Should A Victim Hire An Attorney After A Pedestrian Crash?
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Just thinking about a car striking a pedestrian is enough to make most people cringe. The events are never pleasant as skin and bones are simply no match for machines. Those walking to get from here to there can sustain fractures, lacerations, and contusions when vehicles hit them. They can also lose limbs, become paralyzed, or obtain brain damage in such incidents. Internal bleeding and organ damage can come to fruition as well. As if all those things were not enough, people can also die in the episodes. Why are we discussing this matter? It is because these accidents happen more often than most folks believe, even right here in Florida. Do not just take our word for it, though. Instead, take a look at these recent headlines.
▪ WINK News – Pedestrian In Critical Condition After Immokalee Crash
▪ Patch – Pedestrian Dies Following Crash Sunday On Ulmerton Road
▪ Patch On MSN – Pedestrian Seriously Injured After Being Struck By Police SUV
▪ Fox 4 – FHP: Driver Arrested For DUI After Hitting Pedestrian And Dog
If You Still Don't Think These Accidents Are Severe, Check Out These Stats According to the FLHSMV, there were 403,626 total collisions in Florida in 2018. Pedestrians were involved in 9,356 of them. Those events caused 7,935 injuries and 720 fatalities. The figures do not lie; they reveal the true severity of the problem.
People walk to get to all sorts of places in the Sunshine State. They head to beaches, stores, work, amusement parks, and other locations on foot. It is a great way to save money by not having to buy gas for a car. Walking is also excellent exercise. It can help individuals shed excess pounds and get in shape.
However, drivers must always remain aware of their surroundings and avoid being negligent. If they fail to do so, they can strike pedestrians. Negligence comes in many forms. Some of which include:
▪ Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs And/Or Alcohol
▪ Speeding
▪ Rolling Through Stop Signs
▪ Distracted Driving
How An Accident Lawyer Can Help When Driver Negligence Occurs Victims may be entitled to compensation following pedestrian crashes involving negligence. Insurance companies do not like to play fair, though. Sometimes, they deny claims outright. On other occasions, they offer individuals low settlements that are nowhere near enough to cover medical expenses or funeral costs. The organizations keep delaying everything in the hopes of getting people to agree to the small figures. Their representatives realize that money can be tight for injured parties, and they exploit the issue.
Insurers also create documents with clauses that sign people’s rights to compensation away. Those typically do not hold up in court, but they can significantly slow things down. There is no point in letting an insurance company take advantage of you, and you should not have to break the bank just to pay for injuries that you did not cause. That is where putting an accident lawyer in your corner can prove beneficial.
The professional will fight and negotiate on your behalf to get the money you deserve. They will collect witness statements, police reports, and traffic camera footage to build a solid case. Other options they may use for that purpose include driver histories, cell phone records, and medical information.
Our clients do not have to worry about upfront payments because we offer free case reviews. Also, Floridians only pay if they win. It is a win-win situation. So hold the person responsible for your pedestrian crash and injuries accountable by giving us a call today.