Being involved in a motor vehicle collision is likely going to be one of the most traumatic events you will ever experience, and this is especially true if you are hit by a car while out walking or jogging. It is understandable if you feel disorientated and confused, but knowing the steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Boca Raton can protect your health and legal rights.
If you have been injured, you may be able to recover financial compensation from the at-fault driver and a pedestrian accident lawyer at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia could help you in this process. Our team of attorneys work on contingency, so you pay us nothing until we reach a successful outcome for you.
By far the most important thing to do after being hit by a car in Boca Raton is to get medical treatment. Even if your injuries seem minor, or you feel okay, some things like internal bleeding and concussions can only be recognized by a trained professional. These conditions could get worse if left untreated.
Additionally, documentation of your care is vital to your claim because it links your injuries to the collision and could be used to prove the severity. Be sure to follow all instructions and keep a copy of every record, bill, and receipt for your attorney to review.
After receiving medical care, report the incident to law enforcement. Under Florida Statute § 316.066(1)(a), accidents involving injury or death must be reported to the police. Request a copy of the report when it becomes available.
If possible, collect information at the scene, including witness contacts, photos of your injuries, and details about the road conditions. These actions help preserve key evidence for your case.
Florida’s no-fault insurance laws require you to first use your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for your costs like hospital bills and missing work. So, contacting your insurer about the incident is the next action to take. However, when your injuries are severe or permanent, you may pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver under Fla. Stat. § 627.737(2).
Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are more concerned with their bottom line than they are with your well-being, and often try to limit payouts. Having an attorney ensures that the insurance company takes your claim seriously and makes a fair offer.
While you could accept the insurer’s initial amount, it may not be enough to cover everything you need to restore your life. That is why seeking skilled legal representation in Boca Raton following a pedestrian collision could be the first step in helping you recover the full value of your case, including:
A lawyer could provide rigorous advocacy for your interests, whether it is negotiating with the insurance company or taking your claim to the courtroom.
Report it immediately to the police. Boca Raton officers can take steps such as using witness accounts and cameras to locate the vehicle that caused the pedestrian accident. Uninsured motorist coverage may also apply.
Under Fla. Stat. § 768.81(2), you may recover compensation if you are less than 50 percent at fault, but your award is reduced by your share of responsibility.
Being hit by a car can upend your life in an instant, and you may be unsure about what to do next. Following these steps to take after a pedestrian accident, like speaking to a Boca Raton attorney at Werner, Hoffman, Grieg & Garcia, could protect your health and legal rights.
Since we work on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you until we win your case. For a free case consultation, call our personal injury lawyers now and tell us your story.
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