-365-7600, complete our contact form, or chat with us live on our website.
