Serving Clients Across Florida And In North Port, Port Charlotte, Lakewood Ranch, Punta Gorda, Sarasota County, Manatee County, & Charlotte County
All of us become pedestrians at some point. We may drive to our destination, but eventually, we walk to restaurants, banking institutions, retail outlets, grocery stores, and more. In Florida’s mild weather, pedestrians are a common sight. However, with many pedestrians strolling our streets comes the risk of accidents caused by negligent drivers who can cause severe and even catastrophic pedestrian injuries. It is a grim fact that the person who will suffer the most in these types of accidents is inevitably the pedestrian.
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries in such an accident, you can turn to our accomplished pedestrian accident lawyer at Gerber Law. At our firm, you are not just another statistic or a name on a file but a unique individual with a history, family dynamics, goals, and dreams. A sarasota pedestrian accident lawyer from our law firm will take a very personal approach to your accident and aggressively seek the damages and losses you deserve when your life, health, and future have been turned upside down due to unexpected serious injuries.
Discuss your case in a free consultation with our Sarasota pedestrian accident lawyer by contacting us online or at 941-484-2700.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Sadly, a Sarasota pedestrian accident attorney knows that pedestrians have a much greater risk of injury or death in accidents than the occupants of the vehicles that hit them. Without the safety measures of a car’s steel shell surrounding it, along with airbags and seat belts, pedestrians can be struck and thrown against the pavement or objects around them. Because of this, injuries can be unusually severe.
Fatal injuries are not uncommon. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities are reaching their highest numbers in 40 years. We can file a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf if a family member has been fatally injured because a negligent driver hit them when they were walking.
Pedestrian accidents occur for a variety of reasons, such as drivers engaged in the following:
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Distracted driving, such as through cell phone usage
- Inattention
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
Motor vehicles can hit a pedestrian in the blink of an eye, but their consequences for the pedestrian can last weeks, months, years, or a lifetime.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can lead to a wide spectrum of injuries, which can vary in severity from minor to life-altering. A pedestrian accident victim may suffer for the rest of their life. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents may include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to fractures and broken bones when struck by a vehicle. The impact can be forceful, leading to severe injuries that need extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions are common in pedestrian accidents. Even a seemingly minor strike to the head can have long-term consequences, affecting cognitive functions and overall well-being.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The effect of a collision can cause serious damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or other debilitating conditions. Spinal cord injuries often necessitate ongoing medical care and adaptive equipment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, sprains, and strains may seem less severe initially, but they can still cause significant pain and discomfort. Soft tissue injuries may require lengthy recovery periods, impacting the victim’s daily life and ability to work.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a pedestrian accident can cause internal injuries, like organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, highlighting the importance of seeking medical attention promptly after an accident.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Florida?
In Florida, there is a specific timeframe within which individuals must file a pedestrian accident claim, known as the statute of limitations. Understanding and adhering to this legal deadline is crucial for ensuring that you have a valid claim. In most pedestrian accident cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident.
Failure to file a claim within this specific timeframe may result in the forfeiture of your right to pursue compensation. It is essential to act swiftly after a pedestrian accident, as gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the extent of your injuries require time.
At Gerber Law, our pedestrian accident lawyers are well-versed in Florida’s statutes of limitations and will work diligently to ensure that your claim is filed within the specified timeframe. We understand the urgency of your situation and are committed to providing timely and effective legal representation to protect your rights.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
- Aviation Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Truck Accidents
GETTING COMPENSATION FOR YOUR PEDESTRIAN INJURIES
When injured as a pedestrian, you should not have to fight with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for the damages to which you are entitled. Unfortunately, without an experienced attorney on your side, that may happen. You may be given the runaround or face delays while your medical expenses skyrocket. Or you may be given lowball settlement offers that do not cover the full extent of your damages. You may be pressured to accept these offers in an attempt to frighten you with the idea that your case does not warrant any further consideration.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Sarasota Today
At Gerber Law, we take a strong stance for our clients in personal injury lawsuits. We act as your tenacious advocate while thoroughly investigating your case for the evidence that allows us to engage in aggressive negotiations for what you truly deserve. We can also take a step further where necessary by litigating your case in court to seek a verdict and jury awards commensurate with what you have suffered. Our firm will fight for the compensation that covers your past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income/wages, emotional trauma, and more, based on the facts of your case. With decades of experience, an exclusive focus on personal injury, and years of securing maximized recoveries for our clients, you can have peace of mind knowing that your claim is in the hands of a true professional.
