Melbourne is a pleasantly walkable city with warm weather year-round, which means pedestrians are always out and about. Unfortunately, distracted or negligent drivers pose a serious danger to pedestrians, and when a car collides with the person afoot, it’s the pedestrian who comes off much worse than the driver. Serious, often disabling injuries are common, and as the accident victim, your life may change forever.
The legal team at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., is here to help you get justice and demand compensatory damages from the driver who hit you. We’re ready to fight hard to support your legal rights and advocate for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Melbourne, FL, pedestrian accident lawyer.
What Can A Melbourne Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do For Me?
Pedestrian accident lawyers help people who have been struck by a car demand fair compensation for the losses they sustained from the wreck. There’s a good chance that you have extensive injuries, even if the car was traveling at a low speed, and you may require ongoing medical care to heal. Recovery may be long and painful, keeping you out of work for weeks. This causes significant financial hardship for many families; the driver whose negligence caused the injury is responsible for compensating you for the material losses stemming from the accident.
We build a strong case of negligence against the at-fault driver, properly valuing your claim to ensure that any settlement you receive covers all your material losses, plus a fair amount for your pain and suffering and the trauma of being hit by a car.
Proving Negligence In A Pedestrian Accident Case
To successfully win your claim, your lawyer must prove that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence was the reason for your harm. When we litigate pedestrian accident claims, we gather evidence like the driver’s phone records, which could show that they were using their phone when they shouldn’t have been. Or, we may analyze the vehicle’s event data recorder, the “black box” that contains information about the vehicle’s speed, when it braked, and other valuable information.
We may also interview witnesses, including passengers in the car who can attest to the driver’s lack of attention on the road. Then, we present the information to a jury or use the information we’ve gathered as part of negotiations in an out-of-court settlement. It’s our goal to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all your losses.
Do You Need Legal Help After A Pedestrian Accident?
Have you been struck by a car while walking? You may have strong grounds to demand compensation from the driver who hit you. The attorneys at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., are ready to help you get it. We have a strong track record of success in personal injury claims and are ready to get started on your claim from the moment you hire us. Contact our firm today for a free case review with a Melbourne pedestrian accident lawyer.
Key Rights Every Pedestrian Should Know After An Accident
Pedestrian accidents can occur suddenly and often leave individuals uncertain about what steps to take afterward. Whether it involves a crosswalk, sidewalk, or roadside shoulder, pedestrians have specific legal rights that can impact what happens after an accident. Knowing those rights can make a major difference when dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and any legal claims that might follow. As a Melbourne, FL pedestrian accident lawyer, we’ve seen how these rights come into play and why it’s important to understand them early.
Right To Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Our pedestrian injury attorney will share that pedestrians struck by a vehicle have the right to receive prompt medical care, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and symptoms may develop hours or days later. Seeking medical attention not only protects health but also creates important documentation that may be useful for any future claim.
Right To File A Police Report
Anyone involved in a pedestrian crash has the right to contact law enforcement and request an accident report. This report can provide details such as the driver’s identity, witness statements, and officer observations. It becomes a key piece of evidence if liability is questioned or if an insurance claim is filed.
Right To Legal Representation
People injured in a pedestrian accident have the right to speak with a pedestrian accident attorney before giving statements or signing documents. A Melbourne pedestrian accident lawyer can help review the situation and explain available options, especially when the insurance process becomes difficult or delays compensation.
Right To Compensation For Medical Bills And Lost Wages
When a driver is at fault, the pedestrian may have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost income from missed work. These costs can add up quickly, and it’s important to keep thorough records of all medical treatment and employment impacts.
Right To Protection Against Blame Shifting
Drivers and insurers may attempt to shift fault onto the pedestrian. However, pedestrians often have legal protection even in shared-fault scenarios, depending on state law. Comparative fault laws allow for partial recovery in many cases, and it’s important not to accept blame too quickly without reviewing the facts.
Right To File A Claim Within A Certain Timeframe
There is a legal deadline for filing a claim, known as the statute of limitations, which a pedestrian injury lawyer can ensure that you meet. Missing this deadline can limit the ability to recover damages. It’s best to act as soon as possible after an accident, even if it’s unclear whether a claim will be pursued.
Moving Forward With Confidence After An Accident
It’s often difficult to know what to do next after being involved in a pedestrian accident. A Melbourne pedestrian accident lawyer can help sort through the details and support the recovery process. If you or a loved one has been hurt while walking, don’t wait to learn about your rights or the resources available to you. Reach out to a team like Tuttle Larsen, P.A. for guidance and support moving forward. When you retain us as your legal counsel, you will never have to wonder about the status of your lawsuit. We listen to your concerns and will work personally with you and stay in communication throughout your case. Call our firm today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Types Of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we represent pedestrians who have been hit by vehicles while walking on sidewalks, crosswalks, or roadways. These accidents often result in serious or permanent injuries because pedestrians have no physical protection from impact. If you are looking for a Melbourne, FL pedestrian accident lawyer, we are here to help you seek full compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Our attorneys have been rated by Super Lawyers and honored with the Preeminent award from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the confidence our peers place in our ability to deliver strong, ethical legal representation. We take pride in helping injury victims get the support they need.
Crosswalk Accidents
Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. We handle cases where drivers fail to stop or rush through intersections, causing serious harm to people crossing legally. This can include both people on foot or on a bicycle/electric scooter.
Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Collisions
When a driver flees the scene after hitting someone on foot, we assist clients in accessing uninsured motorist coverage and help identify the responsible party wherever possible. Our Melbourne pedestrian accident lawyer knows how scary these situations are and is ready to help get you compensation.
Parking Lot And Driveway Incidents
Many pedestrian accidents occur in parking areas where drivers are distracted or backing out of spaces. We help clients prove driver negligence and recover compensation for their injuries.
Accidents Involving Children
Children are especially vulnerable to pedestrian injuries in school zones, neighborhoods, or near parks. We represent families and seek damages that reflect both immediate medical costs and long-term care needs.
Drunk Or Distracted Driver Cases
Pedestrians are often injured by drivers who are impaired or using a phone while driving. We gather evidence from police reports, surveillance footage, and phone records to support these claims.
Injuries From Failing To Yield During Turns
We represent pedestrians injured by drivers making left or right turns without checking for foot traffic. These injuries frequently happen in high-traffic urban areas and can result in significant medical needs.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
When a family loses a loved one in a pedestrian crash, we file wrongful death claims to recover for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional toll of the loss.
Pedestrian Accidents On Poorly Maintained Property
Sometimes property hazards, like broken sidewalks or obstructed walkways, contribute to a pedestrian being struck. We evaluate all potential sources of liability in these cases.
Multiple Vehicle Collisions Involving Pedestrians
In busy intersections or freeway off-ramps, a single event can lead to multiple vehicle movements, increasing the chance of secondary impacts. We manage complex claims involving several drivers and insurers.
Pedestrian Injuries From Buses Or Commercial Vehicles
We handle claims involving buses, delivery vans, or work trucks that strike pedestrians while making stops, turns, or backing up in busy areas.
As your Melbourne pedestrian accident lawyer, we start with a detailed investigation and build your claim using police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Our goal is to show clearly how the accident occurred and how it has impacted your life.
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we believe that pedestrians have every right to safe access throughout their community. When that safety is violated, our firm stands ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for help if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.