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The Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are caused in many ways. Distracted driving and flawed infrastructure can be common reasons. Additionally, many pedestrians suffer injuries when they aren’t paying attention and can wander into oncoming traffic. Still, when pedestrians have the right of way, a civil lawsuit can help make victims whole again after an accident. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted Drivers – Food and drink and passenger interactions are among the causes of driver inattention. The biggest of them all is the phone. If you’ve suffered an injury because of a distracted driver, The Law Offices of Scott J. Senft can help you hold them responsible for the injuries and damages they’ve caused.
- Failure to Yield – When drivers disobey traffic laws by intentionally ignoring stop signs or a traffic signal, this can cause serious injuries. Drivers are often held liable for the harm done when an accident involves a pedestrian and their refusal to follow traffic laws. If this happened to you, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
- Impaired Drivers – Be it prescription medications, drugs, or alcohol, impaired drivers are known hazards to themselves and others. Car accidents involving drunk or impaired drivers can cause fatal injuries. If you’ve been harmed by an impaired driver, speak with The Law Offices of Scott J. Senft right away.
- Left-Turning Drivers – Nearly a fifth of all pedestrian-vehicle collisions in the US involve a motorist turning left. Intersections featuring traffic control devices telling pedestrians to walk and green lights telling drivers to go are hotbeds for incidents. If you or a loved one suffered debilitating injuries crossing the street, you may be able to recover financial awards for your injuries.
- Drivers in Reverse – When drivers reversing their vehicles strike pedestrians, the victims can pursue a personal injury claim to recover their losses.
- Speeding – Higher speeds mean less time for a moving vehicle to come to a stop or adjust its course. This typically means when drivers speed, the more likely a pedestrian accident can occur.
Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Serious injuries happen at higher rates when automobiles collide with pedestrians. However, Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorneys have the necessary experience in personal injury law to help you.
Here are some of the most common injury scenarios:
Soft Tissue Injuries
Pedestrians struck in accidents with cars can suffer injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles, and major organs. This can be medically complex and some of the injuries can be delayed. Internal injuries to vital organs can also be fatal.
Broken Bones
Many injured pedestrians suffer broken and fractured bones. Immediate medical attention is necessary and some of these injuries could require surgery. Many victims need extensive physical therapy to make a full recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Closed head injuries are some of the most dangerous injuries from pedestrian accidents. These injuries to the brain are frequent causes of long-term disabilities and are a major source of collision-related fatalities. Many wrongful death suits result from closed head injuries like TBIs.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can have serious negative long-term health effects. Some of the most common issues are full or partial paralysis, breathing issues, loss of bladder or bowel control, and nerve conditions.
Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
The liable parties in Boca Raton pedestrian accidents are determined by Florida Statutes § 316.130(15). This law states that drivers “shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian…”. In the various ways pedestrians are injured in collisions with automobiles, Florida state law grants pedestrians the right of way, therefore holding drivers liable.
Steps to Take When Injured In A Pedestrian Accident In Boca Raton
The steps one takes after a pedestrian accident are an important part of receiving fair compensation. When accidents happen, it’s important to be mindful of what steps to take next.
Here are the steps that pedestrian accident victims in Boca Raton will need to follow:
1
Get Medical Treatment
Pedestrian accident victims should always seek immediate medical attention. This is true even when there’s no physical pain or obvious injury. Skipping this step has serious consequences, like sustaining permanent injuries or death. Also, the longer you wait to see a doctor negatively affects the chances your Boca Raton pedestrian accident lawyer can win your case.
2
Take Pictures and Videos
Take as many pictures and videos as you can without compromising your health or the rest of the post-accident process. Pictures and videos of the accident scene are a great way to help your personal injury attorney with your pedestrian accident lawsuit. Photos and video offer objective and irrefutable evidence of the details in your pedestrian accident case.
3
Contact Authorities
Contacting authorities is necessary for recovering compensation after being hit by a vehicle. Victims need to provide accurate, honest, and simple recollections of the event without admitting fault. The other party’s insurance company and your pedestrian accident lawyer can use police reports when determining liability.
4
File an Insurance Claim
When filing an insurance claim, time is of the essence. Florida law states that a pedestrian accident case must be filed within four years of the event. In the case of wrongful death claims, there is a two-year statute of limitations.
5
Obey Doctor’s Orders
Compliance with prescribed medical care is a crucial step in the process. This makes it easier for your pedestrian accidents lawyer to protect your legal rights.
6
Collect Receipts
Keep records of all injury-related costs. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will need them to prove the extent of your damages. Additionally, it’s imperative that all out-of-pocket expenses be accounted for. The medical expenses associated with your injury can help your injury lawyers recover all of the financial compensation you’re entitled to.
Pedestrian Accidents in Boca Raton FAQs
What Are the Possible Outcomes of Your Claim?
In Boca Raton, the law strongly favors pedestrians. Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution when pedestrians are present. Most pedestrian accident claims rarely go to trial, settle quickly, and can include more than enough of a financial payout to cover all of the injury and property damage associated costs.
How Much Compensation Will You Receive?
Since no two cases are identical, it’s hard to say exactly how much compensation you could receive after your accident. Many settlements include enough to recover lost wages, medical bills, miscellaneous medical costs, and all other expenses associated with the incident.
Seeing as how no price tag can be put on time and health, all compensation beyond what can be materially accounted for is generally dictated by policy limits, settlement outcomes, the skill and effectiveness of legal teams, and insurance companies.
Why Are There So Many Pedestrian Accidents?
The high rate at which pedestrian accidents occur is due to the 278 million registered motor vehicles and 330 million people in the USA. Accidents occur for many reasons, but the sheer number of drivers and pedestrians crossing paths increase the chances of accidents.
Why Do You Need a Boca Raton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
A Boca Raton pedestrian accident lawyer is a must for pedestrian accident victims seeking compensation for their injuries. Typically, injured pedestrians who need rest and healing are in no condition to negotiate with insurance companies.
That’s why pedestrian accident lawyers suggest leaving that to an experienced legal team. Contact The Law Offices of Scott J. Senft today for a no obligation free consultation.
CALL (954) 329-0137– South Florida’s Top Personal Injury Attorney
Scott J. Senft
Was born in Brooklyn, New York. He received his Bachelor of Science from University of Florida in 1988 and his Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law in 1991.
For over 32 years, The Law Offices of Scott J Senft have served South Florida as one of the top personal injury law firms. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of accident, do not hesitate to reach out immediately.