There are several common causes of pedestrian accidents in Sarasota, and it is crucial to be aware of them to stay safe. Unlike ordinary car accidents, when a pedestrian is hit by a moving vehicle, their injuries are more likely to be catastrophic as the person on foot is completely exposed and does not have the protection of a vehicle.
When you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, you have a legal right to pursue compensation. If someone else’s carelessness or negligent conduct causes you to be injured, a practiced pedestrian accident attorney from Dannheisser Injury Law can make sure they are held responsible.
Pedestrian accidents commonly occur in Sarasota because drivers are distracted or otherwise acting negligently. Although walking and running are great ways to get around and exercise, pedestrians are at risk of sustaining serious injuries when drivers do not exercise caution. Some common causes of accidents with pedestrians include:
Other factors, like poor visibility, could increase the likelihood of a pedestrian accident. Likewise, bad weather conditions or poorly lit roads make it more difficult to see pedestrians. Those injured in a pedestrian accident should consult an experienced lawyer for help understanding their legal options.
Damages in the form of compensation in a lawsuit will depend on the severity of the person’s injuries. A tenacious attorney will advocate for damages that consider the full extent of the harm. For example, those with serious injuries may need long-term medical care, physical therapy, surgery, or medical equipment. These costs can quickly add up, financially burdening the person and their family. Fortunately, a lawyer from Dannheisser Injury Law can work to recover these costs.
In Sarasota pedestrian accidents, it is not uncommon for the person who was running or walking to be partially at fault for their injuries. In negligence cases, courts apply the doctrine of comparative negligence to apportion fault. This means that to recover compensation, the injured person must be less than 50% responsible for causing the collision. However, if a person is found to be more than 50% to blame, they may be barred from recovering compensation.
Under this rule, the injured person’s compensation will simply be reduced based on their percentage of fault. For example, if a pedestrian was injured in an accident because they were distracted by their cell phone, the driver might argue they were also at fault. If the injured person is awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 10% at fault, they can still recover up to $90,000. A diligent lawyer can work with an injured person to navigate any potential hurdles to compensation.
Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Sarasota can help keep you safe, but if a negligent motorist has injured you, reach out to a detail-oriented attorney from Dannheisser Injury Law. We could help you learn more about your legal rights and options for compensation.
As local attorneys, we have represented countless pedestrians in negotiations with insurance companies and filed lawsuits on their behalf. We are prepared to go to trial if your case does not settle favorably. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation meeting to discuss your available options.