Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Serving Destin

Being hurt in a pedestrian accident can be a devastating experience. Pedestrians are exceptionally vulnerable when collisions with vehicles occur because nearly all motorized vehicles are larger and heavier than pedestrians. If you’ve recently been hurt in a Destin, FL, pedestrian accident, your injuries might affect everything from your bank account to your overall quality of life.

You deserve compensation if you were hurt because someone was careless. At The Bruner Law Firm, a pedestrian accident lawyer serving Destin, FL, is available to review your case and discuss your legal options. We’re also prepared to offer aggressive representation if you choose to enlist our help. Contact us today at (850) 243-2222 for a free case evaluation where we can give you more information about pursuing the money you deserve.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Destin, FL

It’s not uncommon for pedestrians to be injured in collisions resulting from the carelessness of motorists. The following are common ways reckless motorists can endanger pedestrians:

• Speeding
• Driving drunk or high
• Driving while fatigued
• Not using headlights when necessary
• Not yielding the right of way to pedestrians
• Ignoring stop signs, red lights, and similar traffic signals
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Failing to keep a lookout for nearby pedestrians

Pedestrians must also take steps to reduce their odds of being hurt. If a pedestrian is hurt because they disobeyed a Florida pedestrian traffic law, any compensation they’re entitled to may be reduced.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Crash in Destin

A car, truck, van, or other enclosed motor vehicle offers some protection in a collision. A pedestrian doesn’t enjoy the same degree of protection. As a result, pedestrian accident injuries can be very severe. When you’ve been in an accident as a pedestrian, if your injuries permit, you should:

• Check yourself for injuries.
• Relocate to a spot away from traffic and other potential hazards.
• Tend to any injuries requiring immediate attention.
• Call 911 to report the crash.
• Approach the driver who caused the collision and calmly ask for their contact and insurance information. If the driver flees the scene, make a note on your phone or on paper describing any identifying details of the driver, their vehicle, or both.
• Never say you’re “fine” or unharmed when a driver or others ask if you’re okay. You might be hurt even if you’re not experiencing injury symptoms. Additionally, don’t say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
• Get the names and contact information of witnesses at the scene. The clearer a witness’s memory of the incident, the more valuable their testimony may be. Ask witnesses if they’d be willing to provide recorded or written statements.
• Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries.

Visit the nearest ER or urgent care center as soon as the police give you permission to leave the scene. Save copies of all medical bills and records.

Compensation Available After a Destin, FL Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian accident can cause serious injuries that require costly medical care. Your injuries might also affect your ability to work. If you can’t work while you recover, you may not earn an income. Loss of income could make paying your medical bills and your regular expenses even more challenging.

Medical expenses and lost income are considered “economic” losses after a pedestrian accident. Economic losses are losses with specific dollar values.

It may be necessary to estimate the value of certain economic losses when seeking compensation after a wreck. For instance, if your injuries are severe, you may require future medical care. Perhaps your injuries might affect your employment prospects indefinitely. Thus, you might have to calculate the cost of future medical expenses and lost earning potential so they can be included in a fair settlement.

Arriving at an appropriate settlement amount will also require assigning a dollar value to “non-economic” losses. These are subjective losses, like pain and suffering, that don’t have clear dollar values.

How to Pursue Compensation for a Florida Pedestrian Accident

You can seek compensation after a Destin, Florida, pedestrian accident resulting from the actions or carelessness of a motorist by filing a claim with their auto insurance company. Steps the process may involve include:

• Investigation – The insurance company will investigate your claim to confirm the cause of the wreck and their insured driver’s liability. However, the insurance company’s goal is to settle your claim for the lowest possible payout. Your attorney should also investigate to gather evidence proving the at-fault driver’s liability.
• Calculating compensation – You and your attorney should gather documentation of your losses to submit with your claim. Medical bills, pay stubs, and other such documentation can prove to a claims adjuster why you deserve the compensation you’re seeking.
• Negotiating – The insurance company’s first settlement offer will most likely be far short of the amount you’re entitled to. Your attorney should review any offer you get from them so they can advise you whether it’s an appropriate amount. Otherwise, you might end up receiving less compensation than you truly deserve. Your attorney can push back and continue negotiating if a settlement offer is too low.

Ideally, you’ll be able to negotiate a proper settlement out of court. However, there are instances when insurance companies refuse to make fair offers. In that case, your attorney can file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve in court.

The Deadline for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Florida

Florida’s pedestrian accident statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Act fast to avoid missing the deadline. If you file your lawsuit after the deadline passes, the court will likely dismiss your case without a hearing.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Serving Destin

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be painful and confusing. Your injuries may cause pain, financial difficulties, and numerous other struggles.

You don’t have to add to your challenges at this time by pursuing compensation alone. At The Bruner Law Firm, a pedestrian accident lawyer serving Destin, FL, is prepared to seek compensation on your behalf. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at (850) 243-2222 today for your free case evaluation.