Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
In Palm Bay

In 2021, Florida topped the list of most dangerous states for pedestrians. Nine Florida metropolitan areas ranked among the 13 deadliest in the country with Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville ranking fourth. The following safety tips can help residents and visitors to the Palm Bay area avoid a potentially deadly pedestrian accident.

Follow the rules

Walking is such a natural activity that we sometimes forget to follow basic safety rules. When walking in areas in which there may also be automobiles, identifying and following the rules should be a top priority. It may seem like a minor infraction to disregard a crosswalk in a parking lot or to cross a road without waiting for the pedestrian crossing signal. However, these rules are in place to help vehicles and pedestrians coexist safely. Not only do signs, designated paths, and signals provide helpful information to pedestrians, but drivers also rely on these guides to help them know when it is safe to proceed. Drivers are more likely to be on high alert when approaching a crosswalk. However, they may not expect to see someone walking in a lane that is designated for vehicles only. Following the rules creates a safer experience by allowing motorists and people who are traveling on foot to anticipate each other's behaviors and avoid accidents.

Use extra caution

In a perfect world, everyone would follow the rules. In reality, accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. People may be distracted. Those who are unfamiliar with an area may not understand the local road signs and traffic patterns. Visibility may be obscured. Children, people who have certain special needs, and the elderly may be unaware of their actions and surrounding hazards. Intoxicated drivers also pose serious safety risks. We are unable to control the behaviors of others. Nevertheless, we can use extra caution and anticipate that safety hazards may arise at any time. Remaining watchful and proceeding at an appropriate speed affords pedestrians a greater opportunity to avoid a potential accident.

Choose the safest path avaialable

Pedestrian walkways and sidewalks are usually the safest places to walk. However, in some instances, there may not be a walkway, sidewalk, or crosswalk. In the absence of a sidewalk, pedestrians should walk against the direction of oncoming cars and position themselves on the side of the road as far away from vehicle traffic as possible. Always watch for cars entering or exiting driveways and intersections. In parking lots, it is important to remain mindful of cars that are backing out of parking spaces.

What to do in the event of a pedestrian accident

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are not uncommon in the Palm Bay area. In the event that a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the most important thing to do is remain as calm as possible and ensure the pedestrian receives medical attention. Beyond calling the police and emergency medical personnel, gathering as much information as possible about the incident will also help the pedestrian. The injured party will need the driver’s name, a license plate number, any other identifying information about the involved vehicle, and any available details regarding how the accident took place. Depending on the extent of injury, the pedestrian may be unable to collect important details regarding the accident. Therefore, witnesses should step in if possible and provide their contact information and an account of any details they may know about the accident. Providing a statement to the police can help the accident victim and the victim’s family obtain the information they will later need when they file a claim for the victim’s injuries.

Possible damages in pedestrian accident cases

For pedestrian accident victims and their families, the road to even a small semblance of normalcy can be long and arduous. Victims with minor injuries may be able to return to work after a few days or several weeks. However, medical bills and lost wages may cause financial strain. Pedestrian accident victims who have more severe injuries may require additional medical procedures, follow-up visits, a lengthy rehab process, and expensive medical devices. These accident victims are more likely to miss more time from work. In very severe cases, they may be unable to return to their job. Accidents that cause death leave the victim’s family with medical expenses, funeral expenses, and a loss of income to support the victim’s spouse and dependent children.

Compensation for pedestrian injury victims

Fortunately, there is help for Florida pedestrian accident victims and their families. Whether you have minor or severe injuries, you may be able to file a claim to receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Those who have more severe injuries, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and loss of use of one or more limbs may be able to receive additional compensation as very severe injuries may have a long-term effect on the victim’s lifestyle. In pedestrian accidents that cause death, the victim’s family may file a claim on his or her behalf to cover medical and funeral expenses and to provide support to the family. In very severe cases, accident victims and their families may also be eligible to receive compensation for emotional damages.

Contacting a pedestrian accident attorney

Palm Bay pedestrian accident victims and their families should immediately contact a Florida accident lawyer. Getting an attorney involved early will allow the accident victim to receive the medical exams and treatments the lawyer may later use in establishing the victim’s case. A Florida accident lawyer will also represent the victim and his or her family against the highly-experienced corporate lawyers auto insurance companies employ to minimize payout to victims. Enlisting an accident lawyer to navigate the legalities and do the heavy lifting allows the victim and family to solely focus on healing.

Accident lawyers typically provide a free case evaluation to determine possible legal options. Therefore, there is no financial risk for accident victims and their families when making initial contact with a lawyer. If you or someone you know has been injured in a Palm Bay pedestrian accident, contact us to learn more about your rights. We will keep your information confidential.