Florida continues to be one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians, according to the 2019 “Dangerous by Design” report from Smart Growth America. If you or someone close to you has been hit while crossing the street or walking along the road, you deserve strong legal support. A Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
We understand how overwhelming it can be after a serious accident, which is why we treat every client like family, giving each case the personal attention it deserves. Our consultations are always free, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing. Call us now at (954) 633-8270.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Fort Myers
With its sunny weather and walkable neighborhoods, Fort Myers is a great place to get around on foot. But as the city continues to grow, so does traffic, and not all drivers are careful or respectful of pedestrians. Unfortunately, this has led to a troubling number of serious pedestrian accidents and injuries each year.
If you were hit by a car or truck while walking, there’s a good chance the driver was at fault. At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our team is here to support you. We’ll investigate your case, gather strong evidence, and hold the at-fault driver and their insurance company accountable for your injuries.
Before you talk to the insurance company or accept a settlement, connect with a Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorney from our firm. We’ll protect your rights and fight to make sure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
The Value of Your Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Claim
One of the first things many clients want to know after a pedestrian accident is how much their claim might be worth. The truth is, every case is different—your settlement will depend on the details of the accident and how serious your injuries are. Our Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorney team works hard to recover both economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. When it comes to the emotional and physical toll of an accident, we fight to get you the maximum compensation allowed by 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
Proving Driver Negligence in a Pedestrian 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 that 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 elements isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to recover from serious injuries. That’s where a Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorney can help. A lawyer will gather key evidence like witness statements, photos, videos, and official reports to build a strong case.
You can also support your claim with documents that show the financial impact of the accident, including medical records, bills, and proof of lost income. If your injuries make it difficult to stay involved, your attorney will handle everything for you, so you can focus on healing while they fight for the compensation you deserve.
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.
Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit Filing Deadline
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 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.
Call a Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
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.
