Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Winter Park

Pedestrian accidents can result in life-changing injuries, and victims may struggle to receive fair compensation from insurance companies or negligent drivers. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Winter Park, having a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer on your side can make a difference. Donaldson & Weston is here to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today at 561-821-3898 to schedule your free consultation.

How Speeding Drivers Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are often sudden and devastating. In a matter of seconds, a person walking through a crosswalk or standing at an intersection can be struck by a fast-moving vehicle. While many factors can play a role in these accidents, speeding is one of the most consistent and dangerous contributors. Drivers who exceed the speed limit or fail to slow down in pedestrian-heavy areas significantly increase the chances of serious injury or death.

In a place like Winter Park, where neighborhoods, schools, and busy intersections are common, the risk is real. Understanding how speeding contributes to these incidents is the first step toward prevention—and accountability when someone gets hurt.

Why speed makes a difference in pedestrian crashes

The faster a vehicle travels, the less time the driver has to react. This delay becomes critical when someone suddenly steps into a crosswalk or a child runs into the street. Even a difference of 10 miles per hour can mean the difference between stopping in time and a severe impact.

More importantly, higher speeds make injuries worse. A pedestrian hit by a car going 20 miles per hour may suffer serious injuries, but they are more likely to survive. At 40 miles per hour, the likelihood of fatal injuries increases dramatically. Speed reduces reaction time, increases stopping distance, and worsens outcomes across the board.

Common places where speeding leads to pedestrian harm

Not all roads carry the same level of risk. Speed-related pedestrian accidents are more likely to happen in areas where people and cars share space. These include:

• School zones – Speed limits are lower for a reason. Children are unpredictable, and drivers need to be alert and moving slowly.

• Residential neighborhoods – Local roads are often lined with sidewalks and driveways, yet some drivers still speed through them without caution.

• Downtown streets – Places like Park Avenue in Winter Park have high foot traffic. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed put everyone at risk.

• Intersections and crosswalks – Pedestrians rely on signals and marked paths. Speeding drivers are more likely to run red lights or fail to yield.

• Parking lots – While speeds are lower, lack of attention and sudden movement still cause collisions in these close-quarter spaces.

How Florida law views speeding in pedestrian accidents

Florida law holds drivers responsible for operating their vehicles safely. When a driver breaks the speed limit or drives too fast for the conditions, they may be found negligent. That includes not just posted speed limits, but also situations where a lower speed is required for safety—such as near a crosswalk or in heavy rain.

If a pedestrian is hit by a speeding driver, that speeding behavior becomes a major factor in determining liability. Even if the pedestrian was crossing mid-block or not in a crosswalk, speeding can still shift a large portion of the fault onto the driver.

Evidence that supports a pedestrian injury claim involving speed

Proving that a driver was speeding isn’t always simple, but several types of evidence can support the claim:

• Witness statements – People nearby may have seen the car going much faster than other vehicles.

• Surveillance or dashcam footage – Video can confirm speed, point of impact, and how the crash unfolded.

• Accident reconstruction – Experts can measure skid marks, vehicle damage, and other data to estimate speed.

• Police reports – If the officer noted that the driver was speeding or issued a citation, that information can help build the case.

Each of these pieces can help establish that the driver’s speed was unsafe and directly led to the injury.

Why speeding is especially dangerous for pedestrians

Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no protection. They are exposed and vulnerable in every collision. When hit at high speed, they are more likely to be thrown, suffer head injuries, or experience multiple impacts from the car and the ground.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Broken bones

• Internal bleeding

• Spinal cord injuries

• Permanent disfigurement

The physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and families can be overwhelming. Recovery is often long and uncertain, and in the worst cases, fatal.

Holding a Speeding Driver Accountable 

If a driver’s speed caused or contributed to a pedestrian accident, the injured person has the right to pursue compensation. This includes:

• Medical expenses (past and future)

• Lost wages or reduced earning ability

• Pain and suffering

• Long-term rehabilitation or disability costs

In fatal cases, surviving family members may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate this process and build a case that shows how speeding played a role.

What to do after a pedestrian accident

If you or a loved one is hit by a vehicle, your focus should be on safety and documentation:

• Call 911 and seek medical attention right away.
• Try to take photos of the scene, if possible.
• Get contact information from any witnesses.
• Ask for a copy of the police report once it is available.
• Avoid speaking to the driver’s insurance company before talking with a lawyer.

The more evidence you gather early on, the stronger your case will be. Memory fades quickly, and physical evidence can disappear. Acting fast helps preserve important details.

A local problem with wide-reaching consequences

In communities like Winter Park, the balance between pedestrian activity and road traffic is delicate. Locals and visitors alike enjoy walkable spaces, but they can become dangerous when drivers don’t respect the rules of the road. Speeding not only increases the chance of a crash—it removes a driver’s ability to prevent one. A moment of impatience or distraction can change lives.

Pedestrian safety starts with responsible driving. But when that responsibility is ignored, the law provides a path for victims to seek justice. If you or someone you know was struck by a speeding driver, don’t assume it was just bad luck. Speeding is a choice, and that choice comes with consequences. Legal support can help you understand your rights and hold the responsible party accountable.

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident

When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, the results can be life-changing. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and secure financial recovery for your injuries. At Donaldson & Weston, we are committed to standing up for injured pedestrians in Winter Park. Call us at 561-821-3898 today to schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer who is ready to fight on your behalf.