Walking has numerous benefits, but accidents involving pedestrians continue to rise and pose a significant public health concern. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it can be a frightening and often confusing experience. However, taking prompt action and consulting with a skilled pedestrian accident attorney could help ease some of the confusion.
At Fasig | Brooks, our team is here to help you protect your future, health, and legal rights, as well as obtain a fair settlement from the party responsible for your injury. Speak to one of our experienced lawyers today to learn more about pursuing compensation and what steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Tallahassee.
What Steps Should You Take Following a Pedestrian Accident?
Taking appropriate action following a pedestrian accident in Tallahassee is essential to ensure you receive a fair settlement from the responsible party. The most important element of an injury claim is evidence, and you should begin to collect this as soon as possible by:
- Documenting the scene by taking photos or notes related to the location, injuries sustained, and property damage
- Seeking medical care, following the doctor’s treatment plan, and recording your recovery process, including pain, bruising, and other symptoms
- Keeping detailed notes concerning all medical services and treatments, prescriptions, and other costs, including loss of income due to missed work
- Avoiding discussions about fault or signing any agreements until you have spoken to a legal professional
- Not making statements or posting about the accident on social media
- Notifying your automobile and medical insurance providers about the accident and any injuries you sustained
Even if you appear to have suffered only minor harm, you should request a medical evaluation, as adrenaline can mask the severity of your bodily injuries in the immediate aftermath of an accident.
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Traffic and Safety Laws
State safety rules and regulations for pedestrians aim to prevent avoidable accidents by establishing right-of-way and crossing procedures, as well as prohibiting dangerous behaviors. Florida Statute § 316.130 defines a pedestrian as any person on foot, including those using wheelchairs, rollerblades, skateboards, or similar devices.
Basic rules for pedestrians include walking on sidewalks, or on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic if no sidewalk is available, and obeying traffic controls, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. When using crosswalks, you should wait until the path is clear and cross as quickly as possible. When crossing in areas without a crosswalk, you must yield to oncoming traffic and use the shortest route possible to reach the curb.
Driver Responsibilities
All motorists must stop and yield to people crossing on marked or unmarked crosswalks. This includes stopping for anyone already crossing or those stepping off the curb as the driver approaches. Failure to stop and yield to pedestrians, particularly those on marked crosswalks, will result in a citation.
Drivers must remain aware of their surroundings at all times and exercise due care when driving in areas with pedestrian traffic, particularly when children are present.
Keeping yourself safe while walking or driving requires staying alert and adhering to all traffic and safety laws. A knowledgeable lawyer can provide guidance on Tallahassee rules and regulations, as well as advice on what steps to take in the event of a pedestrian accident.
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Contact an Attorney for Advice About How To Proceed Following a Tallahassee Pedestrian Accident
If you suffered an injury due to a driver’s reckless behaviour, you could be eligible to pursue compensation from the responsible party. While prioritizing your recovery is essential, it is also important to act quickly to collect the vital evidence needed to ensure you obtain a fair settlement.
For more information about what steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Tallahassee, schedule a consultation with the experienced legal team at Fasig | Brooks today.
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