MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT Q&A BY PERAZZO LAW
What are the legal consequences of a motorist running over a pedestrian?
-A motorist that runs over a pedestrian and is found legally liable for his/her injuries, damages, or losses, will most likely face a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of the pedestrian to recover for losses, injuries, or damages incurred by the accident.
Who is usually at fault if a pedestrian is hit by a car or truck?
-If a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle, Perazzo Law suggests that the driver will most likely be at fault. If the pedestrian is hit while crossing at a crosswalk, the driver will most definitely be at fault. Pedestrians always have right of way.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a motor vehicle?
-Perazzo Law advises pedestrians that have been hit by a car to refrain from moving or being moved, unless the accident victim's life is in danger of suffering further injury.
Why should a pedestrian that has been run over by a car remain still of not be moved?
-Pedestrians that were hit by a car or truck are likely to have suffered injury to the head, neck, or back areas, which must be evaluated by a trained paramedic before being moved. Moving an accident victim without first verifying the extent of injuries can worsen injuries to the head, neck, or back areas.
Will a driver's insurance company cover my medical bills or losses?
-A pedestrian that has been hit by a car, truck, or other motor vehicle will be able to file a claim for compensation through the driver's insurance policy. Florida dictates that all registered vehicle operators/owners carry
PIP insurance.
Where do most Pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles take place?
-Pedestrian accidents most often take place at unmarked crosswalks, intersections, and arterial roads.
Why do so many pedestrians get run-over?
-Mutual negligence on behalf of motorists and pedestrians is usually the main cause of pedestrian-vehicle accidents. Many times, pedestrians are hard to spot at night, especially when wearing dark clothing on poorly lit streets and roadways. Alcohol consumption and negligent cell phone use also cause pedestrians accidents on public thoroughfares.
If you, a friend or relative was hurt due to being run over or hit by a motorcycle, car, or truck in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties, Perazzo Law's pedestrian accident attorneys recommends the following actions:
- The pedestrian must stay calm and avoid an argument with the vehicle operator.
- If there are no head, neck, or back injuries, the pedestrian should move off the street and onto the sidewalk.
- If there are head, back, or neck injuries, the pedestrian should not be moved (if safe) until paramedics arrive.
- Make sure the driver does not flee the accident scene.
- Have someone take down the license plate of the vehicle.
- Immediate contact the authorities.
- Document the accident scene.
- Get eyewitness testimony.
- Seek medical attention.
- Keep all police and medical reports.
- Hire the Perazzo Law Firm to start an insurance claim.
If you, a family member, or loved one has suffered personal injury or wrongful death as a result of an accident as a pedestrian, the Perazzo Law firm urges you to contact our Miami or North Miami Beach offices ONLINE or Call (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE initial consultation to discuss your rights for Compensation from a Pedestrian accident in Miami-Dade and Broward County.