Pedestrian Accidents
Hiring a personal injury attorney is essential if you are injured in a pedestrian accident. Many accident victims represent themselves and don't receive the adequate compensation they need and deserve. Studies show that hiring the right attorney to handle a pedestrian accident case results in significantly higher compensation than an accident victim handling the case themselves. A significant amount of compensation is left on the table because accident victims don't know all the legalities and processes needed to maximize their compensation.
Insurance companies often offer injured parties minimal compensation because they know that accident victims don't understand all the steps necessary to get full compensation for their injuries. Frequently, insurance companies offer minimal amounts of compensation immediately after the accident to take advantage of the injured party. Until a proper diagnosis is assessed, future injuries or medical treatment are unknown. Therefore, it is imperative to see a doctor to properly assess your injuries immediately after the accident. We can help guide victims through the whole process. At Rodriguez & Williamson, PLLC, we will fight on your behalf, ensuring that you get the compensation for medical, repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Florida
Injuries sustained from pedestrian accidents can range from minor to fatal. The types of immediate bodily injuries that are often involved in personal injury claims include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and cuts
- Nerve damage
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chronic pain
All of these injuries can be serious and life-threatening. Regardless of the severity, all bodily injuries are compensable if you are the accident victim. In many cases, psychological, mental, and emotional injuries can be compensable too.
Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
The type of injuries you sustain often results from the location of the pedestrian accident. The most common locations include:
- Crosswalks: Accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians.
- Sidewalks: Vehicles that lose control can injure pedestrians walking on sidewalks.
- Parking Lots: Drivers reversing or navigating parking spaces may not see pedestrians.
- Residential Areas: Speeding or distracted driving in neighborhoods can lead to accidents.
- School Zones: High pedestrian activity and distracted drivers can cause accidents.
Liability for injuries can often be determined by the location of the accident. However, accidents can be complex events, and a thorough investigation is necessary to understand where liability falls.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Pedestrian accidents happen due to many reasons, typically grouped into three categories: drivers, pedestrians, and environment.
Drivers
- Intoxicated driving (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, illicit drugs)
- Distracted driving (e.g., eating, texting, disciplining children)
- Drowsy driving or falling asleep while driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
Pedestrians
- Jaywalking
- Walking while distracted (e.g., texting, using a phone)
- Not using crosswalks
Environment
- Poorly marked crosswalks
- Lack of pedestrian signals
- Inadequate lighting
- View obstructions
Most pedestrian accidents result from drivers' actions. When the cause of a pedestrian accident is clear, liability will also tend to be easily identifiable. However, more complex cases require the insight of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney and the knowledge and expertise of expert witnesses.
Benefits of Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Florida
After a pedestrian accident, insurance companies will investigate the cause of the incident to determine fault. They will then offer to cover the victim's expenses. However, insurance companies are for-profit entities, aiming to minimize the amount they pay in settlements.
When an insurance company offers a settlement, that offer may not represent the correct amount of compensation a victim deserves. Victims deserve to be compensated for their:
- Medical bills, past, and future
- Property damage
- Lost wages, past, and future
- Reduced earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- And more
Frequently, insurance settlement offers only cover medical bills and lost wages incurred so far. By hiring a lawyer and pursuing these other forms of compensation, accident victims can fight for what they deserve.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Florida Today
Pedestrian accidents can be straightforward or complex. Regardless, speaking to a pedestrian accident attorney is in your best interests. At Rodriguez and Williamson, PLLC, we work hard for our clients to obtain fair and just compensation. Contact us using our online form or call us directly at 813-320-7500 to schedule a free consultation today.