Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

As beautiful a state as Florida is, it can be an incredibly dangerous place to take a walk. Our state consistently ranks near the top of lists of the country's most hazardous areas for pedestrians. These accidents can cause debilitating injuries – and even worse. 

An Osborne, Francis & Pettis attorney is ready to help if you’ve suffered a severe injury in a pedestrian accident that wasn’t your fault. We’ll investigate the accident to determine how it happened and who is to blame. Then, we’ll pursue the at-fault party for the compensation you deserve.

If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call (561) 264-6238.

Getting into a Pedestrian Accident in Lakeland, Florida

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with severe injuries and permanent disabilities. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are more common than we think, especially in urban areas where foot traffic is high. In Lakeland, pedestrian accidents are a serious problem that causes injuries, property damage, and fatalities.

You must get in touch with an attorney as soon as you can after being involved in a pedestrian accident. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can work tirelessly to pursue maximum compensation for all of your accident-related losses.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons, but the following tend to be some of the most common:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Distracted driving
• Poor visibility due to weather or low light conditions
• Driving while drunk or on drugs
• Speeding
• Failing to yield

In some cases, pedestrian accidents can occur due to the pedestrian's negligence. For example, pedestrians may be distracted by their phones or not paying attention to their surroundings, causing them to enter the road unexpectedly.

Where do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but they are more likely to occur in certain areas, such as:

• Crosswalks and intersections
• Parking lots
• School zones
• Residential areas
• Urban areas with high foot traffic

The Consequences of a Pedestrian Accident Injury

The injuries resulting from a pedestrian accident can sometimes be minor. In most cases, however, they’re severe – possibly even life-threatening. These are just a few of the injuries that occur most often in pedestrian accidents:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Amputations
• Burns and road rash

In addition to physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can also cause emotional and financial harm. Victims may experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their accidents. They may also face high medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to their injuries.

Pedestrians and Auto Insurance

If you're a pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle, you may wonder how you will pay for your medical bills and other expenses. In some cases, you can use your own auto insurance policy to cover your losses.

If you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on your auto insurance policy, you can use this coverage to pay for your medical bills and other expenses. PIP coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Pedestrians may also use their uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if the driver who hit them was uninsured or underinsured. UM coverage is designed to pay for your losses if you're hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to cover your damages.

How to Recover Your Damages

If you've suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Lakeland, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. You’ll need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to recover your damages.

To file a personal injury claim, you’ll need to prove that the driver was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. This can be challenging to do on your own, so hiring a Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyer is essential.

Your lawyer can investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. They can enter negotiations with the insurer to reach a fair settlement. But if the insurance company refuses to settle, your attorney will take your case to court to seek a favorable judgment.

Steps to Take After You’re Hit by a Motor Vehicle

If you've been hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, it's essential to take the following steps to protect your legal rights and ensure your safety:

See a doctor immediately

You might think you’re not hurt that bad since you seem to feel okay. But that’s probably because of the adrenaline flowing through your body. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately, and delaying medical treatment could jeopardize your health and legal case.

Report the accident

Call the police so they can send an officer to the scene. The police will create an accident report, an essential piece of evidence in your personal injury claim.

Collect information

Get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the driver who hit you. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses to the accident.

Document the scene

Take pictures of the accident scene, including your injuries and any damage to your clothing or personal belongings.

Contact a Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyer

Contact a Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you obtain every dollar you have coming.