Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Boca Raton, FL
Walking is an excellent means of transportation; it’s cost-effective, healthy, and good for the environment. But it comes with its dangers, particularly in some of the more bustling areas across Florida. In fact, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asserts that nearly 500 pedestrians are killed in Florida traffic accidents each year and more than 7,000 others are injured, making Florida one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians in the country.
The devastating nature of these injuries—which can range from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries—is only compounded when it’s based on another person’s carelessness. Some of the most common mistakes drivers make that lead to pedestrian accidents include speeding, driving while under the influence, texting while driving, not yielding to the right-of-way, and aggressive driving. Fortunately, if you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident at the hands of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages with the right Boca Raton personal injury lawyer by your side.
Filing a Claim for Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Florida
Pedestrian injury lawsuits hinge on the concept of negligence. In order for a pedestrian to recover damages, the driver must have behaved in a way that breached their duty of care. In other words, those who behave negligently are legally liable for the harm they cause others.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand if you have a case against the negligent party and, if so, you may consider filing a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the crash. The claim allows an injured pedestrian to establish liability against the driver and perhaps recover damages. Pedestrians can use the theory of negligence to show that the driver was at fault for the crash. Negligence requires that you and your attorney establish the following elements:
- The driver had a duty of care
- The driver breached the duty of care
- The driver’s breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries and damages
It’s also important to understand how Florida’s “no-fault” insurance laws pertain to pedestrian accidents. Under Florida law, pedestrians won’t be able to immediately file a lawsuit against the party who caused the crash. As the name implies, Florida no-fault law pays for vehicle and pedestrian accident claims, regardless of who was at fault, up to the insurance limit. The policy is designed to not only lower the overall number of accident lawsuits but also quickly provide compensation for both parties to pay personal bills incurred by the accident.
These laws don’t mean that you can’t make a claim against the at-fault driver for causing injuries in a car accident. If the compensation you need exceeds the state’s injury threshold or your PIP coverage, you can choose to file a lawsuit against the other driver.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A human body is no match for a several-ton vehicle. When you’re walking down the street, you have very little to protect yourself if you’re caught in a collision, which is why pedestrians tend to suffer tremendously painful and debilitating injuries that often require extensive medical treatment. In many cases, the victim will face a long road of hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Pedestrian accidents are commonly caused by negligent motorists who:
- Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Talk on the phone or text while driving
- Violate traffic laws or ignore traffic signals
- Drive recklessly or disregard the speed limit
- Fail to use caution in residential areas
- Fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians
Some of the most common injuries that pedestrians suffer as a result of these accidents include broken bones, neck and back injuries, internal bleeding, brain injuries, paralysis, comas, knee damage, shoulder injuries, and sometimes death. Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents can be life-changing. If you or a loved one has been injured, it’s important that you partner with an accomplished South Florida personal injury attorney who may be able to identify the responsible parties and bring them to justice.
Call a Professional Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Boca Raton
If you’re a pedestrian facing injuries as a result of another at-fault party, consider getting in touch with Baker Legal Team for help recouping monetary damages as soon as possible. Our lawyers understand that recovering from a personal injury can be a physically challenging and emotionally demanding experience. We’re dedicated to compassionately and knowledgeably helping you recover the compensation needed to pay off medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, and any other reparations that relate to your case.
Led by Attorney Robert B. Baker, our firm takes a client-centered approach and is committed to ensuring that your case proceeds smoothly and efficiently. Robert is a trusted trial attorney with more than 30 years of experience helping injured pedestrian accident victims get the compensation they need. As a Board-Certified lawyer, Robert has recovered millions of dollars for clients throughout his career and will personally handle your pedestrian injury case and give it the attention it deserves. Call (561) 320-0000 or complete our contact form today!