If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Florida, you’re not alone. Florida is the most dangerous state for pedestrians as of this writing. You must take plenty of precautions to stay safe, especially in cities like Melbourne.
If you’ve been hit by a car, contact our pedestrian accident lawyers in Melbourne right away for advice. An insurer might try to say you were jaywalking when there was no marked crossing area for miles. Andrew Pickett Law can protect you from tactics like these.
Why Is Florida Dangerous for Pedestrians?
Part of the reason is aggressive drivers, but another part is poor roads and unmarked crossings. Pedestrians rely on signals and crosswalks to enforce their safety. Plenty of Florida roads lack these features. This puts pedestrians at risk.
Yet an intersection isn’t the only place where pedestrians can be hit. There are plenty who get hit walking along the side of the road, usually at night when pedestrians are harder to see. There may be no sidewalk, so they’re forced to walk on the shoulder.
Pedestrians do have a right to use the road. Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, can help you build a claim against the responsible driver so that you can get paid for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other legal damages.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accidents lawyer serving Melbourne, call 321-503-4014
What Could Lower My Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident?
There are road rules that pedestrians must follow. They don’t always have the right of way! If you’re caught breaking some of the rules laid out in Fla. Stat. § 316.130, you could receive less compensation. You must:
- Walk on a sidewalk if it’s available
- Walk on the left side of the road
- Follow all signals and lights
- Cross in a crosswalk if it’s available
- Yield to cars already in the intersection or crosswalk
- Never step out into the road in an unsafe manner (e.g. between two parked cars immediately into traffic)
- Never cross an intersection diagonally unless there is a marked crosswalk or an officer directing you
There are also safety rules that aren’t required by law, like wearing light-colored or reflective clothing at night, that can help cars know where you are. The more visible you are, the less likely you’ll be hit and the less likely a driver can say they couldn’t see you.
Melbourne Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 321-503-4014
What Damages Can I Claim in a Pedestrian Accident?
Damages are the costs, both economic and non-economic, related to your accident. These include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Partial or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
The amount you could get all depends on the evidence of these damages in your case, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, and the law. Speak with a Melbourne pedestrian accident attorney for more information about what you may qualify for.
If a loved one was struck by a vehicle and suffered fatal injuries, you may also be able to pursue damages in a wrongful death claim.
Click to contact our Melbourne Personal Injury Lawyers today
Will PIP Coverage Be Enough for My Accident Costs?
Thanks to Florida’s no-fault law, all drivers are expected to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Sadly, this is hardly enough to cover most accidents these days.
If the other driver’s insurance doesn’t cover the costs of your accident, that’s when you should contact a pedestrian accident lawyer to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Do not accept an offer from the insurance company until you speak with a lawyer first.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Your Claim Started With a Melbourne Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hit by a car while you were walking on Florida roads, don’t wait. Contact our office in Melbourne for a free no-obligation consultation. You can call the number on your screen or use our contact form. The pedestrian accident lawyers in Melbourne, FL, at Andrew Pickett Law are ready to help you.
Call or text 321-503-4014 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
