Pedestrian accidents occur often and can be extremely serious. If you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more about pedestrian accidents in Florida and what to do in the event of an accident.

What are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Florida?

Because pedestrians and vehicles share the road at times, accidents are bound to occur. These accidents can occur for any number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Reckless driving
  • Obstructed visibility due to foliage and other objects
  • Texting while driving
  • Poor road conditions, such as closed sidewalks or lack of crosswalks
  • Weather conditions, such as heavy fog or rain

Can I Recover Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident?

If you are injured due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to recover compensation. This compensation may take the form of economic and/or non-economic damages.

  • Economic damages: medical expenses, lost wages, the cost of rehabilitation, the need to hire in-home care, and more.
  • Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.

After an Accident Occurs:

Make sure you call 911 and seek medical attention. The police can call an ambulance for you, file a report, gather witness statements, and conduct chemical tests. If possible, ask the driver for his or her insurance information and contact information. Additionally, if any bystanders witnessed the accident occur, you should take their information as they may be able to corroborate your version of events. At the hospital, make sure to ask your doctor for copies of any relevant medical documents. These documents will provide evidence of the origin and extent of your injuries. When recovering from an accident, it can be difficult to think about pursuing legal action, but it is important that you don’t wait too long. In Florida, you will generally have four years from the date of an accident to file your personal injury claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our firm to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney.

Contact our experienced Florida firm

Here at Manuel & Thompson, P.A., we understand the potentially devastating effect that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family, which is why we are dedicated to helping all those who’ve been injured due to no fault of their own. Our firm also proudly handles insurance disputes, hurricane claims, fire loss claims, commercial litigation, and construction law matters. To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.