What Happens if I Get Hurt at the Holiday Parade in Gainesville, FL?
Bill Allen | December 31, 2024 | Personal Injury
There are many events held during the holiday season, including holiday parades. The City of Gainesville posted information about the 2024 Holiday Parade on its website. In addition to Gainesville, cities throughout Florida will hold holiday parades this season.
Thousands of people, including residents and tourists, may attend the holiday parade. Unfortunately, some of them could get hurt at the holiday parade in Gainesville, FL.
Knowing what to do if you are injured at a holiday parade can make a difference. Below are tips and information that can help protect your legal rights as you navigate an accident at the Gainesville Holiday Parade.
Secure Your Safety
Ensure you and your child are safe. If possible, move to a safe area where you can assess the injury and provide first aid. If you are unable to move, call 911 for emergency medical services and ask someone nearby for help.
Gather Evidence
If you can do so without causing harm to yourself or others, document the accident scene by taking photographs and making a video. Try to capture the reason you were injured, such as a large hole or crack in the sidewalk. Ask witnesses to provide their contact information.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, a medical provider should check you. Go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility for immediate care. You may also see your doctor if the injury does not require emergency treatment.
However, some injuries may not present symptoms for a few hours or days. Therefore, seek immediate treatment if you develop symptoms or your symptoms remain/worsen. You could have a serious injury that you are unaware of without a medical examination.
In addition to protecting your health, prompt medical attention supports a personal injury case. Medical records help link your injuries to your accident.
Report the Accident and Injury
Report the accident to the local authorities and event organizers as soon as possible. If the accident occurred on commercial or private property, report the injury to the property owner.
Document Your Injuries and Damages
Keep a detailed record of your injuries, expenses, and everything that occurs after your accident. Take photographs of your injuries and keep a journal detailing your suffering and struggle to recover. Keep copies of all records, invoices, bills, and receipts for financial expenses.
Do Not Discuss Your Accident on Social Media
Sharing your experience at the holiday parade on social media may be tempting. However, your posts could impact the outcome of your claim. Insurance companies search online for evidence they can use against victims.
Instead, keep the information about the accident and your injuries private. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and learn about your legal rights from an experienced attorney.
Consider Seeking Legal Advice
An accident at a holiday parade can cause severe injuries and losses. You could be entitled to compensation if another party’s negligence or wrongful acts caused your injuries.
However, identifying the liable parties and proving liability can be challenging. If a government entity is involved, the case becomes more complex, and deadlines for filing claims are much shorter.
A Gainesville personal injury lawyer can help you with your claim. An attorney investigates your claim to determine what caused your injury at the Gainesville holiday parade. They identify the parties responsible for the accident and gather evidence proving your claim.
File a Personal Injury Claim
Your attorney pursues claims against all parties who could be liable for your injuries. In Florida, accident victims can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
Examples of damages may include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lost wages and benefits
- Impairments and disabilities
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
Many factors determine how much your case is worth. Acting promptly to document your losses, obtain medical treatment, and seek legal counsel can improve your chance of a positive outcome in your case.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim if You Are Hurt at the Holiday Parade in Gainesville, FL
An accident or injury can occur anywhere. Schedule a free consultation if you are injured at a parade or other event. A Gainesville personal injury lawyer can help you pursue legal action for fair compensation from the parties who caused your injuries.
If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.
We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258