PERSONAL INJURY
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
In an accident, pedestrians are left completely vulnerable and typically suffer a disproportionate amount of serious and life-threatening injuries. In 2016 alone, nearly 3,175 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in Florida and 652 were pedestrians. That’s nearly 3 pedestrian fatalities for every 100,000 people, exceeding the national average. Pedestrian fatalities are so high in Florida that 9 of the 20 deadliest cities for pedestrians are in Florida with the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area and Orlando among them.
If you have been injured in a car accident as a pedestrian, it’s important to seek legal counsel to protect your legal rights. GMV Law Group, LLP represents accident victims to seek the fair compensation you deserve to move forward with your life. If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida caused by the negligence of another driver, you may have the right to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. GMV Law Group, LLP aggressively represents car accident victims in pursuing fair compensation. GMV Law Group, LLP represents victims and loved ones in all types of auto accident cases. The following are some of the most common types of car accidents we assist with.
what causes
pedestrian accidents?
A pedestrian accident can be caused by a pedestrian or a driver. In some cases, accidents even occur due to unsafe intersections. While high-speed accidents are certainly more likely to lead to catastrophic injuries or even death, even a crash that happens when a vehicle is moving at just 8mph can be enough to cause an immediate fatality. The following are the most common types of pedestrian accidents.
- Intersection accidents. Most pedestrian accidents in Florida happen at an intersection. Sometimes this happens when a pedestrian is trying to cross too quickly and a driver doesn’t have time to react, or a driver is running a red light or speeding.
- Dart-out crashes. This type of accident happens when a pedestrian darts into the road.
- Turn and merge accidents. These accidents happens when a driver is too focused on merging or preparing to make a turn and fails to see a pedestrian until after they begin merging or turning.
- Passing accidents. This happens when a driver does not see a pedestrian because another vehicle is stopped to allow the pedestrian to cross the street.
- Back-up collisions. This occurs when a driver strikes a pedestrian while backing up, often in parking lots.
Distracted driving is the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. This may happen when a driver is texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or talking with passengers. Many pedestrian accidents also involve alcohol and/or speeding.
compensation for injuries
in a pedestrian accident
After seeking medical attention and gathering evidence about your accident, your next step should be seeking legal counsel from an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale to explore your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Because Florida is a no-fault state, you will typically file a claim with your own insurance company, but you may have other options for seeking compensation.
All licensed drivers in Florida must carry PIP coverage which pays some of your medical bills and covers injuries in a pedestrian accident. If you have PIP coverage on your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your carrier.
You may also have a claim against an at-fault driver’s insurance policy to recover compensation for damages that aren’t covered by your PIP coverage. If the at-fault party does not have enough insurance coverage, you can file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation.
Don’t assume that working with your own insurance company is necessarily easier than working with the driver’s policy, however. The insurance company may try to minimize the severity of your injuries or assign some of the blame to you to reduce liability. Before you make any statements to the insurance adjuster, make sure you speak with a personal injury lawyer.
contact a pedestrian accident attorney in florida
If you or someone you love has been seriously hurt in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, GMV Law Group, LLP will aggressively represent you and fight for your best interests while investigating your accident, building your case, and negotiating with the insurance company. Contact GMV Law Group, LLP today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced auto accident lawyer in Florida to explore your legal options. We have English and Spanish speaking representatives ready to help you.