An Osborne & Francis 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.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
C. Smith
“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”
Erica F.
"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"
E. Holland
Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
T. Andrews
“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
Alfred
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
J. Davis
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”
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Contact Osborne & Francis ASAP
Please don't wait to contact Osborne & Francis if a negligent motorist has hit you. Our skilled team of lawyers has the knowledge and experience to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We understand the devastating impact that pedestrian accidents can have, and we're committed to helping our clients get back on their feet.
We offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us as soon as possible. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights. Use our online contact form or call (561) 264-6238.
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