Plantation, FL Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Demanding Justice
If you were hit by a car and injured, we can fight for the compensation you deserve
A pedestrian never expects to be struck by a car when out for a walk or run. However, the unexpected can happen to anyone, no matter how cautious they are. If you were left with serious injuries in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you deserve financial compensation for the damages you suffered.
But the claims process can be complicated and confusing, and insurance companies will try to pay you less than you deserve. The experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Feingold Posner Draizin fight for the injured in Plantation and throughout Broward County. We know what it takes to get results.
Causes of pedestrian accidents in Plantation, FL
All drivers are required to follow Florida’s traffic laws and exercise due care when operating motor vehicles. One of their responsibilities is to stay alert at all times and watch out for pedestrians. Unfortunately, drivers are not always responsible. Examples of driver negligence that can lead to an accident include:
- Speeding – A car traveling at high speeds is likely to cause life-threatening injuries to pedestrians. Car drivers are legally required to drive within the posted speed limit and stop for pedestrians at or in crosswalks.
- Failure to yield – Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers roll through stop signs or otherwise fail to yield to pedestrians who have the right of way.
- Distracted driving – Inattentive driving is one of the most common reasons drivers hit pedestrians. A driver may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision if they are distracted by their cell phone or any other handheld electronic device. Daydreaming, eating, and other distracting activities may also result in a pedestrian accident.
- Driving while intoxicated – Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law, and for good reason. Driving under the influence affects the driver’s reaction time, judgment, vision, and coordination, which increases the risk of a pedestrian accident.
- Failure to take precautions when backing up – Pedestrians are at risk of being struck by motor vehicles backing up, especially if the driver fails to check their rear- and side-view mirrors.
Pedestrian Accidents FAQ
- Do pedestrians always have the right of way?
- What if the insurance company accuses me of being partially at fault for my pedestrian accident?
- Who will pay my medical bills after a pedestrian accident?
- What types of compensation can I seek after my pedestrian accident in Plantation?
- How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident in Florida?
Determining fault in Florida pedestrian accidents
A driver who hit a pedestrian may be deemed fully or partially at fault if they:
- Failed to yield the right of way
- Exceeded the posted speed limit
- Failed to pay attention to the road (were distracted by something)
- Ran a red light
- Failed to obey other traffic rules
However, negligent drivers often deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. They may even try to blame you for the accident.
Then there are the insurance companies. Their goal is to try to find ways to justify paying you as little as possible. They may question the severity of your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing. Soon after the accident, they may make a settlement offer that falls far short of covering the damages you suffered.
Our Plantation pedestrian accident attorneys can help
If you were hurt in a crash, you need an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and secure maximum compensation on your behalf. Our lawyers fight for the injured in Plantation and throughout Broward County. We are committed to securing the best possible outcome.
If you hire our firm to handle your pedestrian accident case, we can help you:
- Gather the necessary evidence to prove the other party’s negligence
- Identify all liable parties
- Determine all available options for compensation
- Build a strong case to maximize your recovery
- Communicate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Fight for the compensation to which you are entitled in and out of court
Our attorneys are very familiar with the tactics and strategies used by insurance companies to minimize your claim. We used to represent insurance companies and know how they approach these types of cases. Now, we put our experience to work for the injured.
We know that life can get confusing and complicated after you’ve been hurt. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to get trusted legal advice as soon as possible. We can help put your mind at ease. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. When you call us, you get us.
Do pedestrians always have the right of way?
Pedestrians do not always have the right of way. For this reason, insurance companies will try to hold pedestrians at fault for pedestrian accidents, too. A common example of when a pedestrian does not have the right of way and must yield to cars is when the traffic light displays the “Do Not Walk” signal. However, if a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk when the “Do Not Walk” signal begins to blink, car drivers must yield to the pedestrian to let them finish crossing the street safely.
What if the insurance company accuses me of being partially at fault for my pedestrian accident?
In Florida, pedestrians may be entitled to compensation for their injuries even if they are partially at fault. However, under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, your total compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. So don’t be surprised if the at-fault driver or their insurance company attempts to blame you for what happened. That’s why it’s important to have experienced legal representation.
Who will pay my medical bills after a pedestrian accident?
In most motor vehicle accidents, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is usually the first avenue of coverage for injured individuals. A pedestrian can seek compensation through PIP coverage even if they do not have auto insurance. Under Florida law, a car driver’s PIP coverage may extend to pedestrians and bicyclists they hit. It means that if a vehicle in Florida hits you, you may access the at-fault driver’s PIP benefits to cover some of your damages and losses.
What types of compensation can I seek after my pedestrian accident in Plantation?
If a car hit you in Plantation, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages by pursuing an injury claim against the at-fault driver While every pedestrian accident case is different, some of the most common damages that injured victims may recover include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
An attorney can evaluate your case and determine which types of compensation you can seek from the at-fault driver.
How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?
Every pedestrian accident case is unique, which is why the worth of your claim depends on:
- Whether or not you shared fault
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- Your medical expenses and other losses
- The evidence available and the strength of your claim
One of our experienced attorneys will evaluate your particular case to help you get an accurate estimate of what your pedestrian accident claim is worth.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident in Florida?
Florida law puts a strict time limit, or statute of limitations, on injured parties’ right to have a court consider their lawsuits. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Plantation or other parts of Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit against the negligent party.