Sarasota Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Sarasota is a very pedestrian-friendly town in terms of being able to get around for work, dining out, nightlife, beaches, and other attractions. However, the risks to people on foot are another matter entirely. According to the Florida Crash Dashboard, there are around 162 pedestrian accidents in Sarasota County every year. Almost a dozen people lose their lives and another 130 are injured in these incidents, many of which were preventable.
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may not know where to begin with seeking compensation for your losses. Instead of trying to navigate the legal process on your own, trust our team at Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian, Attorneys and Counselors at Law. We strive to get the top monetary damages you’re entitled to by law, so please contact our office to set up a free consultation with a Sarasota pedestrian accident lawyer right away.
How Florida Pedestrian Accident Cases Work
People on foot are usually injured because of driver negligence, a term that has a very specific meaning in the practice of law. To qualify for compensation, you must provide strong evidence regarding four essential elements:
- You need to show that the motorist had a legal duty to drive safely;
- You must have proof that the responsible driver breached this duty through careless acts;
- You have to establish a causal link between the breach of duty and the pedestrian accident in which you were injured; and,
- You need to prove that you sustained losses as a result of your injuries.
Even if you do have sufficient evidence regarding these essential elements of negligence, you need to keep in mind Florida’s laws on comparative fault. If you were also careless while walking, your compensation may be reduced in a pedestrian accident claim.
Overview of the Claims Process
Though you weren’t in a motorized vehicle, the process for recovering monetary damages is very similar as Florida car accident cases. Your first step is filing a claim with the responsible motorist’s insurance company, which can be challenging. Insurers aren’t in the business of paying out large amounts to victims of pedestrian accidents. The insurance company may offer you a low amount as compensation, or may deny payment entirely. At this point, you may need to file a lawsuit in court.
Our team at Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian will advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process. We aim to obtain the full amount of monetary damages allowed by law, including:
- Medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Losses that impact your quality of life; and,
- Many more.
Speak to a Sarasota Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Free
This summary of the claims process after a pedestrian accident may help you understand the basics, but there are numerous subtleties and legal details. To learn how we can assist with your case, please contact Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian, Attorneys and Counselors at Law. You can schedule a no-cost case evaluation by calling our Sarasota office at 800.227.2275 or visiting us online.
