It’s no secret that Florida has one of the highest rates of pedestrian accidents in the U.S. Most of these accidents are avoidable since they are mainly caused by distracted driving. However, you can contact a personal injury lawyer if you’ve suffered injuries or losses in a pedestrian accident due to a driver’s negligence. The lawyer will help you file a claim for compensation and get a desirable outcome.
What Are Some of the Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents?
Apart from distracted driving, other factors that also contribute to the high rate of pedestrian crashes in this state include:
- Drunk driving
- Road sign malfunctions
- Commercial trucks
- Motorcycles
- Public transport vehicles such as buses and trains
Suppose you’ve been hit by a vehicle. In that case, you can seek compensation from the employer of the responsible driver, a property owner, or even the government, depending on the cause of the crash.
Things to do in the Immediate Aftermath of a Crash
Being involved in a pedestrian crash can not only cause serious injuries but might also leave you feeling shocked and disoriented. Even so, you are advised to stay calm as you navigate the aftermath of the crash. Your reaction may affect your chances of getting a fair outcome if you file for damages. Ideally, you should:
- Provide a statement to the law enforcement officers at the scene
- Document the scene of the accident as much as you can by taking photos and videos of the site and vehicle
- Get the name and contact information of any eyewitnesses who are willing to provide that information
- Visit a hospital to get your injuries examined and treated
- Stick to your treatment plan and be sure to attend any follow-up appointments
- Track the healing process of your injuries and overall health in daily journal entries
- Not agree to an out-of-court settlement without speaking to a personal injury attorney
- Avoid sharing details of the accident on social media
- Consult a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer
The At-Fault Driver is Liable
Regarding car accidents, Florida operates under a “no-fault” system. However, in the case of pedestrian crashes, the aggrieved party can file for damages against the at-fault driver. To prove fault in this type of accident, you have to demonstrate that the other party’s negligence directly caused the crash. However, it’s important to note that any contribution on your part as the injured party is also considered. According to this comparative negligence framework, the amount of compensation you’re owed may be slashed depending on your responsibility for the crash.
Consult a Competent Attorney to Help You Seek Recourse
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident and are looking to file for compensation, you must speak to a personal injury lawyer at the earliest time possible. Unfortunately, you only have a fixed 4-year window to file a personal injury claim in Florida. As such, hiring an experienced lawyer will help speed up the process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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