Pedestrian-friendly areas in Riverview utilize sidewalks and crosswalks every day. Whether walking to or from work or simply enjoying the weather, pedestrians rely on these parts of infrastructure to get around. Unfortunately, while walking is a great way form of exercise and an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, many drivers do not respect the space used by pedestrians.
A pedestrian struck by a car while walking on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, may have a strong case for compensation. Our skilled personal injury attorneys can help assess the details of an accident and determine all legal options. If you have experienced this type of injury and need legal assistance, reach out to Hancock Injury Attorneys to speak with one of our Riverview pedestrian accident lawyers about your case.
What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can occur in many ways but are often the result of another person’s negligence. For example, a speeding motorist may not be able to stop in time to avoid striking a pedestrian.
Alternatively, pedestrians may be at risk while walking near construction sites and are commonly struck with falling equipment or debris. Some other common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Failure to obey traffic signals and signs
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Improper passing
- Lack of streetlamps
- Defective brakes
Understanding the exact cause of your accident is crucial to obtaining compensation. Our Riverview lawyers are familiar with pedestrian accident cases and can help you thoroughly investigate your claim.
Understanding Negligence in a Crosswalk Accident Case
All injured parties must prove negligence to succeed in a personal injury claim. To establish negligence, you must show the following:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of reasonable care
- The at-fault party breached their duty
- The breach caused your accident
- You suffered injuries and damages because of the accident
In most situations, a pedestrian walking in a crosswalk, on the sidewalk, or on the left side of the street (if there is no sidewalk) has the right of way. Consequently, it is generally not difficult to prove the existence of a duty of care in these cases. However, you will likely need legal counsel to help you prove the other party’s breach of duty directly caused your pedestrian accident injuries and compensable losses.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover for Your Injuries?
The human body is no match for a motor vehicle, so pedestrians are at great risk of severe bodily injuries and death in these accidents. Given the severity of pedestrian accidents, you should be sure to pursue compensation for all your current and future losses.
In a successful case, you may demand compensation for several types of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our crosswalk injury attorneys can help you determine the full value of your claim and fight for the compensation you need.
Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage Apply to Pedestrians in Riverview?
State law requires drivers to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage for all vehicles registered in the state. This type of coverage is also known as “no-fault” insurance because each person’s insurer is required to pay the cost of their injuries regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
It is important to note that Florida’s PIP laws cover injuries to pedestrians. However, if you do not own a car with PIP, then the negligent driver’s PIP insurance will cover your expenses.
How Can Our Riverview Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Help With Your Case?
Pedestrian accidents often result in life-changing injuries. If you were harmed in this type of incident, you are likely dealing with extensive medical treatment and high medical bills. Additionally, if you have had to take time off work, you may be experiencing significant financial losses.
At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we understand how overwhelming a crosswalk accident can be. We believe you should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence. Though filing a lawsuit can help you recover compensation, it can be difficult to manage while you are still healing.
Our team has the resources and dedication to handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your medical treatment. Contact our firm today and allow our Riverview pedestrian accident lawyers to fight for compensation on your behalf.