Man Sipping Espresso in Front of Spring Hill Dunkin’ Donuts Hit by Car

July 13, 2012

A pedestrian involved in a motor vehicle collision has the same right to seek compensation for damages as any driver. Just like other collisions involving automobiles, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney when a pedestrian accident arises.

In April, a 72-year-old man sitting on a bench in front of Dunkin’ Donuts enjoying his daily espresso and munching on a French cruller with a friend was hit by a car as it came crashing into the 24-hour shop in Spring Hill.

The man sitting with the injured party was able to jump off the bench before the impact.

The driver happened to be another one of the man’s friends, a 75-year-old Spring Hill resident, who was moving his car so he could join his friends on the bench.

The man apparently pulled into the handicap parking space in front of them, but just kept going.

The man hit suffered a knot on his leg and a cut on his shoulder where it hit the window. He did not go to the hospital to get his injuries checked out.

The driver, who walks with a cane, claims his foot slipped and got caught between the accelerator and brake pedal. He was able to back up immediately to free his friend after hearing his screams.

A Dunkin’ Donuts employee called 911 after hearing the loud crash and seeing the bench up against the shattered front window.

No other customers were apparently injured.

The shop’s co-owner claims the impact caused an estimated $500 in damages.

Pedestrians and bystanders are completely defenseless and therefore can suffer severe injuries and even wrongful death when involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. An estimated 4,092 pedestrians were killed, with another 59,000 suffering injuries in U.S. traffic fatalities in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Pedestrian accidents often involve a unique set of circumstances, and may entail bystanders or pedestrians who were hit in a crosswalk, sideswiped by a car, struck in a parking lot, hit while getting on or off a bus or otherwise injured or killed by a negligent driver. Unfortunately, inattentive drivers that fail to yield to or notice pedestrians are all too common.

Many pedestrian accident victims believe they can resolve their injury claim by working directly with the other person’s insurance company. By choosing this route you potentially run the risk of receiving inadequate compensation. Insurance companies are in the business of paying out as little as possible and will usually take advantage of an unrepresented party, resulting in an unfair settlement amount. Never allow an insurance company to take a recorded statement from you, persuade you to sign any paperwork or encourage you to visit with their recommended doctors.

At Whittel & Melton, our Hernando County Personal Injury Lawyers can promptly investigate the unique issues associated with your accident and fully assess the extent of your injuries so that you can receive the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.

By promptly turning over all matters associated with your personal injury claim to the Hernando County Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton, you can feel confident that your interests will be best protected.

If you were injured in a car accident in Spring Hill or elsewhere in Hernando County, contact the Hernando County Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call us at 352-666-2121.