Are you a pedestrian hit by car and unsure how to proceed legally? Don’t worry, as this is a more common situation than you might think. Understanding the laws can be complex, which is why you need the advice of a pedestrian accident lawyer. In this article, we will outline the necessary steps to take after such an accident and how a pedestrian accident attorney can assist you in securing the compensation you deserve.
Immediate Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Car
Being hit by a car is a serious accident with a high probability of resulting in injuries, ranging from minor to severe. To ensure you receive the compensation you need, it’s crucial to follow these general steps:
Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The first and most important step after being hit by a car is to ensure your safety. Move to a safe area away from traffic to prevent further injury. Once you are in a secure location, call emergency services (911) immediately. The driver who caused the accident must remain at the scene, as fleeing the scene is a violation of Section 316.027 of the Florida Statute.
After securing safety and contacting emergency services, seek immediate medical attention to avoid complications and to document your injuries properly.
Report the Accident to the Property Owner or Manager
In addition to seeking medical attention, you or your legal representative should report the incident to the owner or manager of the property where the accident occurred. Whether the property owner is private or public, they need to be informed of what happened to take appropriate action and to document the incident.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Case
A pedestrian accident lawyer plays a vital role in enhancing your case and securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s how they can help:
Gather Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
The quality of evidence is crucial in demonstrating that the accident led to serious injuries warranting compensation. Attorneys for wrongful death cases utilize various types of evidence, including:
- Physical evidence: Such as blood-stained clothing or debris from the accident.
- Photographs and video footage: Captured from the accident scene or nearby surveillance cameras.
- Witness testimonies: Statements from individuals who witnessed the accident.
- Medical reports: Detailed documentation of your injuries and treatments.
Analyze the Cause of the Accident
By thoroughly analyzing the collected evidence, a pedestrian accident attorney in Orlando FL can determine the cause of the fall and identify who is responsible. For instance, if a foreign substance caused the pedestrian to slip and it was known to the property owner, this violates Florida Statute Section 768.0755, strengthening your case against the negligent party.
Factors That May Affect the Value of Your Case in Florida
Several factors can influence the compensation you receive in a pedestrian hit by car case. Understanding these can help you and your personal injury lawyer better prepare your case:
Specific Pedestrian and Vehicle Laws in Florida
While the initial consideration is to view the pedestrian as a victim, the reality is that the pedestrian may also bear some responsibility. Florida laws, such as Section 316.130(3) of the Florida Statute, require pedestrians to walk on sidewalks and not on paved areas meant for traffic. Failure to comply with this section can result in the pedestrian being partially at fault, which may decrease the compensation amount.
Common Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Accidents
Several common factors can increase the amount of compensation in pedestrian accident cases:
- Speeding: Significantly increases the likelihood of severe accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Major factor in many pedestrian accidents.
These factors provide strong grounds for increasing the compensation that the plaintiff will receive.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Understanding the steps that must be taken following this type of accident and the factors that affect compensation highlights the importance of having an attorney. Here are some advantages of hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer:
Legal Assistance for Pedestrian Injury Claims
Laws are complex, and it’s unlikely that a pedestrian hit by a car will have the necessary knowledge and experience to defend themselves legally. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes that could cause you to lose your case, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation
One of the main goals in these cases is to obtain compensation that covers all medical and non-medical expenses. Without legal advice, securing fair compensation is challenging. Hiring an experienced Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer maximizes your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
What to Expect from Your Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
To achieve the average compensation for being hit by a car, you need flawless and professional legal representation. Hiring the best pedestrian accident lawyer in Orlando ensures your case is handled expertly, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies.
How We Help Maximize Your Payout
At Louis Berk Law, our knowledge and experience in pedestrian accident cases enable us to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s how we assist our clients:
- Customized Care: We provide personalized attention to each client.
- Accurate Analysis: We thoroughly analyze how the accident happened.
- Comprehensive Needs Assessment: We understand your post-accident needs, such as injuries and financial impacts.
- Evidence Gathering: We collect all necessary evidence to support your case.
- Strong Representation: We vigorously defend your case to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
If you have been hit by a car as a pedestrian, contact Louis Berk Law today for a free consultation. Let our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers fight for your rights.
Contact Louis Berk Law Today
Don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Louis Berk Law today for a free consultation and get the legal support you need after being hit by a car. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.