Accidents involving vehicles can be among the most harrowing experiences imaginable, particularly for pedestrians who lack any protection against being struck by cars, trucks, or SUVs and incur injuries that are either catastrophic or fatal. After such an experience occurs, victims often become confused regarding their legal rights as well as recovery strategies to address physical injuries, as well as any financial ramifications of such an experience.
If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle while walking in Central Florida, a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando can assist in understanding your rights, understanding Florida’s no-fault insurance regulations, and seeking justice in terms of fair compensation for what occurred. The attorneys at Jiles & Fugate Law Group can assist you after being hit by a car.
Call Jiles & Fugate Law Group now at 407-539-0123 for a free consultation with our attorneys
What Should I Do in Case of a Car Accident?
After being hit by a vehicle, the aftermath can be terrifying and disorienting, so it is crucial that your health and rights are secured from day one.
Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 immediately. Request both medical help and a police report as quickly as possible.
- Move towards safety if necessary, but remain on scene until police arrive and secure it.
- Search the driver’s information – name, license number, insurance, and contact info.
- Make sure to record photos and videos of the scene of an accident as well as your injuries, vehicle damages, and vehicle repairs.
- Acquire witness contact information as their testimony could strengthen your case.
- Seek medical assistance even if you feel fine. Injuries can sometimes manifest later.
- Do not admit fault or apologize in any way, even casually.
Once you are safe and have received medical care, reach out to a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando immediately. The sooner, the is better! We will begin investigating, which will strengthen your case.
What Rights do Florida Pedestrians Enjoy?
Florida law gives pedestrians priority in certain circumstances, particularly at marked crosswalks, intersections, and sidewalks. Drivers have an obligation to yield to pedestrians when operating vehicles safely.
Your rights as a pedestrian include:
- Your right to safely navigate sidewalks and crosswalks.
- You have the right to seek financial compensation if a driver was responsible for your injuries, provided they did not act recklessly or intentionally.
- You have the right to medical treatment and wage loss compensation through insurance policies.
- You have the right to file a personal injury claim when suffering serious injuries.
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando can hold drivers who violate pedestrian rights accountable. Such violations include speeding, running red lights, or texting while driving.
How Does Florida’s No-Fault Law Affect Pedestrian Accidents?
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your initial medical costs should typically be covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) even if you were hit while walking on foot.
How It Works:
- When you own an auto policy with PIP coverage, medical bills and lost wages can be covered up to $10K by your PIP insurance coverage.
- If you don’t own an individual policy, use your driver’s PIP insurance coverage for medical costs associated with initial injuries sustained from accidents.
- If the injuries sustained were significant enough, you can opt out of the no-fault system and file a personal injury suit against those at fault for filing no insurance policies against themselves.
As Florida law can be complicated, having an experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando helps ensure you obtain every available dollar under Florida statutes.
How Can I Recover Compensation After Being in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you were hit by a car in Orlando and suffered injuries that necessitated medical care or compensation due to certain circumstances surrounding your case. These could include whether compensation should be awarded on an hourly, daily, or per-case basis, depending on how serious each case was and the details of each specific case.
Common forms of compensation:
- Medical expenses (current and upcoming treatment plans)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement.
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs.
- Wrongful death damages.
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando can assess the full value of your claim and ensure insurance companies do not undervalue it. Call Jiles & Fugate Law Group now at 407-539-0123 for a free consultation with our attorneys
What if I Was Not in a Crpssswalk When I Was Hit?
Even if you were outside an official crosswalk, Florida law still requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians who aren’t within an official crosswalk. If this happened to you, compensation may still be available, as drivers must use reasonable diligence when operating vehicles and when encountering pedestrians, even those outside designated crosswalks.
The driver may still be found partially or fully at fault if they were:
- Speeding or driving recklessly.
- Distracted
- Under the Influence of Drugs or alcohol
- Failing to observe traffic signals or road conditions
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando can assess the circumstances, gather evidence such as surveillance footage or witness statements, and demonstrate driver negligence in order to establish their case.
What Should Be Done If the Driver Abandons the Scene of an Incident?
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too frequent in Florida, yet if the driver involved flees, you still have legal recourse.
Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage could cover medical costs and damages resulting from an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver, while law enforcement will work to identify the driver using witness accounts and traffic camera footage. A pedestrian accident attorney Orlando works in coordination with police and insurers to pursue all available compensation against those responsible.
What Should Happen If the Pedestrian Is Partly at Fault?
Accidents often involve both drivers and pedestrians sharing equal responsibility. In Florida, using modified comparative negligence rules, which reduce compensation based on your percentage of fault, though damages will still be recoverable as long as either party was less than 50% at fault for it.
Example: Should damages total $100,000 and you are found 20% responsible, you could still claim up to $80k as compensation from insurers. Your Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando will strive to minimize any assigned fault and protect your right to maximum recovery.
What Are My Time Limits to File Pedestrian Accident Claims?
Florida law generally establishes two years as the statute of limitations for personal injury claims filed within two years of the incident, although insurance claims must typically be submitted much sooner.
Waiting too long can lead to evidence disappearing and witness recall fading quickly. Therefore, the sooner you contact a pedestrian accident attorney Orlando, the stronger your case will become.
What Are The Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents in Orlando?
Orlando’s bustling streets and high tourism rates lead to too many pedestrian accidents on an almost regular basis, often caused by:
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS navigation systems, or phone calls) has become an epidemic across America in the 21st Century.
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Driving while impaired
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Poor visibility or weather conditions
- Unsafe Left-Hand Turns
An experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando will carefully study every aspect of your case, from traffic camera footage to accident reconstruction, in order to accurately pinpoint its root cause and assign fault.
What Should I Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident?
Avoid these costly errors to safeguard your claim:
- Do not deal directly with insurance adjusters on your own, as this could allow them to twist your words to deny coverage.
- Do not post about the accident on social media; insurers use this against you.
- Be wary of quick settlement offers. Initial offers often fall far short of your claim’s actual worth.
- Staying current with medical treatments is crucial, since any gaps could compromise your case and put it into jeopardy.
- Don’t wait. Get help as soon as possible.
Reach out to Jiles & Fugate Law Group to speak with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando to handle communications and negotiations on your behalf.
How Can A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Orlando Assist Me?
Jiles & Fugate Law Group’s pedestrian accident attorneys provide much more than simply paperwork filing. We serve as your advocates from start to finish and are with you every step of the way. Our firm will:
- Investigate and collect evidence on an accident.
- Interview witnesses and consult medical specialists
- Reconstruct the crash to establish liability.
- Manage all negotiations of insurance contracts
- Advocate for you in court if necessary
- Calculate and seek maximum compensation for all losses experienced.
All you need to do is focus on healing without legal worries weighing you down, and let us handle your legal needs.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in Orlando
Q: What if my child were hit by a car while walking to school?
Ans: Children in Florida enjoy strong legal protection, so filing a claim on behalf of your child to recover medical costs and damages should you experience a pedestrian accident can help recover those costs as well as protect their rights. Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Orlando to represent them during the legal process could ensure their best possible representation in court, and fighting to defend their child’s legal interests is advised.
Q: Can I file a lawsuit even though I have health insurance?
Ans: Yes. While your health insurance may cover some expenses, this doesn’t prevent you from filing a personal injury suit to seek additional damages like pain and suffering or lost income.
Q: Will I need to appear before the court?
Ans: Not necessarily; many pedestrian accident cases settle without needing to go to trial, though if an insurer refuses to offer fair settlement terms. Jiles & Fugate Law Group will take your case all the way through litigation until justice has been served.
Q: What happens if an accident occurs while the driver is working?
Ans: If the driver was working (for instance, as a delivery or rideshare driver), their employer may also be held liable; your lawyer can investigate and pursue claims against both.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident attorney?
Ans: Jiles & Fugate Law Group operates on a contingency fee basis; that means there are no upfront costs; your only obligation would be to pay us a fee if we win your case and secure compensation on your behalf.
Why Select Jiles & Fugate Law Group?
Jiles & Fugate Law Group understands how devastating pedestrian accidents can be, and we strive to uphold victims’ rights while offering medical support, financial relief, and seeking justice on their behalf.
Hire our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Orlando to obtain:
- Experienced local attorneys familiar with Florida no-fault laws
- Legal representation against insurance companies
- Personal attention and consistent dialogue.
- Proven success in securing compensation for injured pedestrians
- No Fees will be collected until we successfully resolve your case
At Jiles & Fugate, we believe every pedestrian deserves protection, and when negligent acts come between us and this goal, we’re here to fight on their behalf.
Conclusion
If you were hit by a car in Orlando, it’s crucial that you act quickly in order to assert your legal rights, as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma can take an enormous toll. Insurance companies may not always act in your best interests. With help from Jiles & Fugate Law Group’s experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorney, you can focus on healing while we advocate on your behalf for maximum compensation.
Jiles & Fugate Law Group can offer free consultations today. Our compassionate legal team stands ready to defend your rights against negligent drivers and hold them responsible.
Call Jiles & Fugate Law Group now at 407-539-0123 for a free consultation with our attorneys. You can also fill out this form and we will be in touch with you asap.
