When you're hit by a car while walking around the Wesley Chapel area, maybe while you are at The Grove, exercising in your neighborhood, or shopping at Wiregrass, you need the help of a Wesley Chapel pedestrian accident lawyer.
Given the speed and size of most motor vehicles, it is expected that drivers take caution when traveling near people on crosswalks and sidewalks. However, motorists can still roll over the curb and strike a pedestrian on the sidewalk or run through a stop sign, hitting a person in the crosswalk.
When a vehicle and a pedestrian collide, the person on foot is far more likely to sustain injuries than the motorist. This is not surprising; drivers are protected by their cars’ outer shells, while pedestrians have virtually no protection.
If you are struggling emotionally and financially due to an accident, do not hesitate to call an experienced personal injury attorney. Our Wesley Chapel pedestrian accident lawyers can review your case and guide you through all your legal options. You should not have to pay for medical expenses for an accident that was not your fault.
What Needs To Be Proven In A Wesley Chapel Pedestrian Accident Case?
Drivers owe what is called a “duty of care” to pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right of way in most traffic situations, and a driver’s failure to yield can constitute negligence. Most people know that drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in legal crosswalks with a signal. However, there are many other situations in which a driver must allow a pedestrian the right of way.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing anywhere on the driver’s side of the road or crossing toward the driver on the other side of the road within one lane of the driver. Motorists entering or emerging from driveways or parking lots must also yield to people on foot. Drivers may not make left or right turns when a pedestrian is in the intersection. If the person who hit you violated one of these laws, speak with a Wesley Chapel personal injury lawyer about the possibility of pursuing a pedestrian accident case.
Who Are The Potentially Negligent Parties In An Accident Claim?
Aside from the driver, many other parties can be held liable for a pedestrian accident. If a vehicle’s mechanical failure led to the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part could be responsible.
Alternatively, if poor roadway maintenance, confusing or absent signage, or impassable sidewalks or crosswalks contributed to an accident, the local government could be considered negligent. Municipalities might also be liable if a city employee was involved in the accident.
Determining the right person or entity to pursue in your claim can be difficult. If you choose the wrong party, you may have more difficulty getting the compensation you need. Thus, it is essential to work with a dedicated crosswalk accident lawyer.
The Legal Responsibilities Of Pedestrians
Pedestrians also owe a duty of care to motorists. You may not cross outside a legal crosswalk on a block with traffic signals at each end. However, you may cross in the middle of a block and outside a sidewalk if there are no traffic signals or if only one end of the block has a signal.
In situations such as these, you must allow drivers enough time to react and stop before entering the roadway. If you have any questions about your responsibilities as a pedestrian, get in touch with a knowledgeable accident attorney.
How Does Partial Fault Affect a Claim?
If you are partially responsible for the collision, you can still file a legal claim, but it does impact the amount of compensation you could receive. For example, if you were 20 percent responsible for the pedestrian accident, you may still collect 80 percent of the damages award. But if you are more than 50 percent responsible, you will not be able to recover damages.
How Much Time Does A Plaintiff Have To Bring A Lawsuit In Wesley Chapel?
Florida Statute §95.11 allows injured parties two years to bring lawsuits seeking damages for personal injuries. In most cases, the clock begins ticking at the moment of the accident.
However, if a local government or the State of Florida is a potential defendant in the lawsuit, you have much less time to file. The law requires that government defendants receive a formal notice of claim within one year of the incident that caused the injury. A seasoned attorney can file any required notices for your pedestrian injury claim promptly.
Focus on Healing While a Wesley Chapel Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Pursues Your Compensation
After a pedestrian accident, your immediate priorities are likely healing and returning to your normal life. Dealing with insurance companies and complex legal claims is probably the last thing on your mind.
Our Wesley Chapel pedestrian accident lawyers can make sure you are not burdened with pursuing your personal injury claim. We fight to ensure you are not left with overwhelming medical bills and financial stress.
Why Choose Hancock Injury Attorneys to Represent You In Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
It can take a large amount of time and money to recover from an accident like this, and some, unfortunately, do not recover fully from their injuries.
With so much to worry about, you don't need the added stress of dealing with dozens of calls from the insurance company. This is where we can help. If a careless motorist has injured you or an immediate family member, call us. A compassionate personal injury lawyer could assist you and your family in seeking compensation for your losses and help you get back on your feet.
We know our local court system, judges, and opposing attorneys, giving us an advantage during negotiations and legal proceedings. Hancock Injury Attorneys can provide effective, tailored legal representation specific to the area.
Hancock Injury Attorneys Seek Damages for All Your Losses
A Wesley Chapel pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm can assume the burden of pursuing your claim for damages. We'll make sure that the individual or entity responsible for your suffering is held accountable. We can help you recover compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
· Medical Expenses: Surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, co-payments, deductibles, and medication.
· Lost Wages: Current and future income loss due to your injuries.
· Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages resulting from your physical and emotional trauma.
Call Hancock Injury Attorneys today at 813-915-1110 for a Free Consultation. Speak directly with an experienced Wesley Chapel pedestrian accident attorney to learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Wesley Chapel Pedestrian Accident – Questions and Answers
Q: What should I do if I am hit by a car as a pedestrian in Wesley Chapel?
A: If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages.
Q: Why are pedestrian accidents so dangerous?
A: Pedestrians have no protection against the size and force of a motor vehicle. Because of this, pedestrian accidents often result in severe or even fatal injuries.
Q: What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?
A: Pedestrian accidents are often caused by negligent driving, including:
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drivers making turns without checking for pedestrians
- Intersection collisions
- Accidents in parking lots
These situations can lead to serious injuries for pedestrians.
Q: Do drivers have to yield to pedestrians in Florida?
A: Yes. Florida law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Drivers must also stop for pedestrians who are already crossing the road.
Q: What responsibilities do pedestrians have under Florida law?
A: Pedestrians also have responsibilities, including:
- Using sidewalks when they are available
- Walking on the left side of the road if there is no sidewalk
- Following traffic signals
- Crossing at designated crosswalks when signals are present
Failing to follow these rules could affect a pedestrian’s ability to recover compensation after an accident.
Q: How can a pedestrian accident lawyer help my case?
A: A pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm can help by:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence and witness statements
- Determining liability
- Calculating damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing lawsuits and representing you in court if necessary
Our legal guidance can help ensure your claim is handled properly and that you pursue the full compensation you deserve.