Orlando Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrians are a common sight in Orlando and elsewhere in Florida, choosing to walk or jog for exercise, enjoyment, a social activity, and a way to enjoy the outdoors and get from place to place. Sadly, Florida is one of the most dangerous places in the country for pedestrians, with countless pedestrian accidents occurring every year.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Pedestrian accidents occur because of acts of human error and negligence. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving;
- Distracted walking (i.e. using a cellphone while walking);
- Drunk driving or walking;
- Fatigued driving;
- Failure to yield at crosswalks;
- Running red lights or stop signs;
- Speeding; and
- Otherwise violating traffic laws.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Tragic
Pedestrian accidents are often much more tragic than are traditional accidents types based on the fact that pedestrians have no protections when they are struck by motor vehicles. This means that their bodies make direct contact with the vehicle that hits them, the ground, or other objects; there are no car doors, windows, airbags, or the like to absorb the force of the accident. In some cases, a pedestrian accident may even be worse than a bicycle accident, as pedestrians are not typically walking around with helmets, putting them at risk of a brain injury if their head is impacted.
Who Pays for Pedestrian Accidents in Florida?
If you are struck by a motorist in Florida, you have a few options for recovery compensation for your injuries. If you have a car insurance policy, then you may file a claim through your own policy’s personal injury protection coverage. In the event that you do not have car insurance or your own policy’s coverage amount is not enough, you can also file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, or file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver if you are unable to obtain a fair settlement amount.
If you file a claim with your own insurance, fault for the accident does not matter; Florida is a no-fault car insurance state, which means that you are entitled to benefits after a crash from your own policy regardless of fault. If you file a claim/lawsuit against the other driver, however, you will need to prove negligence. Speeding, distracted driving, or breaking traffic laws are all examples of negligence that can be used to build your case.
Our Attorneys Are Here to Help You
We know that when you are injured in a pedestrian crash, the limit on your insurance policy may not be enough to fully compensate you for your serious injuries. When this is the case, our experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorneys will build your case, negotiate with an insurance company, and advocate for your right to your full compensation amount. We believe that you deserve to be compensated for every dollar your injuries have cost you, including psychological and emotional harm.
To learn more, call our offices today or contact our team at the offices of Moses & Rooth online. A consultation with our lawyers is always free.