Legal Assistance if You Were Hit By a Car While Walking or in a Parking Lot

Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Daniel Harwin

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Florida is a state with a large number of pedestrian accidents. Sunny days and pleasant weather encourage pedestrians to walk around, while overcrowded streets, senior drivers, and distracted drivers put pedestrians at risk. In 2016, there were 9,102 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 7,796 injuries and 667 fatalities. More people died as pedestrians than motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and DUI-related deaths the same year. If you have been in a pedestrian accident, call Freedland Harwin Valori Gander, PL before you do anything else. We can help protect your rights.

Pedestrian Rights and Responsibilities in Florida

As a pedestrian, you have the right-of-way at most intersections and crosswalks. If there is a walk signal, you must not walk until you have the OK to do so. If there is no signal, you can cross when it is safe.  Drivers also have the right of way but they must stop until you have completely crossed the road. You cannot step out in front of a moving vehicle that does not reasonably have enough time to brake, even if you have the right-of-way. If there is no marked crosswalk, one is implied at each intersection unless signs indicate otherwise. If a driver strikes you, compensation is likely available to you.

Too many drivers today are not devoting all, or even most, of their attention to the road when they drive. Unfortunately, distractions such as cell phones, food, and passengers capture their attention. Driver distraction is a main cause of pedestrian injuries and deaths in Florida. If a driver is looking down at his or her phone, it is easy to miss a pedestrian stepping out onto a crosswalk or a traffic light turning red. Also, mini or micro Sleeps from sleep deprived drivers can be even more dangerous than drunk driving.  In all of these cases, the injured pedestrian could bring a claim against the at-fault driver for negligent driving.

As an injured pedestrian, it is your right to speak to a lawyer about your legal rights.  If you suffered serious or permanent injuries in the collision, you have the right to pursue compensation outside of your insurance company. If this is the case, retain a lawyer. A good attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.

How We Can Help Maximize Your Compensation

Victims of pedestrian collisions often have broken bones, temporary or permanent disability, lacerations, disfigurement, and emotional scarring. These are damages that our team can help you recover with a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. We can assist you in the pursuit of compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other losses. It starts with an investigation of your accident to determine fault and identify your legal options. Then, we dive deeper into how to secure you maximum compensation.

When you hire a lawyer, you have our team behind you during settlement negotiations with a driver’s insurance company. The road to recovery starts with a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers. Speak with our attorneys today for more information.

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