Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Based on the 2019 report “Dangerous by Design” from Smart Growth America, Florida is ranked the most dangerous state for pedestrians. If you or someone you love was injured in a recent pedestrian accident, a Fort Myers crosswalk accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help you win compensation from the responsible party and their insurance company. Our pedestrian accident lawyer Fort Myers, has a long and successful track record of fighting for and winning claims for accident victims in Southwest Florida.
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we believe our clients are like family and should be treated as such. Our case evaluations are free, and we never charge a fee until we collect money for you.
To speak with a member of our Fort Myers pedestrian accident lawyer staff today, call us at (954) 633-8270.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Fort Myers
Fort Myers is a warm, sunny, idyllic beachside community, making it the ideal place to travel on foot whenever possible. Unfortunately, the area’s never-ending growth means lots of traffic congestion, and many of the drivers on the road do not uphold the rights of pedestrians. As a result, pedestrian accidents result in a number of severe injuries and deaths every year in the area.
If you were struck by a car or truck while on foot, the driver of the vehicle that hit you is more than likely at fault. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato will gather evidence, build a compelling case on your behalf, and hold the responsible party and their insurance company liable for your injuries.
Before you accept a settlement or talk to the insurance company, speak with a member of our Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorneys team. We will negotiate on your behalf and see to it that you get compensated fairly.
The Value of Your Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Claim
One of the first questions many clients ask us when they contact us about a pedestrian accident injury is how much their claim is worth. While claim values can vary wildly depending on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of your injuries, our Fort Myers pedestrian accident lawyers pursue the responsible party and their insurance company for both economic and noneconomic damages. When it comes to noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering, we seek the most compensation for which you are eligible under the law.
Our Florida crosswalk accident lawyers can help you win a compensation package that includes money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Pain suffering and inconvenience
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Can a Pedestrian Prove the Driver’s Negligence Caused the Accident?
An attorney can prove fault and liability in a vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident by establishing the elements of negligence. The injured pedestrian must prove the negligent driver:
- Owed them a duty of care
- Breached their responsibility to provide it
- Caused the accident to occur
- Caused their compensatory damages, including non-economic damages, such as emotional distress
Proving these required elements can be a complex and time-consuming undertaking on your own, especially if you must focus on healing from your injuries. You can hire an attorney to represent you after an accident so they can lead your personal injury lawsuit while you focus on healing. They will build a robust evidence file that includes witness statements, photos, video footage, and first responder (police and medical) reports.
You should also collect evidence that proves the accident’s costs, including your medical records, bills, and paycheck stubs. If your injuries prevent you from participating in your case as fully as you would like, your car accident lawyer will collect evidence for you.
Pedestrian Injury Rights in Car Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 60,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in 2021. If you or a loved one was struck by a car, you are far more likely to sustain serious, potentially life-threatening injuries than the driver and other occupants of the car.
Your rights include having the at-fault driver cover your medical expenses until you recover. Additional recoverable damages include:
- Rehabilitation and various therapies
- Disabling and disfiguring injuries
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional angst
- Lost income and earning ability
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
When you cannot work due to your injuries, the resulting financial hardship can make a quick settlement offer tempting. You can let a personal injury lawyer handle the negotiation process for you. They can accurately assess the value of your case and obtain the best possible outcome for you.
How Long Does a Pedestrian Have the Right to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
Pedestrians’ legal rights in car accidents include the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Your state limits the time you must do so. Understanding the filing deadline can be challenging since various factors can cause the filing deadline to fluctuate if:
- The injured pedestrian was a minor when the collision occurred.
- The driver takes certain evasive actions to avoid financial accountability.
Understanding the filing deadline can be confusing without legal guidance and support, making hiring a car accident lawyer the best way to understand and comply with the filing deadline. If you miss it, you could be prevented from filing it, or the court could dismiss it immediately.
Do Pedestrians Involved in Car Accidents Always Have the Right-of-Way?
It is common knowledge that vehicles should yield to pedestrians. Still, no road user always has the right-of-way, so pedestrians should cross streets carefully and only in designated areas. If a pedestrian crosses the street at a marked intersection and with the traffic signal in their favor, they have the right-of-way. In addition, vehicle drivers must observe pedestrians and:
- Exercise caution, especially when lighting or visibility is an issue
- Carefully scan sidewalks and crosswalks, especially when turning
- Pass vehicles in or near crosswalks with caution and attentiveness
- Strictly obey the speed limit and all traffic signs and signals
Vehicle drivers should also avoid veering into bike lanes and use caution when going in reverse or in tight spaces like parking lots. Failure to drive carefully and observe the road could violate the rights of pedestrians hit by a vehicle. It can also result in negligent actions that put the driver and pedestrians at risk.
The Statute of Limitations
Florida’s statute of limitations on filing a pedestrian accident claim is typically four years, but a variety of factors may cause it to be longer or shorter. Rather than assuming you have until a certain date to file, speak with a Fort Myers pedestrian accident lawyers as soon as possible about your accident. If necessary, the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can take quick legal action to ensure your claim does not get time-barred.
Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Fort Myers for Case Evaluation
If you or someone you love was injured after being struck by a vehicle, you have rights that could entitle you to financial compensation. Our client-focused law firm will explain your rights as a pedestrian involved in a car accident. We will also negotiate a favorable monetary settlement that lets you start putting your life back together.
The personal injury lawyer in Fort Myers at Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is eager to get to work for you right away. We offer a free case evaluation at which we will sit down with you and ensure you understand all your legal options. To speak with a member of our team today, call (954) 633-8270.
