It is not only Florida’s motorists that may need the services of personal injury lawyers. Pedestrians face several hazards when they step out to use the streets and sidewalks. Pedestrian accident lawyers can help them get justice and compensation when accidents occur.
With more and more Floridians enjoying our beautiful weather by walking, jogging, running, biking, roller skating, roller blading, skate boarding, long boarding, push scooters, combined with drivers who may be distracted or ignore those pedestrians and athletes, such often leads to accidents involving serious injuries including but not limited to road rash, contusions, lacerations, brain injuries and even death. A driver of a motorized vehicle has a duty to safeguard pedestrians, bicyclists who otherwise have the have the right of way. Interestingly, a victim of this sort of incident who is struck by a motorized vehicle can treat through their own automobile PIP coverage.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you are severely injured as a pedestrian, it is a good idea to hire a pedestrian accident attorney to handle the related legal matters. Pedestrian injuries can cause severe trauma, as well as high medical costs and possibly, lost income. It can be difficult to deal with insurance companies and at-fault parties on your own, so it is advisable to have a legal representative on your side. A pedestrian accident lawyer can do the following for you:
- Advice about what to do next: First, your lawyer can talk you through the legal processes that you will need to go through after your accident. Many people are uncertain where to turn after the trauma of a pedestrian accident. If you are a victim going through your treatment and healing process, or if you have lost a loved one to a pedestrian accident, it helps to have someone you can speak to, who can inform you of your legal rights.
- Proving fault in your case: Your pedestrian accident lawyer will be able to acquire the evidence needed to show that another party was at fault. This requires proving four elements: the other party had a legal duty of care to others, that they violated that duty, that this violation resulted in your injury, and that you suffered damages as a result.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: The harsh truth is that your insurance company – and certainly that of the other party – may not have your best interests at heart. They may try to talk you into an immediate settlement that is not actually sufficient to cover your damages. Not knowing any better, you may be tempted to accept. Your lawyer can handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf and negotiate the best possible settlement.