By F. Scott Pauzar, III, Naples Personal Injury Attorney
Each year, there are approximately 10,000 pedestrian accidents in Florida. Many of these accidents result in life-altering injuries, tragically, some prove fatal. If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Collier County, here is an overview of what you need to know:
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While pedestrian accidents can result from a variety of causes, most of these accidents involve some driver negligence. When drivers cause accidents, they can—and should—be held accountable. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents for which victims and their families can seek just compensation include:
. Distracted driving
. Drowsy driving
. Drunk or drugged driving
. Running a red light or stop sign
. Speeding
. Turning without checking for pedestrians
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
These driving mistakes (among others) can result in many types of serious injuries. Regardless of the injury you or your loved one suffered, if someone else is to blame, you and your family deserve to be fairly compensated. Florida’s personal injury laws cover all types of traumatic injuries—including (but not limited to):
. Back, neck and spinal cord injuries
. Broken and dislocated bones
. Burns
. Internal bleeding and organ damage
. Nerve and soft tissue damage
. Traumatic brain injuries (including concussions)
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Collier County
After a pedestrian accident in Collier County, there are some essential steps that you need to take to protect your (and your family’s) legal rights. For example, when dealing with a serious or fatal pedestrian accident, it is important to:
1. Record as Many Details as Possible
Write down everything you can remember about the accident. If you have photos or videos on your phone, keep these to share with your lawyer.
2. Avoid Relying on the Insurance Companies
Despite what they say, the insurance companies are not on your side. They will try to take advantage of you, so you must avoid relying on their “advice” about handling your claim.
3. Hire a Lawyer to Seek Just Compensation
When you have a pedestrian accident claim, the best thing you can do is talk to an experienced lawyer. Your lawyer can deal with the insurance companies for you, and your lawyer can help ensure you seek the total compensation you and your family deserve.
Damages Our Lawyers May Be Able to Help You and Your Family Recover
When you hire a lawyer for your pedestrian accident case in Collier County, they will work to help maximize the amount you and your family recover. Accident victims and grieving families can recover financial compensation for various types of losses, including:
. Medical expenses
. Other out-of-pocket expenses (including funeral
and burial expenses in wrongful death cases)
. Loss of income and benefits
. Loss of inheritance
. Emotional trauma
. Pain and suffering
. Loss of consortium, companionship, and enjoyment of life
If you need to know more about protecting your legal rights after a pedestrian accident in Collier County, we invite you to get in touch. Call 239-649-6555 or contact Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. for a free consultation.
About the Author
F. Scott Pauzar is a litigation and personal injury law attorney at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. in Naples and Marco Island, Florida. He has a broad base of legal knowledge and skills cultivated through over 15 years of experience as a litigator in complex litigation in both state and federal courts. Previously, Scott was an Assistant State Attorney at the 20th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office in Fort Myers. During his five years as a Prosecutor, Scott conducted over 30 jury trials. After leaving the Office of the State Attorney, Scott served as an insurance defense attorney for 11 years, where his practice focused on litigation of complex cases and catastrophic injuries. Scott now combines his jury trial and defense experience to successfully represent his clients in litigation and personal injury law matters.
Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A.
Naples Office:
3200 Tamiami Trail N, Ste 200
Naples, FL 34103
239-649-6555
Marco Island Office:
606 Bald Eagle Dr, Ste 500
Marco Island, Fl 34145
239-394-5161