What To Do If You Get Into A Pedestrian Accident In Englewood
Mark A. Steinberg
Accident Lawyers
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that 8,106 pedestrian accidents occurred in Florida in 2020. Pedestrian crashes are accidents involving a vehicle crashing into a pedestrian. The aftermath of pedestrian crashes is gruesome for everyone involved. Of the pedestrian crashes reported, 714 resulted in fatalities and 6,333 resulted in injuries. How do you deal with a pedestrian accident in Englewood?Things To Consider If You Get Into A Pedestrian Accident
Seek Medical Care
Pedestrian accidents almost always results in injuries, which is why medical care should be the priority. Call 911 as fast as possible and check if you can perform first aid on the injured individual. Check yourself for injuries as well so you can get the proper medical care.
Do not hesitate to seek medical care. Getting medical care as soon as possible could make a difference between life and death in these situations. Furthermore, seeking medical care will help you claim benefits from your insurance company later on. Not seeking proper medical care right away may be grounds for your benefits' denial.
PIP Covers Pedestrian Accident
As a no-fault state, Florida requires all Englewood car owners to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage, which covers the owner's injuries and losses regardless of who is at fault. What many confuse is that PIP also covers injuries and disabilities caused by the owner. As long as the pedestrian is not covered by their own PIP insurance, they will be covered by the PIP insurance of the car owner.
Can The Pedestrian Sue The At-Fault Party?
As the victim of a pedestrian accident, the pedestrian certainly has the right to sue the at-fault party for damages and losses caused by the accident. However, Florida laws have specific rules regarding the circumstances that will allow the victim to sue the other party.
If you are covered by PIP insurance coverage, you can only sue the other party if the medical and/or disability costs exceed the amount covered by your coverage. Moreover, the victim needs to have sustained one or more of the following injuries:
• Significant or permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death
If you are not covered by PIP insurance, then you can sue the at-fault party for damages and losses regardless of the severity of your injuries or the costs of your medical treatments.
Can Another Insurance Cover Costs?
While PIP will be the primary insurance to cover the costs resulting in a pedestrian accident, other health insurance may cover the remaining medical costs. This will follow the usual process in hospitals wherein the bill will follow after they have treated you. However, you may need to coordinate with all your insurance providers regarding who will cover which costs.
Consult With An Englewood Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the costs and legal aspects of a pedestrian accident is indeed confusing, especially when you or your loved one is still recovering from the accident. An experience Englewood accident lawyer can help you consider the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action. Contact us now.