I Was Hit By A Vehicle. What Do I Do Now?

Any kind of auto accident in Florida can impact your life in a huge way, leaving you struggling to recover physically as well as emotionally. It can also leave you struggling financially, as you try to pay medical bills even while missing work due to your injuries. And if you're a pedestrian who was hit by a vehicle, your injuries may be even more severe.

But just what are your rights, and what should you do after the accident occurs? If you're in a position where you're trying to heal and recover after an accident, knowing what to do is important. Here's a breakdown of some main things to understand and think about.

Seeking Compensation


The bottom line is that if your accident was caused by someone else, you likely have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit. And for pedestrians hit by a vehicle, the odds are very high that you have the right to do so.
Since pedestrians have the right of way in most situations, only those who are violating traffic laws or acted recklessly themselves will be unable to file a claim and seek restitution.

And seeking compensation is important. Consider the high financial impact an accident can have on you:

• Medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future lost wages
• Inability to maintain your current level of income for the future
• Pain and suffering
• And more

If you're injured, you could be left struggling financially. And if the accident was caused by someone else, you shouldn't have to shoulder that burden on your own. Because of this, seeking restitution makes sense for those injured in a pedestrian accident in Florida.

Fault In A Pedestrian Accident


In any kind of Florida auto accident, seeking compensation requires that you are able to show that the other party is responsible, and that they acted in a negligent or recklessly. In pedestrian accidents this can include things like:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield right of way
• Drunk driving

It's important to note that just being a pedestrian may not be enough to ensure you get compensation - if you cross the street in an unsafe manner, for example, you could be found to have been reckless as well. Your lawyer will be able to review your case and determine what your rights are. However, in most instances those pedestrians who are involved in these accidents will likely have the grounds to seek restitution.

What Should You Do?


So what do you do if you're involved in an accident of this kind? There are a few steps to keep in mind:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that your injuries will be connected to the accident and thus, the harder it is to get you the compensation you really deserve.

• Avoid talking to the other side or accepting settlements until you speak to an attorney. Lowball settlement offers are common, and so are other tactics that can be used to try to force you out of getting what you're owed.

• Keep records of everything. This includes your medical bills, notes of any days or hours you miss from work, and even a log of issues you're having at home such as back pain or trouble sleeping. The more info you have, the more likely you can prove your case.

• Contact an attorney as soon as you can, as well. Your lawyer will stand up to the other side and make sure you aren't pushed around or bullied. They'll fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

A pedestrian accident can seriously injure you and leave you struggling physically and financially.

The steps above can help make sure that your lawyer gets you what you deserve so you can move on and heal.

 


 

Client Testimonials

Attorney David Goldman has been exceptional in the process of helping me through the case. He has always been easy to reach, whether by phone or email, and has thorough knowledge and explains clearly in depth so you feel safe and confident in your lawyer

I used Michael Babboni and his paralegal, Nicole Moore for a legal matter. They went above and beyond my expectations. During the entire process there was constant communication with both Michael and Nicole. They were extremely organized and on top of my case, which I am very grateful for. Michael truly had my best interests at heart and he was very genuine. I plan on referring Michael to all family and friends and will continue to use him in the future.

I dealt most with Mr. Fernandez. I didn’t know a lot about this process. He took the time to speak with me individually, in person, to explain everything. It was very helpful to actually know and understand the process and what to expect. He closed my case quickly, which was nice that it was not prolonged! I appreciated his hard work and getting me what I felt I deserved after my car accident. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs an honest and reliable lawyer to assist you with your case!

I hired Mr. Walsh after an automobile accident this past March. He and his entire staff were extremely professional. They kept me informed every step of the way and settled my case in a timely manner. Thank you so much for your help.

 

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Sarasota Office

Sarasota

941-954-1234

2822 University Parkway Sarasota Florida 34243

Bradenton Office

Bradenton

941-752-7000

1215 Manatee Ave West Bradenton Florida 34205

St. Petersburg Office

St. Petersburg

727-381-9200

6446 Central Avenue St. Petersburg Florida 33707

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Sarasota

941-330-0088

9040 Town Center Pkwy, Lakewood Ranch Florida 34202

Venice Office

Venice

941-496-9555

3986 S. Tamiami Trail Venice Florida 34293

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Englewood

941-474-4800

2960 S. McCall Rd Englewood Florida 34224

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Punta Gorda

941-613-1141

122 Nesbit St, Suite 113, Punta Gorda Florida 33950

Port Charlotte Office

Port Charlotte

941-613-1141

3986 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte Florida 33952

Arcadia Office

Arcadia

863-494-0122

10 South DeSoto Avenue Arcadia Florida 34266

Fort Myers Office

Fort Myers

239-332-0770

8359 Beacon Blvd Fort Myers Florida 33907

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Lakeland

863-683-5600

5137 S. Lakeland Dr. Lakeland Florida 33813
 

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