Injured While Walking? Contact a Miami Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Miami is notorious for pedestrian accidents. In 2014, South Florida was ranked as the fourth most dangerous metro area in the United States. If you were injured while walking the streets of South Florida, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether you’re a resident or you were visiting as a tourist, a Miami pedestrian accident lawyer can ensure you receive a full and fair settlement.
Understanding the Risks in Miami
Picture it: you are out for a walk in downtown Miami. The bright sun is out and the city is bustling with energy. Suddenly, a car blows through a stop light and collides with you as you are crossing the street. This tragic story is far too common. Over 7000 pedestrians are injured in Florida each year due to the negligence of drivers.
The Impact of Pedestrian Accidents
At Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, we know how devastating a pedestrian accident can be. Your injuries could lead to multiple hospital visits, resulting in heavy medical bills. Your injuries could also stop you from going to work, and without your wages, how will you pay your medical bills? In addition to your physical injuries and financial stress, you may also be experiencing emotional distress as a result of the accident.
Our personal injury lawyers understand just how detrimental it can be to go through a pedestrian accident. Our top priority is ensuring you are fully and fairly compensated for your injuries.
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Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents: A Closer Look
Pedestrian accidents, unfortunately, often lead to severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to vehicle occupants. Here’s an expanded overview of common injuries and their potential impact:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: These are among the most frequent outcomes of pedestrian accidents. The force of impact can break bones in the legs, arms, ribs, and even the pelvis, leading to prolonged recovery times, potential surgeries, and in some cases, long-term mobility issues or disability.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and are caused by the head being struck or shaken violently. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, memory problems, and personality changes. More severe TBIs can result in cognitive impairments, requiring ongoing therapy and support.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can be devastating, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis below the injury site. Spinal cord injuries often necessitate life-long medical care and assistance, significantly altering a victim’s lifestyle and independence.
- Lacerations and Bruises: While they may seem minor, deep cuts and bruises can lead to significant blood loss, infection, and even cosmetic disfigurement. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the damage.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or organ damage is less visible but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. These injuries often result from the force exerted on the body during the collision and require immediate medical attention.
The repercussions of these injuries extend beyond the physical pain. Victims may face substantial medical bills, the inability to work or perform daily activities, and the emotional trauma associated with the accident. Rehabilitation and recovery can be a long, arduous process, potentially leading to significant financial strain due to lost wages and ongoing medical expenses.
Most Common Pedestrian Accidents in Miami
There are multiple ways a pedestrian can be injured on the streets of South Florida. If you have been involved in any of the scenarios below, contact a Miami pedestrian accident lawyer right away.
- Hit while crossing at a crosswalk
- Hit on the sidewalk by a driver
- Hit by a bicyclist or motorcyclist
- Hit while crossing the street (not at a crosswalk)
The nature of the accident will determine what type of compensation you will be eligible for. To discuss the finer points of your accident and whether or not you have a case, speak with a pedestrian injury attorney at Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA.
A Miami Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Will Seek Compensation on your Behalf
Any driver who hits a pedestrian in Miami is obligated by law to pay for any injury costs or losses that the accident directly causes. To cover these costs, drivers have what is called personal injury protection insurance. If a driver hits a pedestrian, their insurance is required to compensate the pedestrian for any monetary losses if the pedestrian is killed, and the family members.
Insurance companies must pay all of the following that apply:
- Medical bills or any medical costs related to the accident
- Any lost wages or income should you be unable to work
- Damages related to pain or suffering from the accident
- Emotional distress or trauma as
a result of the accident - Wrongful death
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident you must contact an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your options for monetary recovery. Often, you can receive
compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. We will guide you through the car accident legal process every step of the way.
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, do not think that you must pay for your medical bills. You deserve to be fairly compensated for the pain and suffering you are enduring.
Getting Compensation After a Miami Pedestrian Accident
When you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Florida, your medical insurance will first cover the costs of your injuries. Your medical insurance will then go to collect compensation from the driver’s car
insurance company. If you are injured while you are working, you may also file for worker’s compensation.
Even though you were not driving, you can file a claim with your own car insurance company as well, assuming you do have insurance. It does not matter that you were not driving a car at the time of the accident.
As you can see, there are plenty of different avenues for compensation. It is not always easy to navigate how to go about getting compensation, which is why it is so important that you speak with a knowledgeable
lawyer. The Miami pedestrian accident lawyers at Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, can help you decide what is the best way to pursue your compensation and walk you through it every step of the way.
Miami Pedestrian Accident Claim Against Uninsured Motorists
So what can you do if the person who hit you has no insurance at the time of the accident? This can often be a pedestrian’s worst nightmare, but you do have an option.
In many cases, you can go after the driver and sue for any other assets they may have. If the driver owns the car, a home, or any other major assets, they may be ordered by the courts to sell these assets to pay for your medical bills. However, if the driver has no insurance and no assets to speak of, then you may be out of luck.
When you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the last thing on your mind might be paying for your expenses. With all that you have to do, you need someone to fight for your rights to be compensated. Our Miami pedestrian accident lawyers have over 90 years of combined experience and will examine every aspect of your case to ensure that you get the money you deserve.
Don’t delay—schedule your FREE consultation with Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, today to start on the path to recovery and fair compensation.