Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing roads, and vehicles driving in these crossing areas should slow and stop for them. Unfortunately, this is not always what happens.
If you’ve been struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, reach out to the team at Dyson Law, PLLC. Your Boca Raton pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover the funds you’re due when you’re hurt and suffering following a pedestrian accident.
A pedestrian accident is an accident involving a vehicle hitting a pedestrian. A pedestrian is typically any person who is walking, running, or hiking in a public place. Most accidents happen at crosswalks and intersections. They can also happen in parking lots, highways, and other places where cars and people are together.
Hundreds of pedestrians have lost their lives in Florida in 2021 in these accidents, and even more have been injured. Thousands have been injured or killed in these accidents all over the U.S.
If you’re a pedestrian who has been struck by a vehicle in Boca Raton, you should take action as soon as you can. You want to protect your legal rights, but also your health and well-being. Here are some of the things you should consider doing immediately following the accident:
If you’re injured in an accident in Boca Raton, you may be left with medical bills and other expenses while you heal. This can become financially straining, especially if you’re unable to work because of your injuries. You need to know who’s going to provide compensation for these injuries and hardships.
Often, the quickest way to gain compensation for the losses is through an insurance claim. However, it is recommended you work with a lawyer who can speak with the company on your behalf. Insurance companies often try to settle for a lesser amount than what you’re entitled to. If the insurance company still doesn’t want to settle, a car accident lawsuit can be filed.
If you’re hit by a vehicle, the primary legal claim is generally against the driver who struck you. A claim may also be made against Boca Raton or Florida as a government entity if the road conditions played a role in the accident.
When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the driver is typically the one at fault. However, pedestrians can also be held partially responsible for the accident. According to Florida law, comparative negligence is used to determine who was at fault during pedestrian-related accidents.
Comparative negligence splits fault between the involved parties, which can reduce the funds you’re eligible for. For example, you may be found 30 percent at fault for the accident, which means you’ll only receive 70 percent of the compensation you’re due.
If the driver is found to be mostly at fault, their liability car insurance coverage typically covers the losses of the pedestrian injured. If the fault is clear, these companies often want to settle outside of court.
Claims against the city or state happen when the streets are not laid out correctly. It can also be a problem with traffic control and failure to provide stop signs or traffic lights at the correct places.
It is the responsibility of the government to maintain these roadways and make them safe for everyone using them. Municipal negligence can be an issue that causes a pedestrian to become injured. When it is, the city is responsible for the damages.
A pedestrian accident claim is not an easy process to go through. This is why it is important to reach out to the right law office that can offer further support. The amount of compensation you’re entitled to will vary depending on many factors.
For further help on your pedestrian accident case, speak with Dyson Law, PLLC. Every case is different, and you should seek legal counsel based on the facts of your specific case.
Give the professionals a call to speak with them further for a free consultation. When you’re ready to talk with a Boca Raton pedestrian accident lawyer, reach out by calling 561-498-9979 or by completing the online contact form below.