Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, for Your Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Case?

We have a team of close to 40 professionals dedicated to advocating for the injured. Our Lakeland personal injury lawyers investigate every angle of a claim, from obtaining dashcam footage to reaching out to witnesses for their statements.

An issue we often encounter is insurance companies that try to pin the blame on pedestrians. To counter these tactics, we prepare each case as if we were going to trial. Plus, we never shy away from going to court if that’s the right option.

When you choose our team, you’re partnering with compassionate attorneys who understand the stress you’re under and will treat you like family. We negotiate aggressively with insurers, while offering the comprehensive support you need.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Lakeland

Lakeland has a number of poorly lit intersections that can put pedestrians at risk, especially when combined with distracted or speeding drivers. Phone use is a particular concern. It is serious enough that Florida has passed the Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law, which allows police to stop drivers who are texting on the road.

Intoxicated driving is a problem, too. People under the influence of drugs or alcohol can struggle with coordination and reflexes. They can easily lose control of a vehicle or misjudge how much time they have to attempt a maneuver.

Additionally, Lakeland gets a lot of tourists every year. They can come from many locations and may not be aware of some of the local right-of-way laws. They may neglect stopping at a crosswalk or make other similar errors.

Lastly, heavy traffic is enough to increase the chances of a pedestrian accident in any community. Drivers often get frustrated on long commutes, which could lead them to act more recklessly.

Severe Injuries From Pedestrian-Vehicle Collisions

Pedestrians don’t have the protection of airbags or seat belts. They don’t have a structure around them that can absorb some of the impact during a crash, either. Because of this, injuries can be severe for walkers.

Head trauma can lead to traumatic brain injuries, and forceful strikes can cause multiple fractures or spinal cord injuries that involve paralysis. These injuries result in more than pain. You might need extensive rehab and may not be able to continue working or living as you used to.

All too often, pedestrian accidents also cause permanent disabilities.

What To Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident

If you suffer a pedestrian accident, take these steps immediately to protect your health and future claim:

• Call 911.
• Get medical attention, even if you think you’re unhurt.
• Document the scene, including the license plate and USDOT numbers for trucks.
• Obtain witness contact information.
• Contact an attorney.

Additionally, you should avoid speaking with the other party’s insurer without your attorney present. You also don’t want to post about the accident online. Insurers will use anything that suggests a minor injury against you.

Also, keep Florida’s 14-day PIP rule in mind. To access personal injury protection (PIP) coverage after an accident, you’ll need to obtain medical care within 14 days of the crash.

Florida Law: Comparative Fault and Pedestrian Claims

The state has modified comparative negligence laws, meaning you can recover losses if you were less than 51% to blame for a crash. However, your winnings will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

You also must abide by the statute of limitations. Florida gives you two years to begin a claim. If you miss that deadline, you won’t be able to recover losses.

The state’s insurance system can be complex, too. Since Florida is a no-fault state for collisions, you would begin by filing a claim against your PIP insurance. Usually, $10,000 in coverage comes first. If your injuries are severe and exceed your coverage, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim.

Compensation Available to Lakeland Pedestrian Victims

The damages available in a personal injury case include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages address medical expenses, including any future care you may need.

You can also receive coverage for the income you lost if you had to miss work while getting treatment. If your injuries are serious enough that you can’t return to work, you can receive compensation for your loss of earning potential.

Non-economic damages address the pain and suffering you experienced, as well as your loss of enjoyment of life. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death claim, family members can obtain compensation for funerary expenses, along with loss of support and companionship.

Our experienced Lakeland pedestrian accident attorneys will work tirelessly to calculate your exact losses and obtain as much compensation for you as possible.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, our Lakeland pedestrian injury lawyers are available 24/7 and will never charge you any upfront fees. Don’t wait another minute to begin a claim; valuable evidence can be lost quickly.

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