Steps To Take Following A Florida Pedestrian Accident
Accidents happen, so it is possible a person will be walking to work or out for a relaxing stroll and find themselves struck by a vehicle. Staying calm and assessing if you are injured is a first step when you are hit by a car in Clearwater, Hudson or Tampa. If you can move your body, get yourself out of harm’s way and then call for help.
One report cites Florida as being dangerous for pedestrians. Out of the 20 cities listed with pedestrian fatalities, nine are located in the state of Florida. There are ways for pedestrians and drivers to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, but there are times when injurious events happen. If you or someone you care about was injured in a Florida pedestrian collision and you need a compensation package to settle all of the medical expenses you incurred as a result of the crash, connect with a personal injury lawyer.
Determining Who Was At Fault
Getting medical care should be the first thing you do after a pedestrian accident, then you can talk to an attorney, a skilled lawyer will be able to look over documentation and determine fault and strategize the best path forward.
Often, the driver or pedestrian behaved recklessly. For example, a driver who is distracted may swerve from their lane, hitting others and causing injury. Or a pedestrian may not obey traffic signs, putting themselves in the flow of traffic. There are even times when neither the driver or the pedestrian are negligent. If there are faulty traffic lights that led to the collision, damage recovery may fall into a municipal claim.
How to Strengthen Your Florida Claim
Once your attorney knows who is liable, they will take the steps needed to strengthen your claim. There are a range of documents that could work together to prove your need for a full and fair companions package. This could include any or all of the following:
- Copy of the police report
- Images of the accident site
- Medical records and doctor bills
- Witness statements
- Photos of the vehicles involved in the wreck.
Of course, it is common for injured individuals to not be thinking of evidence, they likely have their own health on their minds. When possible, gather documentation immediately following a collision. But even if you did not collect documentation right away, there could be a path to proving your right to a settlement. Any time a person experiences an injury in an accident, talking to a Florida personal injury lawyer is advised, they can help you secure the relief you need to move past the event.
Were you struck by a car in a Florida city while crossing a street on foot? Talk to a skilled legal professional to understand what your options are moving forward. Compensation may be possible if you are juggling medical care expenses, property damages, and lost income. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your rights. The attorneys at Roman & Roman have over 100 years of combined experience. Schedule your free consultation today.