Pedestrian Accidents
Accidents involving pedestrians are a frequent occurrence throughout Florida, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk Counties.
According to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) statistics 499 fatalities, 2,072 nonfatal hospitalizations, and 7,650 nonfatal emergency room visits occurred throughout Florida as a result of accidents involving pedestrians in 2010.
Those same statistics showed Hillsborough County had the fourth highest number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries– immediately followed by Pinellas and Polk Counties.
In a collision with a motor vehicle the pedestrian will likely sustain serious, debilitating injuries, which will lead to expensive medical bills, long-term rehabilitative expensive, loss wages, and loss earning capacity.
After pedestrian accident it is important to act quickly and consult an experienced Tampa pedestrian accident attorney immediately.
Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers of Germain Law Group, P.A. will fight for your recovery after you have been hit by a motor vehicle while walking on the sidewalk, crossing the street, or any pedestrian setting.
The attorneys of Germain Law Group, P.A. have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. They will take on the responsible driver’s insurance company and negotiate the best possible settlement.
If necessary, they will take the responsible part to court to ensure you receive the recover you deserve. The team of attorneys at Germain Law Group, P.A. diligently represent pedestrians throughout Florida, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties.
Contact Germain Law Group, P.A. today at (813) 835-8888 or submit an online form to schedule a confidential consultation.
Florida Pedestrian Accident Information Center
- Responsibility for Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
- Damages in a Tampa Pedestrian Accident
- Central Florida Pedestrian Accident Resources
Responsibility for Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Determining the party a fault and the exact percentage of fault is especially important in personal injury accidents involving pedestrians. Florida is a “pure comparative fault” state. This means if the party seeking damages is at fault, the percentage will diminish proportionately the amount he or she is entitled to recover. F.S.A. § 768.81(2).
Under pure comparative fault, if the pedestrian is determined to be 20 percent at fault and the automobile 80 percent at fault the court will reduce the pedestrian’s recovery by 20 percent. For example, if the court determines the pedestrian’s damage equals $100,000 then it will award the pedestrian only $80,000.
Even if the driver is primarily at fault, lawyers for the insurance company will claim the pedestrian contributed to the accident. The insurance company will assert the pedestrian was jaywalking, walking on the street, or otherwise violating public safety laws.
Following a pedestrian accident, it is important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney will be prepared for the insurance companies attempt to escape or mitigate liability.
Damages in a Tampa Pedestrian Accident
There are several injuries in which a pedestrian may sustain in a personal injury accident, including the following:
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Permanent disability
- Permanent scarring
- Physical disfigurement
- Lost Limbs or amputation
As a result of these serious injuries, the pedestrian may also suffer economic injuries, including lost wages, lost earning capacity, medical costs, and rehabilitation expenses.
Under Florida law, there are three types of damages a pedestrian may recover in a personal injury action:
- Compensatory Economic Damages: These damages are for actual bills and other measurable losses, such as medical bills, physical therapy bills and lost wages.
- Compensatory Noneconomic Damages: These damages are very real but more difficult to measure, like pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish and, in the case of death of a loved one –wrongful death.
- Punitive Damages: The purpose of punitive damages is to punish wrongdoers in tort actions. Punitive damages are only available in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
Central Florida Pedestrian Accident Resources
Florida Department of Transportation ǀ Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Safety Plan– Created by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) is the statewide initiative aimed at reducing traffic fatalities on public roads.
Germain Law Group, P.A. ǀ Hillsborough County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers at Germain Law Group, P.A. can fight for your recovery. The experienced attorneys of Germain Law Group, P.A. can negotiate with the insurance company. If the settlement is unsatisfactory or insufficient to cover your damages, the skilled pedestrian accident attorneys will take the insurance company to court.
Germain Law Group, P.A. represents pedestrians injured in accidents throughout Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Sun City Center, Hunters Green, Sweetwater Creek, and surrounding areas. Contact Germain Law Group, P.A. at (813) 835-8888 or submit an online form to schedule a confidential review of your case.