Why You Need An Attorney After A Florida Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents are common. Unfortunately, when a pedestrian accident happens, it either results in death or serious injuries. This is because, unlike vehicle occupants who are protected by the vehicle’s body, pedestrians have nothing to protect them. According to the CDC, in 2020 alone, over 7,000 pedestrians died in the U.S. due to accidents involving motor vehicles. The CDC estimates that 104,000 pedestrians sustained non-fatal crash-related injuries in the same year. Among the causes of these deaths and injuries was impaired driving. If you were injured in a crash as a pedestrian due to the negligence of another party, you deserve to be compensated. But without proper legal representation, you risk losing out on a chance of recovering the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more.
Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident is an accident where the victim is injured by a motor vehicle although they are not in a motor vehicle or self-propelled vehicle (like a motorcycle.) A pedestrian accident could include someone hit by a car while: (1) walking, (2) on their bicycle, (3) on rollerblades; or (4) some scooters.
Why Should You Retain a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
After a pedestrian accident, receiving compensation is paramount to getting your life back on track. However, among other things, the matter of who is liable and how much compensation you should be awarded can lead to you not recovering the compensation you are owed. Because of this, it is best that you retain the services of a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer. Below is an in-depth discussion about how a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve;
A Lawyer Can Help You Prove Fault
In order for you to recover compensation in your pedestrian accident claim, you need to prove negligence on the part of the defendant. When it comes to establishing negligence, there are a number of elements you need to prove. A qualified attorney can gather evidence of these elements and help you prove your case.
A Lawyer Can Determine the Damages You Are Owed
A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can determine the damages you are owed and calculate the value of those damages. In a Florida pedestrian accident claim, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Calculating economic damages like medical expenses is usually straightforward. On the other hand, it can be hard to calculate non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. An attorney can make calculating even non-economic damages easy.
A Lawyer Can Help Qualify you for PIP or UNINISURED / UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE
Pedestrians may be eligible to have their medical bills paid for through THEIR own automobile insurance, through their PIP coverage.
Pedestrians may also be eligible to receive compensation through THEIR own automobile insurance, through their uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage. In many crashes involving pedestrians, the at-fault party has NO insurance, LIMITED insurance or leaves the scene of the crash (hit and run). Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (or UM/UIM coverage) stands in the place of the at-fault’s insurance.
A Lawyer Can Negotiate for You
If you do not negotiate with the insurance company, you cannot expect to recover the compensation you deserve. An attorney can help you handle the insurance company and determine what a fair settlement in your case is considering all your damages. Without an attorney to speak on your behalf, you may end up saying things that result in you recovering less than you deserve.
A Lawyer Can Fight for You in Court
If the insurance company refuses to make you a fair offer, an attorney can take your accident case to court and fight for you in front of a judge and jury.
Contact a Plantation Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a Florida pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another party, you deserve to recover the maximum compensation possible. Our Plantation pedestrian accident lawyers at Lyons & Snyder can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html
