When a Night Out Turns Into a Serious Accident
If you were hit while crossing the street at night in Miami or anywhere in South Florida, you know how fast everything can change. The region’s busy nightlife areas and entertainment districts draw large crowds after dark. But with heavy traffic, flashing lights, and distracted or impaired drivers, these same streets can become dangerous for pedestrians.
At the Law Offices of Leonard J. Valdes, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. You may be recovering from painful injuries, facing medical bills, or feeling unsure about what to say to the insurance company. Our Miami legal team is here to protect your rights, guide you through the process, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why Crosswalk Accidents Happen More Often at Night
Pedestrian accidents often occur in nightlife and entertainment districts where visibility and driver attention are reduced. In areas like Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive, Wynwood’s nightlife district, and the busy streets of Brickell, drivers are frequently distracted, unfamiliar with the area, or impaired.
Common causes of nighttime crosswalk crashes include:
- Drivers who fail to yield the right of way
- Poor lighting or obscured traffic signals
- Distracted driving from phones or GPS apps
- Speeding or reckless turns at intersections
- Impaired driving involving alcohol or drugs
Even a low-speed collision can result in severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or spinal damage. Knowing why these crashes happen helps you understand who may be responsible for your injuries.
What To Do After a Nighttime Crosswalk Accident in Miami
If you were struck in a crosswalk, your actions immediately after the crash can make a major difference in your case. Follow these steps to protect your health and your rights:
- Call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention right away. Always get checked by a medical care provider, even if your injuries seem minor, as adrenaline can mask serious internal injuries. Having a medical record created immediately after the crash strengthens your claim and helps establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident.
- Document everything at the scene. If you can, take photos or videos of the intersection, lighting conditions, street signs, and your injuries. Note exactly where the crash happened, such as along Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.
- Get the police report and witness information. Ask for a copy of the police report and collect names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the crash. Witness statements can help prove fault.
- Do not talk to the driver’s insurance company until you speak with an attorney. Insurance companies often call quickly after an accident, hoping you will settle before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Speaking to them without legal advice can hurt your case. Our firm can handle these conversations for you and protect your best interests.
- Contact a Miami pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage, lighting records, and witness memories fade. Reaching out to an attorney early ensures your case is built on solid evidence.
Your Rights Under Florida’s Pedestrian Laws
Under Florida law, pedestrians have the right to seek compensation when a driver’s negligence causes an injury. Negligence can include failing to yield at a crosswalk, driving distracted, or operating a vehicle while impaired.
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are found to be 50 percent or less responsible for the crash, Florida law still allows you to seek compensation for your losses. Beyond that threshold, you are barred from recovering damages.
If a negligent driver caused your injuries, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life
At the Law Offices of Leonard J. Valdes, we take the time to explain your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to pursue. We build every case with careful attention to detail, from accident reconstruction to expert medical documentation, to ensure your claim reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
Many pedestrian crashes in Miami’s entertainment and nightlife districts involve drivers who are distracted, drowsy, or under the influence. Others happen because rideshare or delivery drivers rush through intersections or fail to watch for people crossing at night.
We believe in holding negligent drivers and their insurers accountable. Our team investigates every detail, from lighting conditions to traffic signal timing, to prove fault and secure fair compensation. We are relentless in pursuing justice for injured pedestrians across South Florida.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Leonard J. Valdes
When you hire our firm, you work directly with attorneys who understand both the medical and legal sides of your recovery. Leonard J. Valdes brings a unique background as a licensed chiropractor and military veteran, giving him firsthand insight into how serious injuries affect your life and how to communicate those effects to insurers and juries.
Our clients appreciate our:
- Personalized approach to every case.
- Aggressive representation in negotiations and trial.
- Transparent communication from start to finish.
- Local knowledge of Miami-Dade County roadways, courts, and insurers.
- No-fee promise: you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Our firm’s insight into serious injury and pedestrian accident cases gives us a clear understanding of what it takes to protect injured pedestrians and their families. We are dedicated to helping injured pedestrians rebuild their lives and regain control after a serious accident.
Contact a Miami Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a crosswalk at night in Miami or another South Florida nightlife district, you deserve answers and strong legal guidance. Do not let the insurance company pressure you into settling before you understand your rights.
Call the Law Offices of Leonard J. Valdes today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Call 305-701-4659 or fill out our contact form to get started. You do not have to face this alone.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.