The Dos And Don’ts Of Building A Florida Pedestrian Accident Claim

Pedestrian accidents are quite common in Florida. The FLHSMV estimates that there were 9,965 pedestrian crashes in Florida in 2022. These crashes resulted in over 750 deaths and more than 7,700 injuries. Fortunately, in Florida, after being involved in a pedestrian accident because of another party’s negligence, you can file a claim against the negligent party and recover compensation. However, you must build a strong claim if you want to recover the compensation you deserve.

There are certain steps you must take and some things you must avoid doing to build a strong pedestrian accident claim. The following are some of the dos and don’ts of building a Florida pedestrian accident claim:

Do Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If you still haven’t sought medical treatment for your pedestrian accident injuries, you should do so immediately. Not only will this benefit your health, but it will also benefit your compensation claim. If you wait to seek medical attention, the at-fault party’s insurance company might argue that you were not seriously injured. The insurance company might argue that you failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate damages. Also, the insurance company may argue that you suffered your injuries in a different incident.

After you seek medical attention, ensure you follow your doctor’s orders, as not prioritizing your recovery could be used against you.

Don’t Talk About Your Accident on Social Media

Nowadays, people post anything and everything on social media. But you want to refrain from posting about your pedestrian accident on social media. In fact, as long as your pedestrian accident claim is pending, it’s best that you avoid posting anything on social media, even if it is not related to your case. The insurance adjuster will be stalking your social media to find anything they can use against you. Even a “check-in” into a specific location could be used to challenge your credibility.

Do Maintain Documentation

In a Florida pedestrian accident claim, you can only recover compensation for the damages you can prove. As such, ensure you keep any documentation that can help prove damages. Ensure you keep all paperwork safe, from medical bills to pay stubs to receipts for replacement services.

Don’t Give the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement

If the insurance adjuster calls you and asks for a recorded statement, it is in your best interest not to provide it. If you give a recorded statement and state something inaccurate or untrue, either intentionally or unintentionally, your statement may end up being used against you.

Do Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Finally, if you plan to file a pedestrian accident claim, reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney who can protect your rights, help you gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company. If you are worried about affording a lawyer, you will be relieved to know that personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if and when they win a case.

Legal Help Is Available

If you’ve suffered injuries in a Florida pedestrian accident because of another party’s negligence, contact our experienced and dedicated West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm. We can help you build a robust case that can enable you to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Myers areas.

Source:

flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/