Florida is undoubtedly one of the states with the highest rates of pedestrian accidents.
Most of these accidents are caused by drunk driving, distracted driving (particularly texting while driving), and other negligent behaviors exhibited by motorists on the road.
Suppose you’ve fallen victim to a pedestrian accident occasioned by the negligent actions of another driver. In that case, you must consult a Florida personal injury lawyer to help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases
It’s no secret that distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Florida. However, it’s far from the only factor contributing to this state’s high rates of pedestrian accidents. Other common causes of pedestrian crashes include:
- Drunk driving
- Malfunctioning road signs
- Commercial trucks
- Motorcycles
- Public transportation such as trains and buses
- Incidents with rideshare vehicles
If a driver has hit you, you may be able to seek recourse from them, their employer, a property owner, or a government entity.
What To Do In The Aftermath of an Accident
Granted, the immediate aftermath of an accident can leave you injured, shocked, and disoriented.
However, what you say and how you react following an accident has a significant bearing on whether or not you’ll get the outcome you desire if you file a damages claim.
That said, below are some of the things you should do:
- Provide a statement to the police.
- Document the accident scene by taking photos and videos of the crash site, your injuries, vehicle type, and road conditions.
- Get the names and contact details of any eyewitnesses.
- Take yourself to a hospital to be examined and treated for any injuries.
- Adhere to your treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Document your injuries and how you feel in a journal during your recovery period.
- Do not accept any out-of-court settlement without consulting an attorney.
- Refrain from discussing the accident or sharing it on social media.
- Speak to a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer.
The At-Fault Party Is Liable
The state of Florida follows a “no-fault” liability system regarding car accidents. But, in the event of a pedestrian crash, the injured party may file a claim with the at-fault driver. That said, there are specific protocols that you must follow if the case involves a government entity.
To prove fault in a pedestrian accident, you’ll be required to demonstrate that the other party was negligent. It’s worth bearing in mind that the inquired party’s contribution is also considered. This is known as “comparative negligence.”
According to this system, the inquired party may have their damage recovery reduced based on their degree of responsibility. In other words, they may have their damage claim amount slashed if they are found to have contributed to the accident by being negligent in one way or another.
Get The Best Attorney To Help You File a Claim
If you’ve suffered injuries or other losses in a pedestrian accident, you should consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
In Florida, you can have a 4-year fixed window for filing a personal injury claim. As such, enlisting the services of a competent lawyer will help you expedite the process to ensure you receive the compensation owed to you.
