Pedestrians tend to be placed in quite vulnerable positions. This is because they have no protection against the sheer mass of cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and bicycles on the Florida roads. With such an impact, the aftermath of injuries and damages can be detrimental. Follow along to find out how most of these accidents happen and how a proficient Broward County pedestrian accident lawyer at The Finizio Law Group can guide you through filing a personal injury claim.
How do most pedestrian accidents happen?
What makes pedestrian accidents worse is that most times, they are entirely avoidable. That is, they typically occur due to the negligence of another driver on the road. Below are some of the most common ways in which such negligence can lead to an accident and injury:
- Driving recklessly (i.e., ignoring crosswalks, traffic lights, etc).
- Driving while distracted (i.e., texting while driving).
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driving while tired or fatigued.
Other times, however, a pedestrian accident is neither party’s fault. Rather, it is due to an outside element, such as the following:
- Obstructed view (i.e., dimly lit road, overgrown foliage, etc).
- Closed sidewalks.
- Construction sites.
What do I have to do after my pedestrian accident?
Firstly, you must be positive that your pedestrian accident was due to no fault of your own. That is, you did not fail to walk within the crosswalk lines or disregard traffic lights.
Once you can rule this out, then you can bring your personal injury claim forward so to hold the negligent party accountable. It is recommended that you take the following approach, so to collect the proper evidence, immediately after your accident occurs:
- Call 911: a police officer will conduct an official accident report and dispatch an ambulance. You should ask for a copy of this report.
- Document the scene: take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, any contributory hazards, and the overall scene of the accident. You should ask that present witnesses do similar.
- Collect contact information: ask for the driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company name, insurance policy number, etc. You should ask that present witnesses provide their contact information, as well.
- Receive medical treatment: seek medical attention at the scene and the hospital. You should ask for copies of your medical documents that note the origin, extent, and costs of your injuries.
- Hire a talented Broward County auto accident lawyer: ask that we help collect surveillance camera footage of your accident occurring. You should remember that, in the state of Florida, you will only have four years from the date of your accident to file your claim. So, give us a call at your earliest convenience.
Contact Our Experienced Broward County Firm
If you require legal representation for matters of personal injury, family law, criminal defense, commercial litigation, or aviation litigation, contact The Finizio Law Group today.
