Pedestrian Accidents

While all car accidents cause physical, emotional, and mental anguish, those involving a pedestrian can be particularly difficult. The unique legal issues that surround a pedestrian accident can further complicate matters, making it difficult for victims to represent themselves when seeking compensation. A skilled Florida accident attorney is invaluable to anyone involved in a pedestrian accident. Expert legal counsel is critical to accident victims who wish to defend their rights and receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages.

In the event of a pedestrian accident, it is important to remain calm and follow correct accident procedure. Do not admit liability or sign any releases of information for the insurance adjuster. Seek medical attention and an expert Florida accident lawyer as soon as possible. With 130 years of accumulated accident and injury law experience, the staff at John Bales Attorneys is ready to represent you in your pedestrian accident case.

What to do if you are in an accident

A pedestrian accident, drunk driving accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, or auto accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming event. Before you suffer an accident, learn the procedures that can help you negotiate through this difficult experience. The following are tips on what to consider if an accident occurs:

• Stop immediately and be safe. Stay calm, and do what you can within reason to avoid blocking traffic. Be careful not to place yourself, your family, or other victims in a position where they may be hit by a passing vehicle or further harmed. Especially at night, make sure that other vehicles can see the accident scene and avoid it.
• Check to see if anyone is injured. Give as much comfort and aid as is appropriate, but try not to move any person who is injured, if possible.
• Remember that most victims of an accident will be confused and/or in shock by this sudden event and may act irrationally. Those in the accident may not be thinking clearly.
• Call 911 immediately for help and fully cooperate with police officers and emergency personnel. Provide the information necessary to explain what happened, but do not give your opinions, such as assuming you are guilty or at fault.
• Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses, if possible. Make a mental note of what witnesses say, like “That black car was flying.”
• Immediately go to the hospital, if you think you are injured or in pain, or if emergency personnel or others at the scene think you should go. They are the professionals on the scene who may be better able to evaluate your condition.
• Seek treatment from a doctor or other health care provider of your choice immediately, if you are hurt, in addition to going to the hospital. Do not allow the insurance company to choose your doctor. Report all injuries to your doctor, even those that seem minor. Sometimes an injury that does not initially seem to be severe is a serious injury that can cause lifelong pain and suffering. So it is important to advise the doctor of all medical concerns.
• Take many pictures of all bodily injuries, particularly wounds, bruises, any medical devices, and hospital visits that are required. Remember, you need a record of all that you suffered to allow others to know the seriousness of your injuries.
• Take pictures of wrecked cars, victims, witnesses, the entire accident scene, and anything else that is relevant, if possible.
• Inform your insurance company of the pedestrian accident, as soon as it is practically possible. Again, before signing or giving any recorded statements, consult a Florida motor vehicle injury lawyer.
• Do not sign anything from an insurance adjuster, if one shows up at the scene, at the hospital, or at your home. Also, do not give any statements to the adjuster without consulting a Florida accident lawyer.
• Keep complete records of accident-related experiences and expenses. A written record of details such as how you were feeling, sleep that you are missing, time you cannot spend with your family, pain levels ranging from 1 to 10, receipts for prescriptions, household services like cleaning or lawn mowing, mileage for traveling for treatments, car rentals, etc. These documents are valuable tools in presenting a personal injury claim to an insurance adjuster, or to a judge and jury in court.
• Call John Bales Attorneys. Our Florida injury attorneys and client managers have helped thousands of clients get the money they deserved for their injuries.

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