Florida is a beautiful state known for its sandy beaches, warm weather, and picturesque landscapes. However, it’s also known for its busy roads and the high number of pedestrian accidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were over 9,000 pedestrian accidents in Florida in 2020. If you’re hit by a car while walking in Florida, it can be a traumatic experience. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and get the help you need.
Seek medical attention
The first thing you should do after being hit by a car is to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain and other symptoms, and it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional to rule out any internal injuries. Call 911 or ask someone else to call for you if you’re unable to do so.
Report the accident to the police
It’s important to report the accident to the police so that they can document the incident and create an official report. The police report can be useful if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or if you decide to pursue legal action against the driver.
Exchange information with the driver
If possible, exchange information with the driver of the vehicle that hit you. This includes their name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information. If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information as well.
Document the scene
Take photos of the scene of the accident, including the damage to the vehicle and any injuries you may have sustained. This documentation can be helpful if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or if you decide to pursue legal action.
Contact a personal injury attorney
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Florida, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. They can also help you negotiate with insurance companies and represent you in court if necessary.
Follow up with medical treatment
Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s important to follow up with any recommended medical treatment. This includes attending follow-up appointments, taking prescribed medication, and following any other medical advice you may receive.
Know your rights
As a pedestrian, you have rights in the event of an accident. It’s important to know what these rights are and to take steps to protect them. This includes seeking legal representation and not speaking with insurance companies or other parties without first consulting with your attorney.
Be careful when talking to insurance companies
Insurance companies may try to contact you after the accident to get more information about the incident. While it’s important to cooperate with your own insurance company, you should be cautious when speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. Anything you say to them can be used against you later on, so it’s best to consult with your personal injury attorney first.
Don’t accept a settlement offer without consulting your attorney
Insurance companies may try to offer you a settlement soon after the accident. While this may seem like a quick and easy solution, it’s important to consult with your personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Your attorney can help you determine whether the settlement offer is fair and can negotiate on your behalf to get you a better deal.
Take steps to prevent future accidents
Finally, it’s important to take steps to prevent future accidents. This includes being aware of your surroundings when walking, using crosswalks and sidewalks whenever possible, wearing reflective clothing if you’re walking at night, and avoiding distractions like texting or listening to music while walking. By taking these steps, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident in the future.
Being hit by a car while walking in Florida can be a traumatic experience, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and get the help you need. Seek medical attention, report the accident to the police, exchange information with the driver, document the scene, contact a personal injury attorney, follow up with medical treatment, know your rights, be careful when talking to insurance companies, don’t accept a settlement offer without consulting your attorney, and take steps to prevent future accidents. With these tips in mind, you can navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian accident and move forward with your life.
At Victory Law Firm P.A., we have experience representing clients who have been hit by a car while walking in Florida. We can provide legal representation to help you navigate the legal process, advise you on your legal rights and options, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. We can also investigate the accident to determine who was at fault, handle communication with insurance companies, and provide support and guidance throughout the process. If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Florida, we can provide the legal support and guidance you need to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.