Pedestrian Accidents Attorneys
in Lake County, Florida
Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrians are highly vulnerable to negligence on the road. Even when following crosswalk signals and obeying traffic laws, pedestrians can easily become the victims of accidents caused by negligent drivers.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation. From our office in Tavares, we serve clients in Lake County and throughout Florida.
Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
In any pedestrian accident claim, it is important to begin an immediate investigation to identify every potential defendant and determine fault. Oldham & Smith is experienced in claims involving defective parts, driver negligence, drunk driving, and even premises liability claims for failed road maintenance. After an injury, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible who can evaluate your claim and tell you honestly what your legal options are.
Our firm has experience handling pedestrian accident claims involving:
Hit and run accidents
Uninsured motorists
We have recovered multi-million-dollar settlements and taken hundreds of cases to trial. Attorneys from our firm are known throughout central Florida for our record of positive results. At every stage, we provide aggressive legal advocacy designed to maximize your compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term care needs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, as well as property damage, and any additional losses you have suffered.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
With the right evidence, we can easily prove fault in your pedestrian accident. You probably gathered a lot of this evidence at the scene of the crash. Our attorneys will collect a copy of the police report, gain access to your medical records, and speak to anyone who may have witnessed what happened.
If you do this after an accident, we’ll have even more evidence to prove your claim:
Take photos of the accident, the scene, and your injuries
Gather insurance information from the driver who hit you
Exchange contact information with everyone who witnessed the crash
Avoid apologizing or discussing fault
Speak to the police in terms of fact, not speculation
Get the badge number(s) of responding officer(s)
Seek medical attention upon leaving the scene
Talk to an attorney before talking to insurance providers
After an accident, your priority should be your health and safety. If you feel well enough, however, anything you can gather to paint a picture of what happened will help your case tremendously.
What Damages Can I Recover?
While filing a lawsuit won’t change what happened to you or bring a loved one back, a successful claim can help you cope with the financial realities of a pedestrian accident.
Our firm can help you recover damages for:
Medical bills
Missed work
Rehabilitative care
Reduced earning potential
Changes to your quality of life
Pain and suffering
Funeral costs
Loss of companionship and support
In cases of serious negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer, prevent similar behavior in the future, and give you extra financial comfort.
What Does the Claims Process Look Like?
Your first step in the claims process will be a free consultation with our firm. From there, we can begin investigating your case and gathering evidence. At Oldham & Smith, we prepare for trial from day one, even though most personal injury claims settle outside of court.
Before we file suit, we will ask the at-fault driver and your insurance company for what you are owed. Sometimes, they will offer a settlement to prevent a trial. If this is satisfactory, your claim can be closed. If it is not, we will prepare for court in a process known as discovery.
After discovery, we can have a more informed negotiation or even resolve your claim through mediation. If all else fails, we will present your case in front of a judge and/or jury.
No matter how far your claim goes, our attorneys are prepared to handle it. Oldham & Smith has a long history of favorable settlements and verdicts.
