Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Altamonte Springs

Injuries from pedestrian accidents can be severe and life-changing. If you’ve been injured in Altamonte Springs, getting the right legal help is essential to navigating the claims process and getting the compensation you deserve. At Donaldson & Weston, we understand the challenges you face, and our skilled pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Call us today at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

How to Handle a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident

Being involved in a pedestrian accident is a traumatic experience, and it becomes even more complicated when the driver responsible for the accident flees the scene. A hit-and-run pedestrian accident leaves the victim facing not only physical injuries but also the challenge of holding an unidentified driver accountable. While the situation can feel overwhelming, understanding what steps to take immediately can help protect your rights and improve the chances of a successful claim.

Stay Calm and Assess Your Injuries

The first step, no matter the circumstances of the accident, is to remain as calm as possible. In the aftermath of a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, it’s easy to feel panic or frustration, but these emotions can cloud your judgment. Take a few deep breaths, and if possible, assess your physical condition.

If you are seriously injured and unable to move, try not to make the situation worse by attempting to get up or walk. Call for help immediately. If you can move, try to get to a safe area away from any remaining traffic.

If you are conscious and aware of your surroundings, it’s important to remember that even minor injuries can develop into more significant problems. A trip to the hospital is advisable even if you don’t feel severe pain right away. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not immediately show symptoms.

Call 911 and Report the Incident

In Altamonte Springs, as in all of Florida, it is required by law to report a hit-and-run pedestrian accident. Dial 911 immediately to inform law enforcement about the accident. Provide as many details as you can, even if you didn’t get a good look at the driver or the vehicle. A police officer will arrive at the scene, file a report, and begin the process of identifying the driver.

Make sure to relay any useful information you may have about the vehicle. Even small details like the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate number can be incredibly valuable in tracking down the driver. If you saw the vehicle leave the scene, try to remember its direction of travel.

It’s important to note that if you’re unable to recall certain details, do not feel pressured to guess. Simply provide the information you know for sure. Law enforcement will also collect evidence from the scene, such as any nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the vehicle or its driver.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you’re able to do so safely, gather as much information as possible from the accident scene. This will be crucial to your claim. Here’s what to look for:

• Photographs of the Scene: Take pictures of the location, including any skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and any other relevant details. If there is any damage to nearby objects (like mailboxes or fences), make sure to document that too.
• Witness Statements: If anyone saw the accident occur, get their contact information. Witnesses may have noticed important details, such as the vehicle’s speed, color, or behavior before the incident.
• Damage to Personal Property: If your personal belongings, like a backpack, phone, or bicycle, were damaged in the accident, document them. These items may be eligible for compensation as part of your claim.

Once you’ve gathered everything you can, wait for law enforcement to arrive and allow them to handle the situation from there.

Get Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s essential to seek medical care as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident. You may feel fine right after the accident, but injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or internal injuries can worsen over time.

In addition to your immediate health needs, receiving medical care quickly creates an official record of your injuries. This medical documentation will play a key role in your legal claim and could be vital if you later experience long-term health complications.

If you delay seeing a doctor, insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim, or they may even try to deny your claim entirely.

Notify Your Insurance Company

In Florida, hit-and-run accidents are covered under your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which is part of the state’s no-fault insurance system. PIP coverage provides compensation for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is at fault. It’s crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident to report the incident. Provide them with all the information you have, including the police report and medical documentation.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, this can help cover any damages related to the hit-and-run driver. Your insurance company will guide you through the process of filing a claim.

While dealing with insurance companies, it’s important to remember that their goal is often to minimize payouts. Having a lawyer on your side can help you navigate this process and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Consult with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The legal process after a hit-and-run pedestrian accident can be complex. It’s wise to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Altamonte Springs, especially when the driver remains unidentified. A lawyer can investigate the case further, seek out additional evidence, and help identify the responsible party.

An experienced lawyer can also help you navigate the insurance claims process, whether it’s filing a claim with your own insurer or taking legal action against a third party. If the driver is found, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. If the driver remains unidentified, your attorney can help you pursue compensation through your own insurance or work with law enforcement to locate the at-fault driver.

Understand Your Legal Options for Compensation

After a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, and rehabilitation costs.
• Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be compensated for your lost income during your recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, pain, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged, you could seek compensation for repairs or replacement.

If the driver is located, you can also pursue additional compensation from the driver’s insurance company. If they remain unknown, your own uninsured motorist coverage can come into play.

Take Care of Your Health and Legal Needs

Throughout this process, make sure to prioritize your health and well-being. Keep all of your medical appointments and follow any treatment plans recommended by your doctors. It’s also essential to keep track of any additional expenses that arise from the accident, including transportation to medical appointments or changes to your daily routine due to your injuries.

At the same time, keep in regular contact with your attorney and ensure that all relevant evidence is properly gathered and filed. Your lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of a hit-and-run case and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Altamonte Springs Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Dealing with a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Altamonte Springs can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights. From calling the police and gathering evidence to seeking medical care and consulting with an experienced lawyer, the actions you take after an accident can make a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Having a skilled pedestrian accident attorney can make all the difference in your case. Donaldson & Weston is dedicated to helping clients in Altamonte Springs get the compensation they deserve. Call us at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation, and let us provide you with the legal support you need.