WEST PALM BEACH PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
West Palm Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrian accidents are a serious issue in West Palm Beach. Whether you’re crossing the street or walking along busy intersections, the risk of being hit by a vehicle is high. Pedestrian accidents often lead to life-changing injuries, leaving victims unsure of what steps to take next. Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel has a long track record of successful pedestrian accident cases. If you’ve been injured, having our West Palm Beach pedestrian accident lawyers on your side can make all the difference in securing the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today at (561) 655-2028.Â
Problematic Areas for Pedestrian Accidents in West Palm Beach
Certain intersections in West Palm Beach pose a higher risk for pedestrians due to poor infrastructure, heavy traffic, and inadequate safety measures. These areas are notorious for pedestrian accidents, and they demand extra caution:
- Quadrille Boulevard and Clematis Street: This busy intersection near downtown West Palm Beach experiences heavy foot traffic, with pedestrians often struggling to navigate across multiple lanes while drivers fail to yield.
- Dixie Highway and Belvedere Road: Known for frequent pedestrian accidents, this intersection is particularly dangerous due to fast-moving vehicles and limited crossing signals, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely.
- Broadway Avenue and 45th Street: With a high volume of traffic and few safe pedestrian crossings, this intersection sees regular accidents involving pedestrians.
- Australian Avenue and Banyan Boulevard: Pedestrians are frequently struck in this area due to inadequate crossing times and poor visibility, making it one of the most hazardous places for walkers in the city.
Collisions at these intersections often involve complex factors like poor traffic control or driver negligence. If you’ve been injured at one of these locations, it’s important to act quickly. Our West Palm Beach pedestrian accident lawyers can help by investigating whether the design of the intersection contributed to the accident, identifying all liable parties, and ensuring that any legal action fully addresses the specific circumstances of your case.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, often because of driver negligence or poor city planning. Here are the most common causes:
Distracted Driving
When drivers take their eyes off the road to use their phones or GPS, they can easily miss pedestrians crossing the street. Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents.
Speeding
Drivers who speed have less time to react to pedestrians and are more likely to cause severe accidents. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable when vehicles are traveling at higher speeds, as the force of impact is significantly greater.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but many accidents happen when drivers either ignore or fail to see pedestrians. This is a common cause of pedestrian accidents at busy intersections.
Turning Vehicles
Accidents frequently occur when drivers make left or right turns at intersections without checking for pedestrians. Vehicles making quick turns are particularly dangerous to those walking in crosswalks.
Poorly Designed Crosswalks
Some crosswalks in West Palm Beach lack proper signage or signals, leaving pedestrians exposed to moving traffic. Inadequate infrastructure can make it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely, leading to accidents.
Our attorneys use this information to build a strong case on your behalf. Identifying the cause of the accident, whether it was due to a distracted driver, failure to yield, poor infrastructure, or another cause allows us to determine liability and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. Holding all responsible parties accountable helps us pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you were hit by a vehicle while walking, what you do next can affect your recovery and your ability to hold the driver accountable.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional. Pedestrian accidents can result in internal injuries or head trauma that might not be immediately obvious. Seeking medical care also ensures your injuries are documented, which will be important if you file a claim.
2. Report the Accident
Contact the police and report the accident. A police report provides an official record of the incident and can be used as evidence when pursuing compensation. Make sure to obtain a copy of the report for your case.
3. Gather Evidence
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any other relevant details, such as traffic signals or the position of vehicles. Eyewitness statements can also be valuable to your case, so collect contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
4. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often seek to minimize their payouts. Do not give any recorded statements or sign any documents without consulting a lawyer. An experienced attorney will handle communication with the insurance companies to protect your interests.
5. Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accident cases can be complicated. Having a lawyer on your side ensures that your case is handled properly and that you get the compensation you deserve. A lawyer will investigate the details of the accident, deal with the insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims
In Florida, pedestrian accident victims have a limited window to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases was recently changed from four years to two years for accidents that occurred on or after March 24, 2023. This means that if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you have only two years from the date of the accident to take legal action.
If you don’t file your claim within this two-year period, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Acting quickly allows your attorney to gather evidence and prepare your case. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, contacting a lawyer as soon as possible helps make sure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
Types of Compensation in Pedestrian Accident Cases
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. Here’s a breakdown of the types of compensation available in these cases:
Medical Expenses
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries that require ongoing medical treatment. You may be able to recover compensation for surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
Lost Wages
If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes any income you’ve lost during recovery and future earnings if you’re unable to return to work due to your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
The emotional and physical impact of a pedestrian accident can be profound. Compensation for pain and suffering takes into account the trauma and discomfort you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
Wrongful Death
In cases where a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, the family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional suffering caused by the loss of a loved one.
Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Holding the responsible party accountable is one of the most important aspects of a pedestrian accident case. While the driver of the vehicle is often at fault, there may be other factors involved. Here are a few parties that could share responsibility:
- The Driver: In most pedestrian accident cases, the driver is liable. This is especially true if the driver was speeding, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The City or Local Government: If the accident occurred in an area with poor pedestrian infrastructure, such as a lack of crosswalks or proper signage, the city may be held responsible for failing to maintain safe conditions for pedestrians.
- Third Parties: In some cases, other pedestrians or cyclists may play a role in the accident, especially if their actions directly contributed to the incident.
An experienced Florida pedestrian accident attorney will investigate the details of the accident to determine who is at fault and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
How Our West Palm Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a pedestrian accident case can be overwhelming, but having a lawyer experienced in pedestrian accident cases on your side makes all the difference. Here’s how the team at Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel can assist you:
- Investigating the Accident: Your lawyer will conduct a detailed investigation, gathering evidence from the scene, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and any available reports to strengthen your case.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what you deserve. To make sure you aren’t pressured into accepting a low offer, your lawyer will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies.
- Filing Your Claim: To provide the best chance at a successful outcome, your attorney will file your claim on time and make sure all necessary documentation is included.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: A lawyer will work to secure the maximum compensation available for your injuries, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
How Do Pedestrian Accident Cases Work?
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be wondering if you can pursue compensation. Here’s how the process works and what to expect when you start working with our firm.
How Do I Start a Claim?
To start, contact our office to set up a consultation. We’ll go over the details of your accident and discuss whether you have grounds for a claim.
What Happens in the First Consultation?
During your first consultation, we’ll talk through the facts of your accident. This meeting is your chance to ask questions and get clarity on the next steps.
What Should I Bring to the Meeting?
It helps to bring any documents related to your case, such as:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photos from the accident
- Witness information
- Insurance correspondence
This information helps us begin working on your case right away.
How Does Filing a Lawsuit Work?
If your case moves forward, we’ll first try to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. If that fails, we’ll file a lawsuit and prepare for court.
How Much Does it Cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. Our fees are only collected if we win your case, and they are based on a percentage of the settlement or judgment. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us any legal fees.
How Long Will It Take?
Timelines vary. Some cases are resolved quickly through settlement, while others may take longer if a trial is needed.
Can My Case Be Settled Out of Court?
Most cases are settled without a trial, but if negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement, we’ll be prepared to take your case to court.
What Happens If My Case Goes to Trial?
If your case goes to trial, we’ll present evidence, prove fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You’ll be guided through each step, and we’ll be ready to represent you in court.
Don’t Wait–Talk to a West Palm Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences on your own. At Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, we know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today at (561) 655-2028 or by using our contact form for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
