Protecting Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident
Many people do not fully realize the risks they face when they are running errands on foot, or simply going for a stroll. Truthfully, though, pedestrians are at a very high risk when they are out walking. If a driver crashes into you, it can result in a number of severe injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and more.
It is critical to work with a Tampa pedestrian accident attorney who can explain the steps to take immediately and other ways to protect your rights. Learn more about the Florida laws that protect pedestrians and what to do immediately after suffering an injury.
How Does the Law in Florida Protect Pedestrians?
The Florida Statutes, Section 316.130 outline the laws that protect pedestrians. These laws are as follows:
- Drivers must exercise caution to ensure they do not hit anyone who is walking on the road.
- When available, pedestrians should use sidewalks.
- When a sidewalk is not available, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road that faces traffic.
- Pedestrians should refrain from moving in front of any vehicle that is too close.
The above laws are important because they help determine who is at fault for a crash involving a pedestrian. If the driver violated the law, they are typically liable. If the pedestrian did not follow the law properly, they may also be partially to blame for their own injuries.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident
The steps you take following a pedestrian accident are incredibly important to protect your rights. The most important of these include:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you do not think you were seriously injured. Many types of injuries do not appear until later.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, damage to the vehicle that hit you, your injuries, and any other pertinent information, such as skid marks on the road.
- Obtain the name, contact information, and driver’s license number of the driver. Also ask for their insurance information.
- Locate any witnesses who saw the accident and ask them for their names and contact information.
- Do not admit guilt, even if you think you contributed to the crash.
- Do not speak to the driver’s insurance company without first speaking to an attorney.
- Contact a Tampa pedestrian accident attorney who can advise you of your rights and ensure that they are protected.
Taking the above steps will document the accident, reduce the insurer’s ability to blame you for the crash and reduce your compensation, and provide the evidence you need to build a strong case.
Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Tampa Can Provide the Legal Advice You Need
Being hit as a pedestrian is extremely scary. At Moore Law, our Tampa pedestrian accident attorney can protect your rights by collecting evidence, accurately valuing your claim, and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf so you obtain the full and fair damages you need. Call us now at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can assist with your case.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.130.html
