Being hit by a car as a pedestrian can have severe consequences for the victims in Sunrise and the rest of Florida. But a Sunrise pedestrian accident lawyer can help them recover compensation for damages, particularly when someone else was responsible for the accident.
An experienced lawyer can help the victims navigate the claim process to pursue a financial agreement or to claim compensatory damages in court. But a law firm like Winston Law can do much more for you. Our lawyers can conduct a private investigation and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, among many other things.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Sunrise, Florida
Our pedestrian accident attorneys can provide some recommendations to prevent any further damage and protect your right to a legal claim:
- Call 911. Calling 911 can help injured pedestrians. But also, police officers and EMTs need to file a report for the accident. Your Sunrise pedestrian accident attorney can use those documents to support your claim.
- Collect evidence. Evidence at the site of the accident can be crucial for a pedestrian injury case. So, if you can move after the accident, you should use your phone to take pictures and videos of the scene. You should also exchange contact information with drivers and witnesses.
- Contact an attorney. Talking to insurance adjusters can jeopardize your claim. Insurance companies care more about their financial gain than compensating the victims. Your attorney can explain your rights and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage.
Your Sunrise pedestrian accident lawyer can also tell you which other steps to take to protect your right and claim the full damages you deserve.
Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents tend to be severe because, unlike drivers, pedestrians lack protection. That is why many pedestrian accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or even death. Some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents are:
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Broken bones, particularly in the legs, hips, and arms
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, which can result in paralysis
- Internal injuries, including damage to organs
- Psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety
Most of these injuries come at a high cost for the victims. That means pain and suffering, but also the expensive medical bills that come with them. Not to mention victims can experience coma, amputations, or disability. But a lawyer can help victims get compensation for all those damages.
Damages a Pedestrian Can Recover After an Accident in Sunrise
Accidents can be particularly expensive for pedestrians since they are often exposed to more severe injuries than drivers. However, an experienced car accident attorney can help them recover compensation to cover damages such as hospital bills, prescription medication costs, Lost wages, and property damage.
Also, having an experienced lawyer can help the victims recover non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate the victims for future lost income, pain, suffering, reduced earning capacity, and loss of consortium, among others.
Wrongful Death in Sunrise Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian accident can end a victim’s life. In those cases, a wrongful death lawyer can help surviving family members and guide them to file a claim for losing their loved one. However, it is worth mentioning not all family members can file wrongful death claims. Usually, spouses, parents, and adult children are entitled to pursue damages.
Damages for a family member’s wrongful death can help the family with funeral expenses. But an experienced law firm, such as Winston Law, can also help them get damages for the medical bills the victim left behind. And even claim non-economic damages for their loved one’s pain and suffering between the moment of the accident and the time of death.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents
Florida Statute of Limitations for pedestrian accidents is four years from the day of the accident. However, if you file a claim for a pedestrian wrongful death, the statute of limitations shortens to two years. That is a strict time limit, and those victims who try to file a claim after that date can get their case dismissed.
This is one of the reasons to hire a Sunrise pedestrian accident lawyer immediately. Negotiations with the liable party can take weeks or months to end. But there are exceptions to the rule that can shorten your time. For instance, when a government official is at fault.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Sunrise
Pedestrian accidents often happen when a pedestrian gets hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle and occur in intersections, parking lots, and driveways. These are the most common ways a pedestrian can get hit and injured by a vehicle.
- Car accidents
- DUI accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
However, if you or a loved one suffered another type of pedestrian accident, you need to talk to your lawyer to ensure you have a valid pedestrian accident case.
A Sunrise Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You
A pedestrian accident can change a person’s life in many ways. They can face long-lasting pain and suffering but can also cripple their economy since hospital and rehabilitation bills can be costly and extensive.
Pedestrian accident victims have rights, and a Sunrise accident lawyer can help them claim damages. Winston Law attorneys are known for standing for the “little guy” against the “big guy.” And because of that, we are committed to protecting any pedestrian hit by a vehicle. Contact our offices today, and let us answer all your questions.
