Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Were you hit by a motor vehicle while walking in Lakeland, FL? If so, you may be entitled to substantial money damages. Allen Law Firm, P.A. can help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, other financial losses, and more.

Our top-rated personal injury law firm has a longstanding track record of success you can rely on. The Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyers on our team have over 100 years of combined experience, and we’ve successfully obtained hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. If you hire us, we’ll work as hard as we can to maximize the value of your case.

Call or contact our law offices today at (352) 351-3258 to set up a free consultation. At that time, we can provide some initial advice about your legal rights and options. 

How Allen Law Firm, P.A. Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Lakeland

How Allen Law Firm, P.A. Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Lakeland

Pedestrian accidents can be especially traumatic, especially when someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing is the cause. In an ideal world, the at-fault party would take responsibility for their actions and compensate you in full. But in reality, you may need to put up a legal fight to recover the true value of your claim.

Allen Law Firm, P.A. can handle your legal claim for justice and compensation while you focus on your health and well-being. Our award-winning Lakeland personal injury lawyers have received recognition from the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The National Trial Lawyers, and many other prestigious organizations throughout their time practicing law. We can help with your pedestrian accident case in Lakeland, Florida, by:

  • Collecting the necessary evidence in support of your case
  • Evaluating all of your damages, with help from experts as needed
  • Negotiating with the opposing party to secure a settlement agreement
  • Keeping you up-to-date on your case’s status at all times
  • Protecting you from any allegations of contributory fault
  • Filing a lawsuit and taking the at-fault party to court if necessary

Get in touch with our legal team today to set up your free case review. We’re here to be on your side every step of the way. 

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Polk County?

Florida’s Crash Dashboard, maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, contains detailed statistics for accidents across the state. Polk County has experienced the following numbers of pedestrian accidents in recent years:

  • 2022: 353 total pedestrian accidents, 228 injuries, and 26 fatalities
  • 2021: 335 total pedestrian accidents, 187 injuries, and 29 fatalities
  • 2020: 292 total pedestrian accidents, 170 injuries, and 26 fatalities
  • 2019: 330 total pedestrian accidents, 235 injuries, and 22 fatalities

So far in 2023 (as of mid-November), there have been 265 total pedestrian accidents in Polk County, causing 179 injuries and 22 fatalities. 

How Much Is My Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?

We undertake a comprehensive evaluation of every case we take on at Allen Law Firm, P.A. This is a critical stage in the personal injury claims process, as the law allows you to recover compensation that makes you whole again as best as possible. Factors that can impact the value of your case include:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • The financial losses you’ve incurred (and will continue to incur)
  • Whether you are expected to return to full health
  • The nature of your pain and suffering
  • Whether you will be able to return to the workplace
  • Your age at the time of the accident
  • The nature of your accident and who the at-fault party is
  • The terms of any pertinent insurance policies

Don’t let the insurance company get away with offering you a “lowball” settlement. Contact us today to set up a free consultation, and we can help you determine your best course of action.

We’ll Fight To Obtain Compensation for Each of Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrians are afforded essentially zero protection in the event of a collision with a car or other motor vehicle. The resulting injuries can be life-altering and completely debilitating. If you’ve suffered any of the following types of harm, you may be due a substantial monetary award from the responsible party:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Chest injuries
  • Road rash
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Crushing injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Fractures
  • Internal bleeding
  • Amputations
  • Burn injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Leg injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Wrongful death (of a loved one)

Begin forming an attorney-client relationship by reaching out to us today to schedule a free case assessment. We can help even if your injuries are not mentioned in the list above. 

What Types of Damages Are Available After a Pedestrian Accident in Lakeland, FL?

Personal injury law in Florida allows accident victims to collect both economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages may be awarded in rare pedestrian accident cases as well.

Economic damages represent the financial consequences of the accident, including:

  • Lost wages
  • Decreased earning capacity
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Current and future medical bills

Non-economic damages represent the more personal consequences of the accident, such as:

  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental conditions such as PTSD

Punitive damages are only available in cases where the at-fault party acted egregiously, such as if they hurt you intentionally during a fit of “road rage.” They also require a stronger showing of evidence. However, we’ll make sure to pursue them on your behalf if doing so is appropriate for your circumstances. 

How Do I Establish Liability for My Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Case?

Florida is a “no-fault” state for car insurance, and drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. You can utilize your PIP insurance to get compensation after a pedestrian accident if you were hit by a motor vehicle, and you can do so regardless of whose fault the collision was. 

However, oftentimes PIP won’t be enough to cover your losses (for example, it cannot compensate you for your pain and suffering). In these situations, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver. Doing so means you’ll have to prove that they were negligent (careless). There are four legal elements to establish negligence liability:

  • Duty of Care
  • Breach of Duty
  • Causation (factual and proximate)
  • Damages

You must assert each of these elements “by a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning you must bring enough proof to show each is at least 51% likely to be true. Evidence you can bring includes eyewitness testimony, expert analysis, medical records, other documentation, and more.

What Happens if I’m Blamed for My Pedestrian Accident in Lakeland, Florida?

Florida has a “modified comparative negligence” law, which means you can still potentially get compensation for your pedestrian accident injuries even if you share some of the blame. 

Per Florida law, you may be assessed a percentage of fault for your accident. If you are found to be 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover any damages from the at-fault party (you can still use your PIP to get limited benefits, however). 

But so long as you are less than 51% to blame, you can recover (proportionately reduced) damages. For instance, sharing 35% of the blame means your damages can be reduced by 35%.

If you hire our lawyers, we can advocate for your legal interests and minimize the amount of fault assigned to you to the best of our ability. 

What Is the Time Limit for Filling a Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations establishes the time limit you have to file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident. By default, you will have two years from the date of your accident to file your lawsuit in a court of law. Taking legal action too late means you’ll lose your ability to recover compensation from the at-fault party. 

However, in some circumstances, a different time limit might apply to your case – there are exceptions to the statute of limitations. Contact us as soon as you can after your accident so that you can maintain your right to file a lawsuit. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Suffering injuries in a pedestrian accident can impact every area of your life. You shouldn’t have to worry about how to pursue legal recourse on top of everything else you’re dealing with. Instead, hire our experienced Lakeland pedestrian accident attorneys with Allen Law Firm, P.A.

Keep in mind that we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you can hire us with zero initial fees. From there, we only receive attorney’s fees for your case if we win compensation for you. 

Contact us today at (352) 351-3258 to set up your complimentary, risk-free case evaluation.