Pedestrians rely on the good judgment of drivers every time they walk onto the road. If everyone follows the traffic signals and looks carefully, no one gets into an accident. Yet pedestrian accidents still happen and they cause devastating injuries even at low speeds.
The Schiller Kessler Group has helped many pedestrians in Melbourne and across Florida get compensation after they’ve been hit by a negligent driver. Now it’s your turn. Get our aggressive personal injury lawyers in Melbourne on your side with one phone call.
Signs of Negligence in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Winning a claim or a lawsuit requires showing that someone else acted negligently and caused your injuries. That starts with finding the cause of your pedestrian accident. Our attorneys will investigate what happened. You may have been the victim of:
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic laws or signals
- Distracted driving
- Bad weather conditions
- Intoxication
- Driver carelessness
- Any other broken laws
We could consider any of these to be negligence. If they rise to that level, our Melbourne pedestrian accident attorneys will pursue a compensation claim against the driver to pay for your injuries. If we cannot settle, we will push your case to trial and convince the jury that you deserve what you’re owed.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Do I Need to See a Doctor First?
When people get into accidents, their bodies flood with adrenaline. This chemical can mask pain and injury, but it can betray you if you wish to seek compensation. If you don’t see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident then you’re at a disadvantage.
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. You may have a hidden injury they’ll find before it becomes painful. Your examination will also go into your medical record, which will become an important part of your case and how we calculate its value.
Also, the longer you wait, the more opportunity an insurer will have to claim that something else harmed you instead of the accident. It’s best to see a doctor within 24 hours of your accident, but if you haven’t gone yet, go now and then contact our lawyers for a consultation.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Damages Can I Recover Through My Claim?
You may recover more money than you expect. Insurance companies may offer you a settlement that looks good, but isn’t enough. A Melbourne pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand just how much your case is really worth and what you can claim.
Broadly speaking, you can pursue economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are financial losses that happened because of your accident, like medical expenses and lost wages. It also applies to lost future earnings, like if you cannot work again.
Non-economic damages are subjective, but you can receive money for them. Pain and suffering is the most obvious one, but there are others. Arguing the value of these is something most people cannot do without the help of a lawyer. At SKG, we’ll aggressively seek every penny of compensation you’re owed. Check out our previous case results.
Can I Use My PIP Coverage?
Florida follows a no-fault system for auto insurance. Anyone who owns a car is required to have PIP insurance. After a pedestrian accident, you must first seek compensation from your own insurance policy. This protection offers you up to $10,000 to pay for your medical bills.
The good thing about PIP coverage is that you do not have to prove fault. Making a claim on your own insurance can help you cover the immediate costs of your injury while you wait for the at-fault claim against the driver to finish.
What Happens If I Share Fault for the Accident?
Sometimes a pedestrian accident is the fault of both parties. What happens then? Florida recently moved to a modified comparative negligence standard that describes what happens. Assuming there are two parties, here’s how it works.
- Fault is split between the parties as a percentage.
- The party with more fault owes damages to the party with less fault.
- The damages are reduced by the lower percentage.
Here’s an example. You win $100,000 in a claim but the court says you shared 20% of the fault. The other driver has 80%, which is higher, so you get paid. However, you will lose 20% of the award due to your share of fault. Therefore, your award will only be $80,000.
How do I Pay for a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Melbourne?
Personal injury lawyers recognize anyone could get injured. Personal injury representation shouldn’t be limited to those with wealth. That’s why we work on a contingency fee system. We only get paid if you win your case, and we only get paid through your settlement or award.
We take a percentage of what you win as our fee, and we discuss that amount with you during your consultation. It depends on how complex your case is. Using a fixed percentage makes it fair for you and your lawyer regardless of how much you win.
This system also gives your lawyer incentive to work aggressively so you can get the most money possible. The more you win, the more we get paid. And if you end up getting nothing, you’ll owe us nothing. That’s our guarantee to you.
Hire a Melbourne Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
What should you do if you’re hit by a car? First, call the police. Then get medical attention. Finally, contact SKG for a free consultation. Our pedestrian accident attorneys can help you get back on your feet through a settlement or a lawsuit.
Call for a free consultation anytime at the number on your screen or reach out to us at our Melbourne office. We’ll listen to your story, assess your chances of success, and help you win your case. Start now and start getting paid for your injuries.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today
