Gainesville and University of Florida Pedestrian Injury Lawyer

University of Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Whittel & Melton

Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Attorney

When a pedestrian is hit by a car, motorcycle, or even a bicycle or scooter, the aftermath can be devastating, often resulting in serious injuries or possibly death. Our University of Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know the laws and regulations that apply to pedestrians and we are well experienced when it comes to representing pedestrian injury victims and their families. If you or a family member was harmed while walking on campus or travelling by foot elsewhere in Gainesville, then please call us now at 352-264-7800 or contact us online for a completely free consultation.

As a pedestrian, you have rights. There are laws put in place to keep pedestrians safe on roads and sidewalks. However, there are motorists that choose to ignore these laws. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you have a legal right to pursue financial compensation from the negligent motorist that struck you. Our Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help secure the money that you are owed for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We want to make sure you focus on getting better. We can handle the complicated legal matters so you don’t have to.

University of Florida Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents that happen on college campuses is a rising public health concern. Studies show that there are more than 150,000 pedestrians injured every single year in the United States from motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians. College students walking to and from class, heading to Rolfs Hall, studying in Smathers Library, attending an event at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, or grabbing a bite to eat at the Gator Corner Dining Center are frequently the victims of these types of accidents. At the University of Florida, there are more than 52,000 enrolled students walking on foot daily across campus and crossing busy streets.

If you were injured while walking on campus, our University of Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton fully understand how complex pedestrian accidents can be. You could be facing severe financial burdens and catastrophic injuries. We will fight aggressively to help you recover what is fair for your injuries. Even if the driver who hit you does not have insurance, we will work to collect money through your own insurance policy. Call us today at 352-666-2121 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Florida has been ranked second in the nation for pedestrian accidents and fatalities. The state has seen 3,420 pedestrian deaths from 2016-2020, according to 2022 data from Smart Growth America.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons. The following are just a few of the most common reasons pedestrian accident injuries and death occur:

• Distracted driving
• Drivers disobeying traffic laws
• Speeding
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Pedestrian disobeying crosswalk signs
• Poor visibility or inclement weather
• Drunk or drugged drivers
• Drivers with road rage

Pedestrians can suffer some of the most traumatic injuries when they are struck by a car, truck or SUV. The sheer weight and size of an automobile is no match for the human body. When you think about it, motor vehicles are deadly instruments. On average, a passenger vehicle weighs more than 3,000 pounds. Large trucks can weigh as much as 30,000 pounds. When something of that magnitude collides with a human body, the results are often disastrous.

What are My Rights to Compensation as an Injured Pedestrian?

The state of Florida allows accident victims to recover financial compensation for their injuries when another person’s negligent actions result in harm. It is not uncommon for accident victims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional pain and suffering.

Due to the fact that most pedestrian accident injuries are severe, most victims that survive these crashes will have costly medical bills resulting from their extensive medical treatment. Some may require lifelong medical care. The law is on your side and allows accident victims and/or surviving family members to seek compensation for their suffering, including:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional suffering
• Lost wages
• Disfigurement
• Punitive damages
• Wrongful death

Being struck by a vehicle is undoubtedly a tragic experience. It is important to handle these situations properly so that you are not taken advantage of by the at-fault party. After a pedestrian accident happens, call the police and paramedics if you are able to. If you cannot call for help, wait for help to arrive. If you feel like you are not injured, it is still important to remain at the scene of the crash until police arrive. Be sure and keep your conversation limited and do not make any statements to police, paramedics, witnesses or insurance companies until you speak with an attorney.

Do I Need an Attorney for My Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Yes, you cannot fight the insurance companies on your own. While you may think the insurance companies involved have your best interests at heart, don’t be fooled. Their motives are entirely selfish and they will tell you anything to get what they want, which is to lessen or avoid payouts. Be prepared for lowball settlements that won’t even begin to cover the full cost of your treatment expenses.

Our University of Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you obtain full and fair compensation for your injuries, including lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage and more. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may be able to collect punitive damages on your behalf.

We Want to Help with Your Pedestrian Accident Claim in Gainesville

Our number one goal is to make sure your voice is heard. We will prepare the strongest possible strategy for your individual claim, and make sure the big insurance companies don’t trick you into an unfair settlement. Call us today at 352-666-2121 or contact us online for a free consultation. We can begin helping you right away, so do not delay.