$110,000 Settlement for Pedestrian Injured in Hillsborough County Parking Lot
Struck While Working, Our Client Got the Justice He Deserved
A routine workday ended in an ambulance ride for a Hillsborough County man after he was struck by a vehicle while on the clock. The pedestrian accident happened in broad daylight, in a place that should have been safe—a private parking lot.
What followed was a painful leg fracture, hospital treatment, and a drawn-out fight with the insurance company. Despite clear video evidence showing the driver’s inattention, the insurer initially offered just $10,000 for the injury. That’s when Armando Personal Injury Law stepped in and secured a $110,000 settlement to help our client move forward.
Pedestrian Hit by Distracted Driver in Broad Daylight
The crash occurred on November 23, 2021, in the parking lot at 8354 W Hillsborough Avenue. Our client, a man in his 50s, was performing work duties and walking between buildings when a vehicle passed by too closely—and struck him.
The driver was not speeding or intoxicated. But he wasn’t paying attention either. According to the police narrative and our independent review of the surveillance footage, the driver failed to see the pedestrian because he was focused elsewhere—likely distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle.
Our client, meanwhile, had no chance to react. He exited from a breezeway and began crossing the traffic lane between buildings when the front of the vehicle hit him. There were no skid marks, no warning. Just sudden pain and trauma that would lead to months of recovery.
Fractured Tibia and Fibula Lead to Hospitalization and Rehab
The impact caused serious orthopedic injuries. Our client was rushed by EMS to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where X-rays revealed fractures to both the tibia and fibula in one leg.
These are weight-bearing bones, and injuries to both often require extensive immobilization, potential surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. In this case, our client endured a difficult recovery marked by pain, limited mobility, and time off work. The trauma didn’t just affect his body—it disrupted his livelihood and daily independence.
Despite these facts, the insurance company took a predictable stance.
Insurance Company Offers $10K—Even With Video Evidence
Shortly after the crash, the at-fault driver’s insurer reviewed the case and offered just $10,000 to settle the claim. This, despite:
- A documented pedestrian impact
- An EMS report and hospital documentation of fractures
- Clear surveillance footage showing our client walking visibly in the open when struck
It’s a tactic we see all the time. When a victim isn’t in a crosswalk or public roadway, insurers often try to downplay responsibility—especially in parking lot cases, which they like to frame as “no-fault” zones. But the truth is simple: every driver has a duty to avoid hitting pedestrians, no matter the location.
We weren’t about to let our client accept pennies for a life-altering injury.
Filing a Lawsuit Helped Force Accountability
When negotiations stalled, our legal team got to work. We gathered the video evidence, documented our client’s medical trajectory, and pushed back on every excuse the insurance company raised.
We showed how distracted driving—regardless of speed or location—can and does lead to devastating outcomes. And we positioned the case for trial.
That was the turning point.
Faced with a strong liability case and a firm ready to take it to court, the insurer increased its offer. The result: a $110,000 settlement, more than 10x the initial figure. The compensation helped cover medical expenses, lost income, and the toll the crash took on our client’s life.
How Florida Law Protects Injured Pedestrians on Private Property
One of the key challenges in this case was that the crash occurred on private property—a parking lot. Insurance companies often try to use this fact to their advantage, arguing that traffic laws don’t apply the same way outside public roads. But under Florida law, drivers still owe a duty of care to others, whether they’re on a highway or maneuvering through a commercial lot.
That means a driver can still be held responsible for hitting a pedestrian if their actions were careless, distracted, or inattentive.
Our legal team focused on this duty of care. We used witness statements, surveillance footage, and the crash report to show the driver had every opportunity to avoid the incident—and failed to do so. We emphasized that just because there aren’t crosswalks or traffic signals in a parking lot doesn’t mean pedestrians lose their rights. Drivers must always remain aware of their surroundings and take reasonable steps to avoid a crash.
Parking Lot Pedestrian Accidents Are More Serious Than People Think
Many people assume pedestrian accidents only happen in traffic or at intersections. But parking lots can be just as dangerous—especially when drivers aren’t looking for people on foot.
The truth is, modern distractions like phones, GPS devices, and even vehicle displays can cause a driver to miss what’s right in front of them. When that happens, the victim pays the price.
Our client did everything right. He was visible, moving at a safe pace, and focused on his job. Yet he was still hit—and had to fight for compensation every step of the way.
The Importance of Surveillance Footage in Proving Fault
What truly shifted the momentum in this case was the availability of video footage. Surveillance from a nearby camera captured the moment our client emerged into the lane—and the vehicle that struck him.
Video evidence in pedestrian cases is incredibly valuable. Unlike verbal statements or written reports, it gives juries, judges, and insurers a clear, indisputable view of what happened. In this instance, the footage showed that our client was moving at a normal walking pace, in broad daylight, and was visible to any alert driver.
We used that footage to counter the insurer’s arguments, eliminate ambiguity, and build pressure for a fair settlement. Without it, the case would’ve come down to conflicting narratives—exactly the type of scenario insurance companies exploit.
That’s why one of the first things we do in serious injury cases is secure any available footage, whether it’s from a business security system, traffic camera, or even a bystander’s smartphone. It can make all the difference in holding a negligent driver accountable.
You Don’t Have to Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer
If you're a pedestrian who’s been hit by a car and injured—especially in a parking lot or private property setting—don’t let the insurance company dismiss your claim. Even when liability seems clear, insurers will often argue you "should’ve been watching" or “weren’t in a designated crossing area.” That doesn’t excuse a driver’s inattention.
At Armando Personal Injury Law, we’ve handled many cases just like this one, and we know how to overcome the excuses. We don’t accept lowball offers. We dig in, prove liability, and fight for full compensation.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, we’re ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation—and find out how we can put our experience to work for you.
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