Panama City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Bringing 100+ Years of Combined Experience to Your Pedestrian Accident Case in Panama City

It is a commonly held belief that the pedestrian is never at fault when an accident with a vehicle occurs. However, in Florida, the pedestrian can be found partially or completely at fault if they are shown not to have exercised proper caution. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of this to reduce settlements for pedestrian-car accidents. This is why pedestrians hit by a car in Florida need strong representation to help maximize the compensation they may recover.

If you are a pedestrian injured by a vehicle and believe you are a victim of negligent driving, our Panama City pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

You are already dealing with injuries; you should not have to bear the burden of proving the at-fault driver's liability alone. Let our team at Syfrett, Dykes & Furr help you.

Florida's Pedestrian Accident Laws

Several Florida laws govern pedestrian safety and the rights of those involved in accidents, including:

• Right-of-Way: Florida law requires motorists to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street at marked crosswalks and intersections. Pedestrians have the right to cross safely within these designated areas.
• Use of Sidewalks: Pedestrians must use sidewalks if available. If there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
• Crosswalks: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must stop and allow pedestrians to cross when they are in or approaching a crosswalk.
• Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and pedestrian crossing signals at intersections.
• Accident Reporting: If a pedestrian is involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage, the driver must stop and report the accident to the appropriate authorities.

Knowing these laws can help protect your rights and safety while walking on Florida roadways. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention immediately and consult with a pedestrian injury attorney in Panama City to learn about your rights and next steps.

What Are Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claims?

The first step your pedestrian accident attorney in Panama City will help you with is filing your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida is two years, so starting the process quickly after an accident is crucial.

If you want to seek additional damages, your Panama City pedestrian accident lawyer can help collect evidence to build your case. They may gather witness statements, review the driving history of the at-fault driver, obtain footage from traffic cameras, and preserve any other relevant evidence to support your claim.

Let a seasoned professional at Syfrett, Dykes & Furr take care of you. Call (850) 795-4979 for a free consultation. Se Habla Español.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Panama City

How Do You Prove Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident?

To pursue additional compensation beyond a PIP claim, you must prove the driver’s negligence. The law assumes the driver owed the pedestrian a certain duty of care.

Your attorney must show that the driver did not fulfill this obligation and, as a direct result, caused a serious injury to the pedestrian. Whether the driver drove recklessly, failed to pay attention, or broke traffic laws, we can build a solid case against them.

What Is Comparative Negligence?

Proving fault in a Florida pedestrian accident is rarely straightforward. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning both the driver and the pedestrian can share responsibility for the crash and resulting damages.

Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for an accident with $100,000 in damages, you would recover $80,000. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering compensation altogether.

Due to this, defendants often try to argue that the pedestrian was partly or equally to blame. Having an experienced Panama City pedestrian accident attorney is crucial to counter these tactics and protect your right to fair compensation.

When Is a Pedestrian Liable for the Accident?

Pedestrians may be found responsible for some or all of the accident if they:

• Failed to pay attention to their surroundings
• Darted out in front of the car
• Jaywalked instead of using a crosswalk
• Ignored pedestrian signals at an intersection
• Did not check if the street was safe before crossing

What Are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

In accidents between a pedestrian and a car, the vehicle's weight, force, and speed often lead to severe injuries for those walking. Even without direct impact, a pedestrian may be thrown several feet by force or slammed to the ground. 

Common injuries in these cases include:

• Broken bones
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Lacerations and bruises
• Dental damage
• Psychological trauma
• Loss of limbs

Sometimes, victims face paralysis or loss of life as a result of their injuries. Many also experience financial strain due to medical bills or time away from work. For people hurt in places like Panama City, connecting with a pedestrian accident lawyer is especially important to navigate recovery and legal complexities.

How Can a Panama City Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help?

Attorneys experienced in pedestrian accident cases can provide meaningful assistance to victims. From gathering evidence to filing claims, a lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and seek the compensation allowed by law. An attorney may also provide guidance to build a case against insurance companies that try to lower settlements. They also track important time limits and legal changes that may affect your situation.

An attorney may provide a range of comprehensive services in pedestrian accident cases. These services include:

• Evidence gathering: Attorneys collect documents such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and related reports to construct a strong case.
• Efficient PIP claims: Attorneys manage the filing of personal injury protection (PIP) claims so victims can receive compensation for eligible medical costs and damages.
• Establishing liability: Attorneys work to show the driver's responsibility by carefully investigating the accident and building evidence for the claim.
• Damage assessment: Attorneys review all injuries and financial losses, including lost wages, medical expenses, trauma, and lasting conditions related to the accident.
• Court representation: Should the case proceed to court, attorneys present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and stand up for your rights.
• Negotiations with insurance companies: Attorneys handle all conversations and negotiation tactics with insurance companies, aiming to maximize your potential outcome.
• Guidance on deadlines: Attorneys offer advice on statutory time limits and legal changes so you act in time and stay updated on your case.
• Responding to insurance tactics: Attorneys advise you on how to respond to insurance company strategies that may seek to limit your compensation.
• Advocacy and support: Throughout the process, attorneys support your rights, address your concerns, and provide reliable communication.

Pursuing a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Florida involves many steps. Our team is experienced with Florida laws affecting pedestrians who have been hit by cars, and we know how to guide victims through the legal process to pursue compensation available by law.

What Syfrett, Dykes & Furr Can Do for You

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you have already suffered a great deal. Our team at Syfrett, Dykes & Furr wants to help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and physical hardship.

Whether you need a pedestrian accident attorney in Panama City to negotiate with the driver’s insurance company or a lawyer to represent you in court, we can help carry the burden and support your recovery.

Call (850) 795-4979 and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with a member of our team. 

FAQs

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida?

In Florida, you have two years from the date of the pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly can help preserve evidence and improve your chances of a successful claim.

Can I pursue compensation if I was partially at fault for my accident?

Yes, Florida follows comparative negligence laws, so you may still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. Any compensation you receive may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of liability.