Boca Raton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Although pedestrians in Florida have the right of way on the road, thousands of pedestrians are struck by moving vehicles each year across the state. According to a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) report, more than 9,700 accidents involved pedestrians in 2019 alone, up 4% from 2018.

Pedestrian accidents can result in devastating circumstances, resulting in serious injury that requires long-term care, loss of function, or even death. If a negligent or reckless driver struck you or someone you know, contact the Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorneys at Eltringham Law Group today for a free consultation.

Negligence Is a Typical Cause of Pedestrian Accidents 

Pedestrian crashes can happen because of negligence or reckless driving, including drivers driving too fast, distracted, or simply not paying attention. 

There are times when a pedestrian could be at fault; however, it’s usually motor vehicle operators who fail to practice care and safety around pedestrians. Pedestrian-automobile accidents are often caused by drivers:

• Failing to watch for a pedestrian when entering a crosswalk
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Running a stop sign or a red light
• Parking illegally, making it challenging for other vehicles to spot pedestrians
• Turning right before watching out for a pedestrian
• Texting, checking their GPS, or otherwise driving distractedly

Drivers Must Exercise Reasonable Care Around Pedestrians

Drivers operating their vehicles on Boca Raton roads and highways have a duty to exercise a degree of caution, watch out for pedestrians, and minimize their risk of harm. If they don’t do this, their behavior could be considered negligent.

This is particularly true when it comes to children, disabled people, or older adults. Drivers should use more caution when operating their vehicles through school zones, neighborhoods, or near hospitals. If a driver fails to exercise a degree of reasonable care and speeds through a neighborhood or a hospital parking lot, they are negligent.

Injury Contribution and Comparative Fault

There are times when a pedestrian’s actions are partially responsible for their accident with a vehicle. Some circumstances include:

• Crossing outside a crosswalk
• Crossing against a traffic signal
• Jaywalking or crossing the street in unauthorized zones
• Jumping into moving traffic
• Crossing in the middle of the street 
• Entering a highway or a road when intoxicated
• Walking against traffic

Florida is a comparative fault state, which means that any compensation for damages is reduced according to the pedestrian’s percentage or amount at fault. 

For example, if you were struck by a speeding car when you crossed outside a crosswalk, you might be found 50% at fault for the accident. In this situation, you might have injuries worth $50,000. However, the maximum you could receive if you were 50% responsible for the crash is $25,000.

Our Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorneys can investigate the circumstances of your case to determine the liable parties and how fault should be distributed.

Boca Raton Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit Cases

Injuries resulting from an accident between a pedestrian and a moving vehicle can be among the most severe types of injury imaginable. A person is no match for a motor vehicle on the road, and when the two collide, the results can be devastating.

Resulting injuries may include:

• A head or traumatic brain injury
• A spinal cord or other back injuries
• Joint injuries
• Broken bones
• Paralysis
• Loss of limbs
• Organ damage
• Burns
• Lacerations
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

What to Expect if You Hire a Boca Raton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Here’s what you can expect to happen if you choose a pedestrian accident lawyer in Boca Raton to represent you following a pedestrian personal injury accident:

• Free consultations: Get your questions answered and speak directly with an knowledgeable personal injury attorney about your rights and expected outcomes.
• Leave the negotiating to us: We will contact witnesses, insurance providers, hospitals, doctors, attorneys, police, and anyone else required to settle your lawsuit. 
• We’ll investigate: We will thoroughly investigate your accident and build a solid case so that you are more likely to be awarded additional compensation from insurance companies or other parties.
• You can focus on yourself: If you are recovering from injuries or dealing with anxiety that is common following pedestrian accidents, now is the time to focus on your own needs. By leaving the details of your case in the hands of an experienced attorney, you can rest assured they will do the job right.
• We work on a contingent fee basis. Contingency means you don’t have to pay us ahead of time to have our injury lawyers handle your case. We don’t get paid unless we recover a jury award or  financial settlement for you. 

If You Were Struck by a Vehicle, Call Eltringham Law Group

Pedestrians are no match for a moving vehicle. You’re vulnerable walking down the street, crossing at a crosswalk, standing in a parking lot, or even exiting your car. If you were involved in a pedestrian-car accident, the key to receiving compensation is to have the premier pedestrian accident lawyer in Boca Raton on your side. 

We’ll help you recover funds to cover physical therapy, loss of wages, and other punitive damages. To schedule your free consultation or for more information on accidents involving pedestrians, contact our attorneys at the Eltringham Law Group by filling out our online form.

Common Legal Questions About Pedestrian Accidents

What Do I Do if I’m Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian?

If you are injured by an automobile as a pedestrian, it’s essential to take the proper actions following the accident if you are not too seriously hurt.

First, assess your injuries: Are they significant? Bleeding or broken bones? Call the police to report the incident. 

Document the incident with photos of the scene, including your injuries, the location, and any other damages. Seek medical treatment immediately, and call our personal injury attorneys at Eltringham Law Group to discuss your next steps.

Who Pays for My Medical Expenses if I Am a Pedestrian Hit by a Car?

If you are hit by a car or another vehicle, you can make a claim with the vehicle owner’s auto insurance company.

Their insurance company may be required to pay for your medical expenses under the vehicle’s personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. Additionally, your Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorney may need to investigate further to determine if additional liability coverage is available to protect you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim if I’m Injured in an Accident as a Pedestrian?

In Florida, you have four years to file a legal claim for compensation of damages. First, however, it’s best to immediately report the incident and seek both medical and legal consultations to address your situation. 

It’s important to get your health back on track as soon as possible and let the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at the Eltringham Law Group handle the legal details for you.