Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Helping Injured Pedestrians Throughout Florida

A pedestrian accident can be a life-changing and emotionally traumatic experience, leading to immense medical bills, lost wages, and reduced physical capability in addition to significant pain and suffering. Understanding the intricate procedures, deadlines, and requirements can be overwhelming and daunting for victims seeking justice and compensation. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer from Cohen and Cohen Law will investigate the circumstances of the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to hold responsible parties accountable. We help injured pedestrians heal physically, financially, and emotionally while fighting for the compensation they need to move forward.

Florida pedestrian laws seek to protect those traveling on foot, but accidents still happen due to driver negligence or hazardous road conditions. There is often a dispute between the pedestrian and the driver involved, leading to a contentious legal battle. Collecting relevant evidence, such as witness testimonies, police reports, and medical records, becomes a challenging task, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal representatives who may try to shift blame or downplay the severity of the accident.

Having a knowledgeable and experienced legal team on your side can alleviate these challenges and provide guidance and support throughout the entire legal process. At Cohen and Cohen Law, we leverage over 50 years of experience helping injured individuals and families in Florida navigate the complexities of the legal system, strengthen their case, and seek fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Key Takeaways

• Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges for victims due to mounting medical bills and lost wages
• Pedestrian accidents can involve complex legal challenges in addition to these losses and difficulties
• Victims may be able to seek economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages for their injuries due to others’ negligent behaviors
• Various factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents, including driver negligence and hazardous road conditions
• Seeking the guidance of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney is crucial to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need.
• Cohen and Cohen Law offers free consultations and personalized legal strategies for pedestrian accident cases

Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Hollywood often involve severe injuries that can have a profound impact on victims’ lives. These injuries may include any of the following:

• Fractures (broken bones)
• Spinal injuries
• Brain injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Amputations
• Fatalities

From traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage, these injuries may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Victims must not only cope with the physical pain and emotional trauma, but also navigate the financial challenges that accompany such life-altering injuries.

Addressing Long-Term Care Needs After Severe Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries that necessitate ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily living activities. Depending on the nature and severity of their injuries, victims may require home modifications, mobility aids, and personal care services to adapt to their new circumstances and maintain their quality of life.

Pursuing sufficient compensation is crucial for covering these long-term care expenses. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can help victims assess their current and future medical needs, consult with experts to estimate the costs of ongoing care, and fight for a settlement or court award towards adequately addressing these needs.

Calculating Potential Compensation for Medical Bills and Lost Wages

Calculating compensation for medical bills and lost wages is a critical aspect of pedestrian accident claims. Victims should meticulously document all medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and therapy sessions. They must also account for future medical costs related to ongoing treatment and care.

Lost wages encompass both the income lost due to time away from work during recovery and the potential future earnings lost if the injury leads to a diminished earning capacity. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Hollywood, Florida work closely with medical experts and economic specialists to accurately calculate the full extent of a victim’s losses and help them seek fair compensation throughout the state of Florida.

Common Scenarios Causing Pedestrian Accidents in Florida

Pedestrian accidents in Florida often occur due to auto accidents involving driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield at crosswalks. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, causing significant pain and suffering for victims. In tragic cases, families may need to pursue a wrongful death claim when a pedestrian loses their life due to a driver’s careless actions.

Vehicle design and road conditions also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Large vehicles with poor visibility or inadequate safety features may increase the risk of collisions with pedestrians. Additionally, poorly maintained sidewalks, insufficient lighting, or lack of proper crosswalks can create hazardous environments for those traveling on foot, leading to falls.

When pedestrian accidents occur, determining liability becomes crucial. Victims may need to navigate complex insurance claims processes, dealing with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance company. Experienced attorneys can help injured pedestrians gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages from the accident.

Types of Compensation Injured Pedestrians May Be Able To Seek in Florida

Pedestrian accident victims in Hollywood, Florida may be entitled to various types of compensation to help cover their losses and support their recovery. The experienced attorneys at Cohen and Cohen Law understand the complexities of personal injury cases and work diligently to pursue fair compensation for injured victims. This may include reimbursement for medical expenses, such as hospital bills, physical therapy, and nursing care, as well as compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering. The skilled legal team at our Hollywood, Florida law firm can help injured pedestrians navigate the intricacies of health insurance claims and negotiate with insurance companies to help pursue the financial support they need to heal and move forward after a traumatic accident.

Economic Damages

Economic damages in pedestrian accident cases may include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Victims who suffer a traumatic brain injury or other severe injuries due to a driver’s negligence, such as driving under the influence or running a stop sign, often face significant financial burdens.

The experienced attorneys and paralegals at Cohen and Cohen Law work diligently to pursue compensation for these tangible losses, including negotiating with vehicle insurance providers to help victims pursue fair reimbursement for their expenses:

Type of Economic Damage	Examples
Medical Expenses	Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, medication
Lost Wages	Current and future income loss, reduced earning capacity
Property Damage	Damaged personal belongings, costs of assistive devices

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages in pedestrian accident cases encompass the intangible losses suffered by victims, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages can be challenging to quantify, and claims adjusters often attempt to minimize their value. However, the experienced attorneys at Cohen and Cohen Law understand the profound impact these injuries can have on a person’s life, especially in cases involving traumatic brain injuries or accidents with large trucks.

Punitive Damages

In certain cases, pedestrian accident victims in Hollywood, Florida may seek punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic compensation. Courts award these damages to punish particularly egregious behavior by the at-fault party, such as extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct.

For instance, a driver who causes a pedestrian accident due to distracted driving while traveling from Miami on a motorcycle might face punitive damages if their actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for safety. These damages serve as a deterrent and may apply in cases where a driver struck a pedestrian on a sidewalk or engaged in other grossly negligent conduct.

Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim Following a Florida Pedestrian Accident

In Florida, families who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation. These cases require careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of Florida’s wrongful death statutes. The experienced attorneys at Cohen and Cohen Law provide compassionate guidance through this difficult process.

Gathering compelling evidence is crucial in wrongful death cases involving pedestrian accidents. This may include police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to demonstrate how the at-fault party’s negligence led to the tragic loss of life.

Wrongful death claims can help families pursue damages for lost wages, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, these claims aim to provide financial stability and hold negligent parties accountable. Cohen and Cohen Law’s attorneys work diligently to build strong cases that stand up in court, fighting for the rights of grieving families throughout Florida.

Understanding Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident

After suffering injuries in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. Knowing who may be liable for your injuries and the time limits for filing a claim in Hollywood can help you navigate the complex legal process and protect your right to seek fair compensation.

Identifying the Parties Liable for Your Injuries Following a Florida Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accident victims in Hollywood may be able to hold multiple parties accountable for their injuries, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way, operate their vehicles recklessly, or drive under the influence often bear primary responsibility. However, other parties such as government entities responsible for maintaining safe roads and walkways or manufacturers of defective vehicle parts could also be liable.

Identifying all potentially liable parties is essential when seeking maximum compensation in a pedestrian accident claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine which individuals or entities may be held accountable for the victim’s damages.

Know the Time Limits for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Florida

In Hollywood, as in the rest of Florida, pedestrian accident victims must adhere to strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, when filing personal injury claims. For the majority of pedestrian accident cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident.

However, certain circumstances can alter this timeline. If a government entity bears responsibility for the accident, victims must file a notice of claim within six months of the incident. Consult with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney to proceed in compliance with all applicable deadlines and preserve the right to seek compensation.

The Process of Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Pursuing a pedestrian accident claim in Hollywood involves several critical steps. Gathering compelling evidence and skillfully negotiating with insurance companies are two key components of the claims process that can significantly impact a victim’s potential compensation. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you through these processes.

Collecting Evidence to Support Your Case

Gathering strong evidence is vital to building a solid pedestrian accident claim. Victims should collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene, their injuries, and any property damage.

Preserving physical evidence, such as damaged clothing or personal items, can also help establish the severity of the impact. Work with an experienced attorney to identify and collect relevant evidence to support your case.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies Effectively

Insurance companies often prioritize their own financial interests over the well-being of pedestrian accident victims. To negotiate effectively, victims should enlist the help of a skilled personal injury attorney who can advocate for their rights and fight for the compensation they need.

Skilled attorneys can handle all communications with insurance adjusters, present compelling evidence to support the victim’s claim, and employ proven negotiation strategies to seek a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, a dedicated lawyer will be prepared to take the case to trial and argue on the victim’s behalf in court. At Cohen and Cohen Law, we are prepared to help you throughout your Florida pedestrian accident case.

What To Do Immediately Following a Pedestrian Accident

In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, taking the right steps is crucial for protecting your safety, well-being, and legal rights. Prioritizing your health and reporting the incident to the proper authorities are two essential actions that can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Ensuring Safety and Seeking Medical Attention First

After a pedestrian accident, the safety of all involved parties is the priority. If anyone has suffered injuries, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance and alert law enforcement.

Even if injuries seem minor, seeking a thorough medical evaluation is essential. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not present obvious symptoms initially but can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Reporting the Incident to Authorities Without Delay

Reporting the pedestrian accident to the proper authorities is a crucial step that should not be delayed. Contacting law enforcement ensures that an official police report is created, which can serve as valuable evidence in a legal claim.

The police report will document the accident scene, gather witness statements, and provide an unbiased account of the incident. This information can help establish liability and strengthen the victim’s case when seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.

Settling a Claim vs. Going to Trial for Pedestrian Accidents

When pursuing compensation for a pedestrian accident in Hollywood, victims must decide whether to settle their claim out of court or take their case to trial. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and the right course of action depends on the unique circumstances of each case. Understanding the factors that influence this decision and the potential resolutions can help victims make an informed choice and protect their ability to seek fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Settling a pedestrian accident claim out of court can often lead to a quicker resolution and more control over the decision. However, accepting a settlement may mean compromising on a victim’s potential compensation amount, as insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts.

Taking a pedestrian accident case to trial allows victims to argue for maximum compensation before a judge or jury. While this path may lead to a higher award, it can also be a lengthier, more expensive, and less predictable process.

How an Experienced Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney at Cohen and Cohen Law Can Help You

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney from Cohen and Cohen Law in Hollywood, Florida can navigate the complexities of personal injury protection policies and motor vehicle insurance claims. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to properly submit the necessary documentation before the deadlines.

Our skilled lawyers investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether traffic light violations or other infractions contributed to the incident. An experienced attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case for their clients.

Our attorneys at Cohen and Cohen Law work diligently to pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering due to pedestrian accidents. We understand the nuances of Florida’s traffic laws and use this knowledge to advocate effectively for our clients throughout the legal process.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Cohen and Cohen Law to Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Claim and Build Your Strategy in Hollywood, Florida

Pedestrian accidents in Florida can have devastating consequences, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. When a car collides with a pedestrian, the victim may face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. In these challenging times, it’s crucial for accident victims to understand their rights and the potential coverage available through their insurance policy.

We offer free consultations to discuss the merits of each case and develop personalized strategies for pursuing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our experienced lawyers at Cohen and Cohen Law work tirelessly to investigate accidents, gather evidence, and build strong cases to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our attorneys at Cohen and Cohen assess how factors like speed limit violations may have contributed to the accident and discuss potential legal strategies with clients. By advocating for their clients’ rights and dealing with insurance companies, pedestrian accident attorneys empower injured individuals to focus on their physical and emotional recovery while seeking the justice they need.

Schedule a free consultation with Cohen and Cohen Law today by calling (800) 332-6436(800) 332-6436 or filling out our online form. Our law firm’s experienced lawyers provide compassionate guidance throughout the legal process, fighting tirelessly to protect clients’ rights and interests in Hollywood and throughout Florida.

Experience Matters — Serving Florida for Over 50 Years

Frequently Asked Questions about Pedestrian Accidents in Florida

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident in Florida?

After a pedestrian accident in Hollywood, Florida, prioritize safety and medical care. Move to a safe area if possible, call 911 for emergency services, and seek immediate medical attention. Gather information from witnesses and the driver involved, and document the scene with photos if you can.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida?

Pedestrians in Florida generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, this time limit may be shorter in certain circumstances, such as cases involving government entities. Consult with a personal injury attorney promptly to make sure your claim is filed in a timely manner.

Can I still seek to recover damages if I was partially at fault for a pedestrian accident in Florida?

In Florida, individuals can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault for an accident. The state follows a modified comparative negligence system, which allows for compensation to be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved in the incident. However, injured individuals deemed to be over 50% responsible for their injuries are not eligible for compensation.

What types of compensation could be available for pedestrian accident victims in Florida?

Pedestrian accident victims in Florida may be eligible for various forms of compensation. This can include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. In severe cases, victims might also be eligible for potential compensation for long-term disability or disfigurement due to the accident. An experienced Florida pedestrian accident attorney can assess your unique case details and review potential opportunities to seek compensation.

How can a pedestrian accident attorney help with my claim in Florida?

A pedestrian accident attorney in Hollywood, Florida can assist with your claim by investigating the incident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. A skilled Florida pedestrian accident attorney will work to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.