Pedestrian Accidents

Were you hit by a car or another vehicle in St. Petersburg? Did a negligent motorist hit you while you were crossing the street, walking on a sidewalk, or walking in a parking lot? If you were severely injured due to someone else’s recklessness, contact Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas right away. A St. Petersburg pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm will stand strong for you and demand the full compensation you need to recover.

With over 60 years of experience, our firm has a proven record that includes securing over $145 million on behalf of our clients. Our lawyers understand what you’re going through, and we will work to make sure all your needs are taken care of. To get started, contact us today for a free review of your case.

Do You Have a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

You might have a pedestrian accident claim if you were hit by a motorist who was careless or reckless behind the wheel. That means that the driver operated the vehicle in an unsafe manner, violated traffic laws, or demonstrated an intentional disregard for the safety of others.

Examples of driver behavior that might result in a pedestrian accident claim include:

Speeding
Running red lights or stop signs
Failing to yield at intersections or crosswalks
Driving recklessly, such as racing or swerving around traffic
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Driving while tired or drowsy
Driving while distracted, including texting while driving
Backing up or turning without checking mirrors and blind spots

No matter what happened to cause a vehicle to hit you, it is crucial to understand your legal rights. Please reach out to our St. Petersburg pedestrian accident law firm today to talk about your case for free.

Benefits of Hiring a St. Petersburg Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pursuing a legal claim for compensation after a pedestrian accident can prove complex and time-consuming. You should be able to focus your energy on getting treatment for your injuries and returning to normal life. That’s where we come in. Let a St. Petersburg pedestrian accident lawyer handle all the work needed to pursue financial compensation on your behalf. Our highly skilled legal team will:

Recover all evidence from the accident that can help prove the liability of the driver who hit you
Evaluate your own insurance coverage to identify all possible sources of compensation
Consult with your doctors to understand the extent of your injuries and your future treatment needs
Work with accident reconstruction experts to prepare an effective, persuasive case
Demand maximum compensation from the insurance companies, including filing claims for coverage with your own insurer when necessary
Negotiate with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys for a fair settlement that provides you full compensation for your losses
Pursue a pedestrian accident lawsuit if the insurer won’t agree to a fair settlement

Demanding Full Compensation After a St. Petersburg Pedestrian Accident

If you were hit by a careless driver, you have the right to demand full compensation for your injuries and the financial and personal losses you incurred. This includes payment for:

Medical treatment related to the accident

Physical and occupational rehabilitation

Long-term care, such as home health and home maintenance or admission to long-term care facilities

Lost income if you missed work or lost future earnings and benefits due to disabilities

Pain and suffering

Emotional distress, including PTSD

Reduced quality of life due to physical scarring, disfigurement, or disabilities that interfere with daily living

If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you should also learn about your legal right to compensation through a wrongful death claim. Although no amount of money can make up for such a tragic loss, you can fight to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Statute of Limitations on Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits in Florida

The statute of limitations under Florida law generally requires you to file a pedestrian accident injury lawsuit within four years of the date of the crash. In some circumstances, this four-year period might be extended, or “tolled.” A pedestrian accident attorney can review the facts of your case to determine how long you have to file your claim. However, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Claim

After a pedestrian accident, you can protect your claim by:

Getting the contact and insurance information of the driver who hit you and any other motorists involved in the accident. If you were hit by a work vehicle, write down the driver’s employment information as well.

Taking photos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicle that hit you, skid marks in the road, or traffic controls such as lights, stop signs, and crosswalks. If you are too injured to document the accident scene, call someone to do it for you.

Seeking medical attention as soon as possible after the accident to diagnose and treat your injuries. Photograph any visible injuries. Follow your doctor’s orders.

Writing down what you remember about the accident while it is fresh in your mind. You may also want to start a notebook to keep track of your treatment, how you are feeling, and how your injuries affect your life.

Avoiding discussing the accident on social media. If you make statements contradicting your official claim, it could hurt your chances of a full recovery.