Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately not uncommon in Florida and the risk is only increasing as cities here become more popular. Our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys will guide you through the legal process following a pedestrian accident and help you get the best possible outcome.
Call us today at (727) 821-3195 to schedule your free consultation or use our online contact form to get in touch. Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to personal injury claims, so don’t delay.
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
We put together a detailed guide if you were involved in pedestrian accidents; however, here are the key bullet points if you are in a rush:
- In Florida, drivers are required to stop at the scene of a pedestrian accident and provide their contact and insurance information.
- Pedestrians should seek medical attention after an accident, even if they do not think they were seriously injured, to assess and treat any injuries.
- Common injuries include: head injuries, neck/back injuries, broken bones, lacerations/bruises, sprains/strains, and internal injuries.
- Medical professionals such as emergency room doctors, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists may be needed depending on individual needs.
- The police should be immediately called to report the accident; bystanders can call on behalf of the injured pedestrian if necessary.
- Evidence collection techniques for victims or witnesses include: getting driver’s contact information (or license plate number if absent), collecting witness contact information, taking photos/videos of accident scene and recording details.
- An attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents claims can help understand legal rights & options, collect & preserve evidence from the accident scene as well as negotiate with insurance companies & file lawsuits if necessary.
Pedestrian Accident Claims in Florida
A pedestrian accident is a type of traffic accident involving a pedestrian and a motor vehicle. Pedestrian accidents can occur in a variety of ways, such as when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, walking along the side of the road, or standing on the sidewalk.
In Florida, there are laws that impact pedestrian accident claims. For example, under Florida law, drivers are required to stop at the scene of a pedestrian accident and provide their contact and insurance information to anyone who was injured. In addition, Florida has comparative negligence laws, which means that the amount of damages a pedestrian can recover in a personal injury claim may be reduced by their own percentage of fault in the accident.
It is important for pedestrians who are involved in an accident in Florida to be familiar with the relevant laws and how they may impact their legal rights and options. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents can provide valuable guidance in this regard.
Seek Medical Attention ASAP
It is extremely important for someone who has been in a pedestrian accident to seek medical attention, even if they do not think they were seriously injured. This is because some injuries, such as concussions and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent, and it is important to ensure the health and well-being of the pedestrian.
In addition, seeking medical attention after a pedestrian accident is important for legal reasons. A medical examination can provide valuable evidence if the pedestrian decides to file a personal injury claim. It can also help to establish the extent of the pedestrian’s injuries and the potential long-term effects of the accident.
Furthermore, receiving prompt medical treatment can be crucial for the pedestrian’s physical and emotional recovery. It can help to reduce the severity of the injuries, prevent complications, and ensure that the pedestrian receives the appropriate care and support.
In conclusion, seeking medical attention after a pedestrian accident is essential for the pedestrian’s health and well-being, for legal reasons, and for the pedestrian’s physical and emotional recovery.
Injuries Commonly Linked To Florida Pedestrian Accidents
Here are some common injuries that pedestrians may sustain in accidents:
- Head injuries, such as concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones, particularly in the legs or feet
- Lacerations and bruises
- Sprains and strains
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
It’s important to note that the severity of injuries in pedestrian accidents can vary greatly, and can depend on a variety of factors such as the speed of the vehicle involved, the age and health of the pedestrian, and the location of the impact. If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess and treat any injuries.
Doctors (& Medical Professionals) Who Often Work With Pedestrian Accident Victims
After being hit by a car, a pedestrian may need to see a variety of medical professionals, depending on their injuries. Some of the medical professionals that a pedestrian may need to see after an accident include:
- An emergency room doctor: After a pedestrian accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess and treat any injuries. An emergency room doctor can provide initial treatment for a variety of injuries and can refer the patient to other specialists as needed.
- A neurologist: If a pedestrian sustains a head injury, they may need to see a neurologist, who is a doctor specialized in treating disorders of the nervous system. A neurologist can assess the severity of a head injury and recommend a treatment plan.
- An orthopedic surgeon: If a pedestrian sustains broken bones or other injuries to their musculoskeletal system, they may need to see an orthopedic surgeon. An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor specialized in treating conditions and injuries of the bones, joints, and muscles.
- A rehabilitation specialist: After a pedestrian accident, a patient may need to undergo rehabilitation to recover from their injuries and regain their mobility. A rehabilitation specialist, such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist, can help the patient with this process.
It’s important to note that the specific medical professionals that a pedestrian may need to see after an accident will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. It’s always best to follow the recommendations of medical professionals to ensure the best possible outcome.
Call The Police
If a pedestrian is hit by a car in Florida, they should immediately call the police to report the accident. When calling the police, the pedestrian should provide their name, contact information, and a description of the accident, as well as the location of the accident and any injuries they may have sustained.
What If You Are Severely Injured Or Otherwise Unable To Call 911 At The Scene?
If the pedestrian is severely injured and unable to contact the police themselves, a bystander or witness to the accident should call the police on their behalf. The bystander should provide the same information as the pedestrian would, including the location of the accident, a description of the accident, and any injuries that the pedestrian may have sustained.
If the pedestrian is unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate, the bystander should provide as much information as possible about the pedestrian, such as their name and contact information, if known. The bystander should also remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive and provide any assistance to the pedestrian that they can.
It’s important to remember that the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident has a legal obligation to stop and provide their information to the pedestrian, as well as to any witnesses to the accident. If the driver fails to do so, they can be charged with a hit-and-run, which is a serious offense in Florida. The pedestrian or their representative may need to follow up with the police to provide additional information and to ensure that the driver is held accountable for their actions.
It’s also important to remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive.
Stay At The Scene
Under Florida law, the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident is required to stop and provide their contact information to the pedestrian, as well as to any witnesses to the accident. The driver is also required to provide reasonable assistance to the pedestrian if they are injured, such as by calling for an ambulance or transporting them to a hospital if necessary.
If the driver fails to stop or provide their information, they can be charged with a hit-and-run, which is a serious offense in Florida. It’s important for the pedestrian to get as much information as possible about the driver and the vehicle involved in the accident, such as the license plate number, the make and model of the vehicle, and the driver’s contact information.
This information can be helpful in holding the driver accountable and obtaining compensation for any injuries or damages sustained in the accident.
How To Collect Evidence About A Pedestrian Accident
If a pedestrian is involved in an accident, or if a bystander witnesses an accident involving a pedestrian, there are several steps they can take to collect critical information about the accident. Here are some safe and effective ways to collect this information:
Get The Driver’s Contact Information
If the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident is present, the pedestrian or bystander should get their contact information, including their name, phone number, and insurance information. If the driver is not present, the pedestrian or bystander should try to get the license plate number of the vehicle and any other identifying information, such as the make and model of the vehicle.
Get The Contact Information Of Any Witnesses
If there are any witnesses to the accident, the pedestrian or bystander should get their contact information, including their name and phone number. This information can be useful in helping to reconstruct the events of the accident and can be helpful in obtaining compensation for the pedestrian’s injuries.
Take Photos Or Videos Of The Accident Scene
If possible, the pedestrian or bystander should take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the location of the accident, the positions of the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries to the pedestrian. This evidence can be helpful in proving the cause of the accident and can be used to support the pedestrian’s claim for compensation.
Record The Details Of The Accident
The pedestrian or bystander should try to record as many details about the accident as possible, including the time and date of the accident, the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident, and any other relevant information. This information can be helpful in reconstructing the events of the accident and can be used to support the pedestrian’s claim.
It’s important to remember that the pedestrian’s safety should be the top priority, and any efforts to collect information should not put the pedestrian or bystanders at risk. If the pedestrian is severely injured and needs immediate medical attention, they should be transported to a hospital as soon as possible, and the police should be notified so that they can investigate the accident.
Contact A Florida Based Attorney Who Specializes In Pedestrian Accident Claims
If a pedestrian is hit by a car, there are several compelling reasons for them to contact an attorney who specializes in pedestrian accident claims. Here are some of the main benefits of hiring an attorney in this situation:
Understand Your Legal Rights And Options
After being hit by a car, a pedestrian may not be aware of their legal rights and options. An attorney who specializes in pedestrian accident claims can help the pedestrian understand their rights and can advise them on the best course of action to take.
Get Expert Help Collecting & Preserving Evidence From The Accident
In order to prove fault and obtain compensation for their injuries, the pedestrian will need to collect and preserve evidence of the accident. An attorney can help the pedestrian with this process, by taking photos of the accident scene, obtaining witness statements, and gathering other evidence that may be relevant to the case.
Your Attorney Will Negotiate With The Insurance Company
After an accident, the pedestrian may be contacted by the driver’s insurance company, who may offer a settlement. An attorney can help the pedestrian evaluate the settlement offer and can negotiate on their behalf to ensure that they receive a fair settlement that covers all of their injuries and damages.
Your Attorney Will File A Lawsuit (If Necessary)
In some cases, the pedestrian may need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for their injuries. An attorney who specializes in pedestrian accident claims can help the pedestrian with this process, by drafting and filing the necessary legal documents, representing the pedestrian in court, and advocating for their rights and interests.
Overall, hiring an attorney who specializes in pedestrian accident claims can provide the pedestrian with valuable legal advice and representation, and can help them obtain the compensation they need and deserve for their injuries and damages.
Don’t Make The Same Mistake Sarah Did After Her Pedestrian Accident In Florida
Sarah was walking home from the grocery store on a busy street in Tampa, when a car came speeding around the corner and hit her. She was thrown to the ground, and the driver didn’t stop to check on her or provide their information. Fortunately, a witness to the accident called 911 and stayed with Sarah until the ambulance arrived.
Sarah was rushed to the hospital, where she was treated for a concussion, a broken arm, and several deep cuts and bruises. She was in pain and scared and didn’t know what to do.
The hospital discharged Sarah a few days later, and she went home to recover. She was overwhelmed by the medical bills and couldn’t work because of her injuries. She decided not to contact a lawyer, because she didn’t think it was worth the hassle and didn’t want to spend any more money.
But as the weeks went by, Sarah’s injuries didn’t heal as quickly as she had hoped. She had to undergo several surgeries and physical therapy sessions, and her medical bills continued to pile up. She struggled to pay her rent and other bills, and her credit score suffered as a result.
Meanwhile, the driver who had hit her was never found, and Sarah didn’t have any insurance to cover her injuries or damages. She felt helpless and frustrated and wished she had hired a lawyer to help her with her case.
If Sarah had contacted a lawyer who specialized in pedestrian accident claims, the lawyer could have helped her understand her legal rights and options, and could have advised her on the best course of action to take. The lawyer could have collected and preserved evidence of the accident, and could have negotiated with the insurance company on her behalf to ensure that she received a fair settlement.
But because Sarah didn’t contact a lawyer, she was left to deal with the aftermath of the accident on her own, and ended up suffering financial and emotional hardships as a result.
Book A Free Pedestrian Accident Consultation With An Attorney
As a pedestrian in Florida, you have the right to be safe on the road. Unfortunately, accidents happen and, when they do, the consequences can be severe. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible.
At Herman & Wells, our personal injury lawyers specialize in pedestrian accident claims and have a track record of success. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of pedestrians and holding reckless drivers accountable for their actions.
Don’t let a pedestrian accident ruin your life. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.