Can Pedestrians Seek Compensation for Injuries if Hit by a Car in Florida?

When crossing a street as a pedestrian, you trust the drivers around you to follow traffic laws and uphold their duty to act carefully and cautiously. However, many people neglect this duty and hit pedestrians, causing serious injuries. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 189 pedestrian accidents occurred in the first two weeks of 2023. If you have suffered injuries as a pedestrian due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your losses.

Our passionate lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott Sobol can help you achieve a fair settlement with our top-notch legal services and personalized solutions. We have worked on pedestrian accident claims for 20 years, so we understand the complex nature of the legal process and how to handle every aspect of your claim. We allow you to focus on recovery while we negotiate with insurance companies to achieve a fair settlement.

What Damages Can You Recover for a Florida Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Suffering injuries in a pedestrian accident can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on your life. We can help you accurately calculate your claim’s worth, which may include damages such as:

• Current and future medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Lost wages from missed work
• Loss of ability to work
• Disfigurement
• Ambulance ride fees
• Rehabilitation
• Emotional distress

When collecting damages for a pedestrian accident in Florida, it’s important to know that the state uses a comparative negligence system. This means the parties involved receive a percentage of fault for the accident, and their damages are reduced by that percentage. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for the accident, 25% of your compensation will be deducted.

Insurance companies use several tactics to attempt to assign you an unfair fault percentage and offer you an unfair settlement. We understand these strategies and fight tirelessly to gather evidence and present a solid claim on your behalf.

What Do You Need to Prove to Recover Damages After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida?

After getting hit by a car as a pedestrian in Florida, you are responsible for proving fault to recover damages. This is called the burden of proof, and it involves presenting evidence that demonstrates the following points:

• The liable party owed you a duty to drive carefully and with regard to your safety
• They neglected this duty and drove recklessly
• This negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries
• Your injuries resulted in damages

We understand this can be daunting, but we can help you gather evidence to build a strong claim and achieve a fair settlement. Potential pieces of evidence that could increase your chance of receiving full compensation include the following:

• Photos and videos of the scene and your injuries
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Medical bills
• Surveillance footage
• Dashcam and bodycam footage
• Witness testimony
• Personal statements

You can also keep a journal of your recovery experience after the accident. Writing about how you feel, the doctor appointments you attend, and how your injuries have emotionally impacted your life can help show the mental damages you suffered in addition to the physical ones.

Contact a Skilled Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Scott Sobol

While walking can be a great way to get around your town and enjoy Florida’s beautiful weather, it has its dangers. Pedestrians have significantly fewer protections than drivers, so when a car strikes a pedestrian, they can suffer serious injuries. If this is the case for you, you deserve high-quality representation that will fight for the compensation you deserve.

At the Law Offices of Scott Sobol, we can help you understand your rights after a pedestrian accident. Our experienced lawyers understand that every claim is different, so we focus on your needs and goals when creating your customized legal plan. With our consistent support and guidance, you can have a stress-free legal experience. Give us a call at (954) 440-2000 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.