New Port Richey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When traveling by foot or bicycle, you expect drivers to share the road and follow the law to keep you safe. When a driver is negligent or reckless and collides with a pedestrian, the results can be tragic.
Someone facing the aftermath of a pedestrian accident and fighting to recover medically and financially needs a helpful, caring, and experienced New Port Richey pedestrian accident lawyer on their side.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents
In Florida, a plaintiff’s amount of recovery is reduced by the proportion the jury finds the plaintiff to have been at fault for their own injuries.
Of course, it is also important to follow all laws pertaining to pedestrians for one’s own safety. These laws might include:
- Obeying all signs at an intersection or crosswalk
- Only crossing in designated areas such as crosswalks
- Wearing bright clothing and reflective gear if walking at night
- Obeying local laws about which side of the road on which to walk or cycle
- Staying away from roads where pedestrians and cyclists are not allowed
Drivers at Fault
A driver could potentially cause a pedestrian accident by:
- Driving through a crosswalk or intersection without looking
- Proceeding when the pedestrian has the right-of-way
- Driving distracted (for example, driving while texting)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
When a driver collides with a pedestrian, the injuries can often be quite severe. It is important for a pedestrian who has been injured to contact a New Port Richey pedestrian accident attorney who can fight their legal claims while they focus on physical recovery.
Recovering from Injuries
After a pedestrian is injured by a driver, they should seek immediate medical attention. Once they have sought medical attention and made plans to seek follow-up treatment, it is important to call an attorney as soon as possible.
An attorney will begin a personal injury case by ensuring that the driver who hit their client has insurance. The attorney will make contact with the insurance company so that the insurance company knows the pedestrian is being represented.
The Attorney’s Role
Once a case is opened, an experienced pedestrian attorney will go right to work on an investigation. The investigation might involve inspecting the scene of the accident, taking pictures of the scene of the accident, collecting information from the client, talking to witnesses, and seeking out any taped video surveillance.
Because this evidence can disappear quickly, it is important to begin the investigation quickly. This evidence can first be used to persuade the insurance company to settle. If the insurance company does not make appropriate settlement offers, it could become necessary to take the case to court.
If the lawsuit is filed, the attorney will use the evidence gathered to prepare for court. In addition, legal briefs might be required, which the pedestrian accident attorney in New Port Richey will have to research and write.
On the day of trial, a dedicated lawyer will want to feel as prepared as possible to present the best version of the facts to help their client recover what they deserve.
Compensation
Pedestrian accidents can alter someone’s entire life. To ensure that the pedestrian has been fairly compensated, the attorney might seek these types of damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Wrongful death
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Contact an Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has experienced the pain and fear of being a pedestrian hit by a driver, be sure you are compensated for what you have suffered. An experienced, dedicated New Port Richey pedestrian accident attorney can help.