Pedestrian Accident Attorney St. Petersburg
There are several different ways to get around St. Petersburg. You can drive, take the bus, or walk. Walking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. It is also a great way to save money on gas. Unfortunately, walking can also be very dangerous.
In 2021, there were over nine thousand pedestrian accidents in Florida. Over 800 hundred of those resulted in fatalities. Pinellas County accounted for 498 crashes and 60 deaths. The Tampa Bay Metro area is the most deadly metro area in Florida for pedestrians. While St. Petersburg is known as the “Sunshine City” for its pleasant weather, is full of waterfront parks, and is popular for boating and beachgoing, it can be dangerous to be a pedestrian.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to speak with an experienced St. Petersburg pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
These accidents can be severe and may result in significant injuries. At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we know pedestrian accident victims often suffer from catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and can lead to long-term disability. A qualified attorney can help you file a claim and seek the compensation you are entitled to.
The Fran Haasch Law Group has over 21 years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases in St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Bradenton, Port Charlotte, and Venice. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in St. Petersburg?
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to take specific steps to protect your rights. First, seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible. Next, you should call the police. It is also important to obtain the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. In addition, you should take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries. These photos can be beneficial in documenting the accident and your injuries.
Once you have taken these steps, you should contact an experienced St. Petersburg pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence, and file a claim for damages. An attorney can also negotiate with the driver’s insurance company on your behalf and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
A pedestrian accident can be a very serious matter. You may face significant injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost wages. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, do not wait to seek legal help. Your lawyer will investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact one of our St. Petersburg pedestrian accident attorneys today.
Establishing Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Case
To recover compensation after a pedestrian accident, you must prove that the other party was at fault. Personal injury claims are based on the theory of negligence. This means that the other party failed to exercise a reasonable level of care, leading to your accident and injuries.
There are several ways to establish negligence in a pedestrian accident case, including:
- The driver was speeding;
- The driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- The driver ran a red light or stop sign;
- The driver was texting while driving or using a cell phone;
- The driver was engaged in some other form of reckless or careless behavior.
This can be difficult to do on your own. An experienced lawyer will know how to investigate your accident and gather evidence to support your pedestrian accident claim. If you can prove that the other party was at fault for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation.
What Evidence Can I Use to Prove Negligence?
Many different types of evidence can be used to prove negligence in a personal injury lawsuit. This includes:
- Witness statements;
- Photographs or videos of the accident scene;
- Medical records; and
- Expert testimony.
An experienced lawyer will know how to identify and gather this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer today.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been involved in a pedestrian accident. This can include:
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Other damages such as loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful Death Claims for Accidents Involving Pedestrians
In some cases, a pedestrian accident can be fatal. If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. These claims are filed by the victim’s survivors against the party responsible for their death. Surviving family members of the victim may seek recovery for losses, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses;
- Loss of financial support;
- Loss of love, companionship, and emotional support.
While no amount of money will bring back your loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can help you recover the fair compensation you need to move forward.
If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can result in many injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening or fatal injuries. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries;
- Neck and back injuries;
- Broken bones;
- Lacerations;
- Internal bleeding;
- Organ damage;
- Spinal cord injuries.
These injuries can have a significant impact on your life. You may face expensive medical bills, lost wages, and a long recovery process. A lawyer can help you seek the compensation you need to cover these damages.
What If the Driver Who Hit Me Was Uninsured?
You may be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage if you have this type of insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage is not required in Florida, but it is available for purchase. If you have this type of coverage and the driver who hit you was uninsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company.
If you don’t have this coverage but live with a family member who does, you may be able to use their car insurance policy. To assure that the insurance company won’t try and deny coverage, you should file a police report immediately after the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
The statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for filing a claim. In Florida, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. You have two years to file or settle with the other party. You will be barred from recovery if you do not file a case within this time frame.
It is important to note that this deadline can vary in certain circumstances. For example, if the other party is a government entity, you may have a shorter time frame to file a lawsuit. If you are unsure of the deadlines for your case, it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our St. Petersburg Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one is a pedestrian accident victim, contact an experienced St. Petersburg pedestrian accident attorney today. At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we have extensive experience handling these types of cases, and we are dedicated to fighting for the compensation our clients deserve. We will thoroughly investigate your accident and build a strong case on your behalf. To schedule a free case review, contact us today.
