Tarpon Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians have far less protection than people traveling in cars or trucks or buses, so if they are involved in an accident, their injuries are much more likely to be severe and possibly even life-changing. Even smaller-type injuries may not manifest themselves right away, taking hours, days, or even weeks before surfacing.
After you receive medical attention for your injuries, you may be dealing with steep medical bills for your recovery, as well as lost wages for being unable to work. An experienced Tarpon Springs pedestrian accident lawyer can help you explore all your legal options and discuss the next steps with you, including seeking compensation for your pain and suffering. A skilled Tarpon Springs injury attorney can begin protecting your rights as soon as they are contacted.
Pedestrian Accident Considerations
A pedestrian is generally defined as ‘any person on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, sitting, or lying down’ on a sidewalk or crosswalk or another public road or highway. Pedestrians are generally not placed in the same category as bicyclists or skateboarders.
A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that a pedestrian was killed every 1.6 hours and injured every 7.5 minutes because of traffic crashes in 2015. The same study found that pedestrian deaths accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities. In 2015, more than one-fifth of children aged 14 and younger were killed in traffic accidents.
Following an Accident
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Tarpon Springs, Florida will advise their client to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Even if an individual does not appear to be seriously injured, it is still recommended to see a doctor because only a doctor will be able to diagnose non-apparent injuries such as whiplash or concussion.
It is also advisable to document fully the scene of the accident and collect as much information as possible about the accident. Victims should take pictures of the scene and gather all necessary information from the driver of the vehicle. Should take names and gather statements of any witnesses who may have witnessed the crime.
Potential Injuries
Most pedestrian injuries involve a collision with a motor vehicle. Accordingly, the potential resulting injuries can be severe. Examples of common types of injury include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Neck injury
- Back injury
- Internal injuries
- Cuts/Lacerations
- Dental injuries
- Traumatic brain injury/concussion
Sometimes the injuries are not always apparent, therefore Tarpon Springs pedestrian accident attorneys always recommend that clients consult with a medical professional as soon as possible after the injury.
Dealing with Insurance
The victim will most likely want to sue the driver of the vehicle that hit them. In some circumstances, the State may be able to be sued if their negligence somehow contributed to the injury sustained by the victim. If the driver of the vehicle is insured, then the insurance company will be responsible for paying out for any damages suffered. The large majority of these cases never go to trial because insurance companies would rather settle the matter and avoid litigation.
It is critical to have an attorney present to negotiate with insurance companies. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Tarpon Springs will be able to gauge whether the insurance company’s offer to settle is reasonable. Many attorneys are familiar with legal principles that are unknown to laymen and use this knowledge as a foundation for negotiating higher settlements from insurance companies.
Contacting a Tarpon Springs Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact an experienced Tarpon Springs pedestrian accident attorney immediately. It is critical to have a zealous advocate by your side to negotiate with insurance companies and get you the money you deserve.