Trick-or-Treat Night Pedestrian Crashes in Tampa: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

Halloween in Tampa is an exciting time for families and children as they embark on a night of trick-or-treating. However, behind the fun and excitement, there is an increased risk for pedestrian accidents. With busy streets filled with excited kids and distracted drivers, the likelihood of accidents rises significantly. As a result, it’s essential to understand the steps you should take in the first 48 hours after a pedestrian crash on Halloween night. 

Why Pedestrian Accidents Are More Common on Halloween in Tampa

Halloween is a night that brings with it a unique set of risks, particularly for pedestrians. Tampa’s neighborhoods, especially areas like Hyde Park, Westshore, and Seminole Heights, experience high foot traffic as children roam the streets, eager for candy. The combination of excitement, dark costumes, poor visibility, and often distracted drivers creates an environment where pedestrian accidents can happen quickly. Halloween night’s festive nature can also lead to drivers speeding or failing to pay close attention to their surroundings.

The excitement of trick-or-treating often results in children darting across streets unpredictably. It’s easy to forget that kids may be focused on their costumes and candy, not on their safety. Pedestrian accidents on Halloween tend to be more severe due to the darkness, making it difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians early enough to avoid a collision. The surge in traffic and foot traffic makes it essential to be vigilant on this high-risk night.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Attorney

Molli Gard, ESQ.

Attorney

What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident

In the event of a pedestrian accident on Halloween night, the immediate steps you take can have a significant impact on your health, safety, and legal case. The critical first moments following the accident are crucial to ensuring your well-being and preserving evidence for any legal claims.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

Call 911 for Emergency Assistance

The first thing to do is to ensure that medical help is on the way. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it’s crucial to be assessed by medical professionals. Pedestrian accidents often result in injuries that may not be immediately visible, such as internal injuries, concussions, or fractures. Prompt medical attention ensures you are evaluated for all potential injuries, even if they don’t show symptoms right away.

Stay at the Scene of the Accident

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to remain at the scene. Never leave, even if the driver or another party attempts to leave. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in serious legal consequences. If the driver involved leaves, they are committing a hit-and-run, and it is crucial to report this to law enforcement right away. Documenting details such as the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number can help investigators later identify the responsible party.

Gather Evidence from the Scene

After you’ve called for medical help and law enforcement, if possible, gather evidence from the scene. Take photographs of the accident scene, including the location, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Additionally, try to collect information from any witnesses who may have seen the incident. Collect their names and contact details, as their statements can be invaluable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.

Related Videos

Report the Accident to Authorities

Even if you don’t immediately feel pain or discomfort, make sure that a police report is filed. Law enforcement officials are trained to handle accident scenes and will gather important details, such as the cause of the accident, the condition of the driver, and other relevant factors. The police report serves as an official document that can be used in any insurance claims or lawsuits related to the accident. In Tampa, it is important to file a police report with the Tampa Police Department or the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, depending on the accident’s location.

The First 48 Hours Following a Pedestrian Crash in Tampa

The initial 48 hours after a pedestrian accident are critical in terms of your health and any legal claims. During this time, important steps need to be taken to ensure that your rights are protected, and that you’re fully prepared for the legal process ahead.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

One of the first actions you should take is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in pedestrian accidents. At Serrano Law, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options. An experienced lawyer will help you navigate the complex process of filing a personal injury claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Personal injury cases involving pedestrian accidents can be complicated, and it’s essential to have a legal expert by your side.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

View More Results

Track Your Medical Treatment and Expenses

During the first 48 hours, it’s important to start tracking all medical treatments and expenses. This includes any emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medications, and other treatments related to your injuries. Keeping accurate records will be vital if you need to pursue compensation for medical costs and lost wages. Tampa’s healthcare providers are accustomed to working with individuals involved in accidents, and they will document the extent of your injuries, which can play a crucial role in your case.

Avoid Settling Too Quickly

In some cases, insurance companies may try to settle your claim quickly to minimize their payout. It’s important to avoid accepting any settlement offers without first consulting with your attorney. The full extent of your injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a quick settlement may not cover all of your future medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. An attorney can help you assess the value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your damages.

Understanding Tampa’s Legal Process for Pedestrian Accidents

The legal process following a pedestrian accident in Tampa can be complex, but with the right legal team, you can ensure that your case is handled efficiently. Serrano Law specializes in representing victims of pedestrian accidents in Hillsborough County, and we understand how to investigate the facts of your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Assessing Fault and Liability in Tampa Pedestrian Accidents

Determining fault in a pedestrian accident is an important part of the legal process. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that fault for an accident can be shared between multiple parties. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. A skilled personal injury lawyer will help you assess fault and ensure that your rights are protected.

What to Expect During the Claims Process

Once you’ve taken the necessary steps in the first 48 hours, your attorney will guide you through the process of filing a claim with the insurance company or pursuing a lawsuit if necessary. The claims process may involve gathering medical records, witness statements, and accident reports. It’s important to be patient and follow your attorney’s advice to maximize the chances of a successful claim.

Halloween in Tampa is an exciting event, but it comes with a heightened risk of pedestrian accidents. By taking quick action in the first 48 hours, you can protect your health and your rights. If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian crash, contact Serrano Law today for a free consultation. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about this subject click here: What if I was a pedestrian or cyclist injured by a rideshare vehicle in Lutz, Florida?