BOCA RATON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER
When you head out on foot, you’re thinking about enjoying the beautiful Boca Raton weather and fine scenery – not about being injured in a pedestrian accident. The fact is that pedestrian accidents are not uncommon, and they are among the most dangerous traffic accidents out there. If a negligent motorist leaves you injured in a pedestrian accident, discuss your legal options with an experienced Boca Raton pedestrian accident lawyer today.
Risks Inherent to Pedestrians
When you are walking, absolutely nothing comes between you and the impact of a car accident. You don’t have the protective shell of a car or even the bike helmet that cyclists wear. This makes pedestrian accidents exceedingly dangerous – and often deadly – accidents.
Distracted Drivers
A growing concern on our roadway is distracted drivers. When we get behind the wheel, we take on the immense responsibility of driving safely, and this requires our complete attention. Drivers who allow their attention to land on anything other than driving safely are dangerous drivers who make our roadways less safe for everyone who travels on them – including pedestrians. Smartphone usage is an especially dangerous and prevalent distraction that engages one’s thoughts, sight, and hearing (a trifecta of dangers).
Pedestrian Right-of-Way
Anytime you are a pedestrian, it’s important to remember that there are pedestrian laws in place to help keep you safe out there. These include:
- You are required to obey all pedestrian signs, lights, and signals – unless they are overridden by a police official directing you to do otherwise.
- If there’s a sidewalk available, you should use it. If there’s no sidewalk or it’s under construction, you should walk on the road’s left shoulder (facing traffic).
- When crossing the road, you are required to obey all pedestrian signals and signs, to stay on the curb until the traffic light signals otherwise, and whenever possible, to stick to the right-most half of the crosswalk.
The fact is that you are extremely vulnerable to injury when you are on foot, and obeying the rules of the road is the most effective means of reducing your risk.
Damages from Pedestrian Accidents
If a motorist leaves you injured in a pedestrian accident, your damages are likely to be immense, including:
- Medical expenses that can range from emergency transportation through surgery, follow-up care, and beyond
- Lost wages that can lead to a diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
All told, the physical, financial, and emotional consequences of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. Obtaining compensation that covers your damages in their entirety, however, can help you reach your most complete recovery.
Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident
In 2021, 844 pedestrians were killed and 7,320 suffered injuries in Florida. Pedestrian accidents can take place anywhere in Boca Raton – at crosswalks, intersections, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks, among others. When they do happen, these crashes can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.
The bodies of pedestrians simply can’t protect against being struck by a motor vehicle. Because of this, the injuries they suffer are often severe and life-altering. Many injured victims will face several weeks, months, or years recovering, if they do recover at all. Some will have to face lifelong injuries and disabilities. Some of the common injuries that you can suffer in a pedestrian accident are:
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Severe sprains
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
If you get injured in a pedestrian accident, reach out to the Boca Raton pedestrian accident lawyers at Demand the Limits Personal Injury Attorneys right away. It’s crucial to note that not all pedestrian crashes and injuries involve vehicles. Some could result from specific hazards in areas of a property that pedestrians use.
Property owners are legally obligated to ensure that their common areas, walkways, and parking lots are safe for everyone. This means that slippery surfaces, stray wires, potholes, and falling objects could make owners responsible for causing or contributing to a pedestrian accident.
Pursuing Compensation for a Boca Raton Pedestrian Accident
Most people tend to believe that because they were injured by a negligent motorist or entity that the liable party’s insurance company will take care of the losses they have incurred due to the pedestrian accident. In reality, however, most insurance companies will desperately and skillfully try to reduce the compensation they owe injured victims or avoid paying out compensation altogether.
Right after the accident, a claims adjuster from the liable party’s insurance company will contact you. You should not tell them anything or give a recorded statement – beyond confirming that you were involved in the accident and that you are injured. Do not tell the adjuster specific details about the accident because they are looking for any little thing they can use against you to reduce or deny your claim. They may even offer a quick settlement to resolve your claim, but the amount they’ll offer will not suffice to make up for your losses.
Our Boca Raton pedestrian accident lawyers know full well the stress and financial challenges that victims have to endure after getting injured in a pedestrian accident. You’re probably worried about how you’ll be able to pay for your medical expenses, especially since you can’t go back to work and your unpaid bills are piling up. This is why our lawyers work hard to ensure that our clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries.
When you work with Demand The Limits Personal Injury Attorneys, a skilled negotiator will handle your case and recover a fair settlement on your behalf. If the liable party’s insurer refuses to negotiate fairly, our lawyers will pursue compensation and justice for you in court.
Consult with an Experienced Boca Raton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
The Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorneys at Demand the Limits Personal Injury Attorneys are committed to aggressively advocating on behalf of your rights for the compensation to which you are entitled. Our dedicated legal team has the experience and fortitude to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at (561) 600-3555 to schedule a free consultation today.