When going for a walk, we don’t often think of the dangers of doing something as simple as crossing the street. But, when pedestrians share the roads with cars, accidents are bound to occur. Unfortunately, these accidents are often severe, as pedestrians have little protection against vehicles. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Florida, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more.
How do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Pedestrian accidents can occur for any number of reasons. Some accidents are simply due to factors like poor road conditions, inclement weather, or faulty car parts. Other times, accidents are caused by a pedestrian’s failure to use a crosswalk, follow traffic lights and signals, or pay attention while crossing the street. That being said, the majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. The most common forms of negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Failing to follow lights, signs, or other rules of the road
- Discipling children
- Eating, drinking, smoking while driving
- Using GPS
If you are injured by a driver participating in any of this behavior, you will likely be entitled to recover compensation.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you are recovering from a serious injury, taking legal action may be the last thing on your mind. But, it is important that you do not wait too long. This is because there is a deadline, known as a statute of limitations. If you fail to file your claim within a certain time frame, you will most likely be barred from taking legal action, thus losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve. In Florida, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is generally four years from the date of the accident. While this may seem like a long time, it is easy to let important deadlines slip your mind if you are struggling with an injury. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
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.