When a pedestrian gets hit by a car while they are on foot, the damage they suffer can be far worse than what a person inside a vehicle is likely to experience.
At JustCallMoe, we understand the pain and suffering you feel after a pedestrian accident. Our Winter Haven pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to give you the support and guidance you need as you pursue full compensation for your injuries.
What Can a Winter Haven Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do for You?
Pedestrian accidents can lead to catastrophic damage, possibly necessitating lengthy medical treatment and time away from work. Your focus should be on rest, recovery and staying as stress-free as possible during this time. Your Winter Haven pedestrian accident attorney can bear the legal burdens of your case for you so you can focus on returning to your daily life with peace of mind.
Our team at JustCallMoe handles your case by:
- Investigating the cause of your pedestrian accident
- Collecting evidence to establish the driver’s fault
- Submitting paperwork and even helping you file your initial claim
- Negotiating with the insurance company and other lawyers
- Representing you in court if necessary
We know that every minute counts in a personal injury case. Our team will move your case forward in a timely manner and help you understand the timeline related to your claim and the results you can expect to see.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Winter Haven?
Pedestrian accidents, like any other type of car accident, are the result of at least one person acting with negligence.
Your Winter Haven pedestrian accident lawyer plays a key part in determining who was guilty of negligence at the time of the accident and proving it to the insurance company. Common examples of negligence that lead to pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to yield or stop at intersections
- Failing to see pedestrians when reversing
The common thread between these potential causes is that they all involve a driver failing to notice a pedestrian either through carelessness or choosing to drive under conditions that affect their reaction time. These are prime examples of negligence that serve as the basis of fault in an accident case.
Where Do Pedestrians Commonly Get Hit?
Understanding where pedestrian accidents commonly occur can help strengthen your personal injury case. Your Winter Haven pedestrian accident lawyer might assert that the at-fault driver should be aware that these areas are more likely to have pedestrians and that they owe a greater duty of care as a result. Some of these locations where a car might be more likely to hit a pedestrian include:
- Parking lots
- Dense urban areas
- Residential neighborhoods
- Driveways
- Traffic intersections
The location of your pedestrian accident may also provide you with valuable evidence that strengthens your claim. If someone hit you in a parking lot or a major intersection, for example, your legal team may be able to obtain footage from security cameras or traffic cameras that captured the moment of the collision.
What Should You Do if a Car Hits You While on Foot?
Experiencing a pedestrian accident is a thoroughly shocking event. Your next steps after a car hits you are very important, but you might understandably be too shaken to react appropriately. If possible, try to keep a clear mind and take these actions as soon as you can:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Pedestrian accidents can cause devastating damage, so it is crucial you get medical attention even if you initially feel fine.
- Document the incident: If you require treatment after your accident, be sure to maintain comprehensive medical records. Photograph your injuries when it is safe to do so.
- Contact the police: If you do not have to leave the scene for medical or safety reasons, contact the police right away and obtain a copy of the police report to strengthen your claim.
- Call your Winter Haven pedestrian accident lawyer: Involving a pedestrian accident attorney in Winter Haven early on in the process ensures you have the support you need every step of the way.
- Report the accident to your insurance company: Your lawyer can help you know what to say when you call your insurance company and begin the claims process.
What Are Florida’s Pedestrian Laws?
When a pedestrian accident occurs, the driver is clearly at fault if they are violating traffic laws at the time of the accident. However, there are also pedestrian laws that individuals must abide by when they are traveling on or near the roadways on foot. Pedestrians who are in violation of these laws at the time of an accident may be partially at fault and could lose the rights to some or all of the compensation they would otherwise receive for their damages.
Florida’s pedestrian laws state that individuals should use sidewalks when they are available or use the shoulder of the road when there is no sidewalk. Pedestrians should never stand in the road or cross in areas where a driver cannot yield the right of way. Instead, pedestrians should cross at designated crosswalks whenever possible.
Do Insurance Companies Try To Blame Pedestrians?
When you and your Winter Haven pedestrian accident lawyer are pursuing compensation for your damages, you will inevitably have to deal with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. Keep in mind that the insurance company will prioritize acting in their own interests and in the interests of their policyholders. If the circumstances and the evidence seem to be in their favor, the insurance company might attempt to blame you for causing the accident.
Having legal representation can make all the difference in these situations. Your legal team will help make sure you have all the right evidence and documentation on your side. Personal injury lawyers also have the advantage of understanding insurance policies as well as the insurance provider does, leveling the playing field and ensuring that no one takes advantage of you.
Contact Our Winter Haven Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you are suffering from severe injuries or struggling to get a fair settlement from the insurance company after a pedestrian accident, it can feel like the odds are against you. At JustCallMoe, our team believes in providing genuine support and assistance so you are never alone in tackling your personal injury claim. Contact our Winter Haven pedestrian accident lawyers today to learn more about what we can do for you, at (866) 225-5663 or online using our form.