Orlando Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Orlando, FL

Florida has fantastic weather at all times of the year. Because of this, visitors and residents alike have many different options for getting around. No matter what your mode of transportation may be, it’s important to remember that there are risks to all transportation. When you use the roads and sidewalks, you are naturally at risk for accidents.

Of all road users in Florida, the pedestrian is by far the most vulnerable. Cyclists and motor vehicle drivers have the benefit of protective gear and equipment that ensure their injuries are minimized in the event of a crash. Pedestrians, on the other hand, enjoy no such buffer on impact. They are therefore at serious risk of injury or death if they are hit by a vehicle.

If you frequently walk from place to place, it’s important for you to know your rights as well as the possible risks to your mode of transportation. Though many people don’t think of walking as being particularly dangerous, the truth is that you can easily be harmed by passing cars, trucks, and motorcycles. It’s important to remain diligent and know your rights.

If you are hit by a car while walking in Orlando, our team can help you take legal action and receive the compensation that you need and deserve.

Badgley Law Firm: Your Orlando Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

For many decades, our firm has been representing pedestrians in the Orlando area. We understand how serious and painful these cases can be, which is why we dedicate time and effort to each one of our pedestrian accident cases. We have worked diligently to hone our expertise to benefit the pedestrians of the area. No other area firm is as qualified or experienced as we are.

As you heal, it’s important that you have an attorney that you trust. Our team provides compassionate care when you’re at your most vulnerable. We know that this may be one of the most difficult times of your life, and we are here to support you and help you to rebuild your life and your health.

Orlando, FL Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Statistics on pedestrian accidents in Florida are particularly worrying. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were more than 9,000 pedestrian crashes in 2015, which was a 2.79% rise from the previous year. The collisions resulted in 632 fatalities and 7,870 injuries.

Children and senior citizens are the most vulnerable. For kids, pedestrian accidents are most common around schools, bus stops and parking lots. For the elderly, accidents are likely to happen where there are uneven sidewalks, potholes, broken steps and hazardous roadways. That being said, a pedestrian accident can happen to anyone.

Why Do I Need an Orlando Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

Many people believe that they can save money and time by representing themselves in court. This is not the case. Pedestrian accident cases are complicated and can be especially harrowing. The driver will likely try to blame you for the incident, while insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying for medical treatment. This can leave you financially vulnerable and potentially responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bills. With the help of an attorney, you can properly fight your case and push back against insurance companies who aim to take advantage of your position.

It’s also important to note that your case will be developing while you heal. Organizing and fighting your own case only causes undue stress on your body and mental health. This can impede the healing process and make your situation last even longer. It’s best to focus on healing and let an experienced attorney fight your court case.

Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident

All accidents are different, so there is no telling what injuries you may experience. Despite this, however, there are certain conditions to watch for after your Orlando pedestrian accident. If you know what to look for, you can seek medical attention right away when you notice that something is wrong. Remember, not all injuries appear right away. It could take days or weeks for symptoms to become obvious.

The most common serious injuries pedestrians experience following a crash include:

• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Brain concussion, swelling, hematoma and hemorrhage
• Compound fractures to the legs, arms, hips, pelvis and ribs
• Dislocation of hip and shoulder joints
• Sprained or torn ligaments
• Internal bleeding

It’s important that you do not claim fault or ownership over what happened, nor should you claim to be okay. Any statement you make could impede your ability to get a proper settlement. Even if you feel fine, symptoms may appear delayed. Do not make any statements until you have talked to a medical professional and an attorney.

Serious injury may require treatment for months or years after the incident. This can cause significant financial strain to all but the wealthiest of families. Even if the pedestrian had health insurance cover, their policy will not necessarily cover all the piling costs.

This is why it is so important that you seek compensation. If you don’t, the guilty party will not face any consequences, and you could be left to foot a hefty medical bill for what happened. As a pedestrian, you have the right of way. This means that if a car hits you, they are usually in the wrong. If you don’t seek compensation, you could face a lifetime of debt from medical bills that were not your fault.

It’s also important to note that these injuries may require you to take weeks or even months off work. Some injuries may even impede you from working in your career field ever again. A personal injury case can ensure that you receive compensation for any loss of income, as well as any loss of earning ability that you may experience. Your family’s future and wellbeing may be dependent on you filing a personal injury case.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Orlando, FL

If you or someone you love is hit by a car, it’s important to know what to do. You may think that you’ll never need this information, but unfortunately, many people do. If you are in a pedestrian accident, you should:

• Call 911. Because cars and pedestrians are vastly different in terms of size and strength, it’s likely that there will be injuries. If you aren’t severely injured, stay where you are and call the authorities.
• If you can, take photos of your injuries, as well as the car, license plate, and any damage to the vehicle or the surroundings. This information may come in handy while we build your case.
• Obtain the contact information of eyewitnesses. Let them know that you’d like to give their information to your attorney for a statement.
• Exchange information with the driver. Note that you are not required to have insurance as a pedestrian, but they should have insurance as a driver. Get all this information.
• Call our office.

The sooner you begin to build your Orlando pedestrian accident case, the stronger it will be. If you wait, there will be opportunities for the driver’s insurance to claim that your injuries occurred elsewhere.

Pedestrian Rights in Florida

It’s important to understand that you have rights as a pedestrian. Though you should always be cautious about crossing the street in appropriate places and looking for cars, it’s ultimately a driver’s job to be aware of pedestrians. If you are walking in the appropriate places and following basic road rules, you should not be financially responsible for what happened.

Pedestrians often don’t consider themselves “major” road users and are less aware of their rights when compared to motor vehicle drivers and cyclists. If you are a pedestrian injured following a collision, the legal process thereafter can feel intimidating and confusing. You have to not only contend with the immediate treatment of your injuries but do so while battling the insurance companies and the at-fault party whose interests are contrary to yours.

An Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer from Badgley Law Group would come in handy. We know the difficulty and frustration a pedestrian faces navigating the legal system on their own. This can be a strain on you and your loved ones. Our team of attorneys is one of the best in class and can demystify the process for you. We will work hard to ensure you recover the medical expenses, wage loss and other compensation due to you as a result of the accident.

Doing all you can to avoid being in a pedestrian accident is key. Follow the requisite laws that guide pedestrian behavior on the road. For instance, steer clear of wide multilane roads as crossing them poses great risk. Avoid jaywalking, make use of crosswalks and sidewalks, and yield to vehicles in road sections with no crosswalks. That said, an important aspect of Florida’s laws is that you may still qualify for compensation even if you were partly responsible for the crash.

Contact Our Orlando Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

If an accident does take place, you want an Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer who knows the ins and outs of Florida’s laws. Talk to the Badgley Law Group today.

Call us for a free consultation at 407-781-0420 or contact us online.