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PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT FAQ
How to File a Claim if You Were Hit by a Car
When you are out walking, you usually don’t think about the possibility of being hurt. But a pedestrian accident can happen in an instant and have a big impact on your life. Suddenly, you may be injured and faced with difficult decisions. The experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Farrow & Pulice, P.A. can help you move forward.
Many people aren’t sure what to do next when they’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident. They’re not sure what treatment they’ll need or how they’ll pay for it. They’re not sure if they can go back to work right away. If they can’t, they’re not sure how they’re going to pay the bills. Things can get very confusing very fast.
Our firm has been helping the injured in Florida for decades. We know people have many questions after being injured and we help them find answers. Our attorneys can investigate your accident to build a strong case that proves negligence. And we help the injured recover the financial compensation they need and deserve.
Some of the questions people have after being hurt in a pedestrian accident include:
- What types of damages can financial compensation cover after a pedestrian accident?
- Do I need an attorney to resolve my pedestrian accident case?
- What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
- How long do I have to take legal action?
- How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
One of our experience pedestrian accident attorneys can answer all your questions during your free consultation. Simply call us at 866-408-1220 to schedule a time to come in to one of our offices. We can review the details of your case and go over your options to help you decide what to do next.
What types of damages can financial compensation cover after a pedestrian accident?
There are many different types of damages that can be suffered in a pedestrian accident. An accident can change your life in an instant, and you should not to have to pay for the damages that were caused by the negligence of another.
You may be able to recover financial compensation for damages that include:
- Current and future medical expenses for treating your injuries.
- Any lost wages while your injuries left you unable to work.
- Future earnings if you were not able to return to work because you have a permanent disablity.
- Expenses for any home or vehicle modifications needed because of your injury.
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress and other non-economic losses.
No two accidents are alike. And insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can determine the total damages you suffered in your accident. An attorney can also help you take legal action to help resolve your case in a way that meets your needs.
Do I need an attorney to resolve my pedestrian accident case?
If your injuries don’t appear to be too serious, it may seem as if you don’t need an attorney to resolve your case. The driver and the insurance company may express a desire to settle the matter quickly. And you may just want to get this accident behind you as soon as possible so you can move on.
But it’s important to remember that the driver and the insurance company are looking out for their best interests, not yours. And you may have suffered damages that you have not even considered. For example, your injury may be more serious than you originally thought, and it may require further treatment in the future.
That’s why it’s important to consult an experienced pedestrian accident attorney before agreeing to any settlement of your case. An attorney can help you determine if a settlement offer covers the total damages you have suffered.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Florida uses the principle of comparative negligence when determining the outcome of personal injury claims. This means that if you were found to be partially at fault for the accident, the financial compensation you can recover would be reduced.
But just because a driver is blaming you for what happened doesn’t mean you were actually responsible. It’s typical for drivers and insurance companies to try to shift blame for what happened. That’s why our firm investigates your accident to get the facts. We know how to build strong cases that prove negligence.
Even if you are found to be partially at fault, you may still be able to recover some financial compensation for your injuries. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can explain your rights and discuss your legal options.
How long do I have to take legal action?
In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is four years. That means you have four years from the date of the accident to take legal action to recover financial compensation for the damages you have suffered.
That may sound like a long time. But the fact is, the sooner you take action, the stronger your case is likely to be. Evidence can be lost or destroyed over time. The memories of witnesses can fade. And it can take a significant amount of time to build a strong case. The longer you wait to pursue a claim, the harder it can be to recover the compensation you deserve.
We encourage you to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your pedestrian accident. An attorney can review the details of your case, go over your legal options and answer any questions you have. Then you can make an informed decision about the best way to proceed with your case.
How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?
When you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, you may be faced with rising medical bills that can quickly become overwhelming. You may not be able to go back to work right away, meaning there is less income coming in. But your other bills don’t stop coming in, and it can become hard to make ends meet. The last thing you need is another bill.
That’s why we don’t charge you anything up front to handle your pedestrian accident case. If we take you on as a client, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we pay all the costs to move your case forward, no matter how long it takes. If we don’t recover financial compensation for you, we don’t get paid.
At Farrow & Pulice, you don’t have to worry about whether you can afford legal representation. Our policy means your case is handled by attorneys who have decades of experience and a long track record of getting results for clients – all at no charge to you unless we win.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
It depends on your situation. Many pedestrian accidents are resolved within months. But some end up going to trial and can take years to resolve. The more complicated the case, and the more money there is at stake, the longer it is likely to take.
There are many factors that can affect how long it takes to reach a resolution in your case. A driver may deny responsibility, and we may have to investigate to prove negligence. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, and may resist entering settlement negotiations until we build a strong case.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can review the details of your case and give you a better idea of how long your case may take to resolve. Our firm focuses on getting the best possible outcome for your situation.
