If you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle in Florida, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver of the vehicle to recover compensation for your damages. Even if you were given a ticket for the accident, the driver of the vehicle most likely has some fault.
Usually, pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents are the result of some form of negligence on behalf of the driver. If a driver violates any traffic law, there is proof of negligence leading to the cause of the accident.
You need to show that the driver played a role in the crash and that if the driver had not been negligent, your injuries would not have occurred.
How Negligence Impacts A Florida Pedestrian Accident
If a driver is negligent, he or she is liable for any damages that are caused by the accident. Florida uses pure comparative negligence, so even if you are 99% at fault for the accident you can still recover damages from the driver.
A successful personal injury claim is much more successful if you can prove negligence, so you need to keep all documentation and evidence that supports your claim. If a driver violates traffic laws, he or she is negligent.
As an example, a driver is to yield right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or intersection. Speeding is also negligence. The accident report might indicate the causes of the crash. Often, negligence leads to a citation or criminal charges.
Damages That Might Result From Being Hit As A Pedestrian in Florida
Pedestrians are not protected, so you could suffer life-altering injuries after being hit by a car. Pedestrian accidents cause broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, back and neck injuries, cuts, scrapes, and lacerations. Take photos of any visible injuries.
If possible, get photos of the accident scene and get the names and contact details of any eyewitnesses. Keep copies of medical records and medical bills to support your claim. You could have permanent disabilities or scarring and disfigurement.
Also, maintain documentation of your lost wages. Your attorney will help you determine which damages you suffered. Additional damages might include pain and suffering, loss of future earnings, future medical bills, loss of consortium, and more.
Consult With A Florida Personal Injury Attorney
With the help of a Florida personal injury attorney, you can recover compensation for the damages that you suffer as a result of the accident. Your lawyer will investigate the accident, gather all evidence and documentation to support your claim, and help you build a case to prove that the driver's negligence resulted in your injuries.
Your lawyer will not be paid until you get a judgment or settlement for your damages. Auto accident injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. A strict statute of limitations applies, so schedule a free initial consultation today so you can get your claim underway before it is too late to recover compensation.
Further Reading About Pedestrian Accidents
If you were hit while walking in Florida, you may have some questions about your case. You can find some more information about Florida's driving laws, and getting hit as a pedestrian at our pages here:
