Dunedin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians are at risk of being hit by a vehicle each time they cross the road in Dunedin, FL. Drivers have a duty of care to obey traffic laws and use reasonable care to avoid causing an accident.
Sadly, many drivers in Dunedin, Florida, do not pay enough attention to the road. It is too late to prevent a collision when they realize a pedestrian is in their path.
Our Dunedin pedestrian accident lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers have represented injured victims and their families since 1986. Our legal team has decades of experience in personal injury law, including an attorney who is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer.
We have a winning track record. Our law firm has recovered more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are lifetime members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we only practice personal injury law. We maintain a low caseload so we can devote the full resources of our law firm to each client.
Contact our Dunedin pedestrian accident attorneys or give us a call at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case with you.
How Our Dunedin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian injured in a Dunedin, FL car accident may sustain numerous injuries that result in significant medical bills. They may require extensive recovery, so they are out of work and incurring lost wages. These financial burdens are on top of the extreme pain and suffering they experience because of their injuries.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you deserve compensation for your losses and damages. You also need time to heal and recover from the accident. A Dunedin personal injury attorney can help you recover the money you deserve while handling all the legal matters. This allows you the time you need to recuperate.
Our Dunedin pedestrian accident lawyers have received numerous awards and top ratings from national and local organizations. We are top-rated with Exeprtise.com, Attorney and Practice Magazine, Tampa Bay Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers. We have an AV Preeminent Rating with Martindale-Hubbel, its highest peer rating for lawyers, and a perfect 10.0 rating from Avvo.
When you hire our top-rated Dunedin personal injury lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Obtain copies of the accident reports and records from law enforcement investigations
- Complete a thorough, independent investigation of your accident to gather evidence proving liability
- Work with the best expert witnesses in their fields to strengthen each aspect of your case
- Calculate the value of your case by carefully documenting and evaluating your damages
- File insurance claims and work to settle the claims for a fair amount
- Defend yourself against allegations of blame and fault
- Aggressively negotiate a settlement on your behalf
- Take your case to a jury if that is the best option for recovering fair compensation
We fight to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Call Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers to request a free case evaluation with an experienced Dunedin pedestrian accident lawyer.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths are increasing faster than all other traffic deaths. Pedestrian fatalities increased by 77% from 2010 to 2021, while all other traffic deaths increased by 25 percent.
During 2023, Pinellas County reported 477 pedestrian crashes, including 40 pedestrian fatalities. As the number of pedestrian accidents continues to rise, we may see more pedestrian accident claims filed throughout Florida.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Dunedin, FL
Pedestrian accidents are often the result of negligence and carelessness. Drivers and pedestrians can be guilty of not paying attention to the road.
When a car hits a pedestrian, one or more factors could contribute to the cause of the crash.
Common factors in pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence (impaired driving)
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Improper turns at intersections
In addition to driver negligence, other factors could contribute to the cause of a pedestrian accident. For example, poorly designed intersections, lack of crosswalks, and malfunctioning/missing traffic signals could lead to a pedestrian accident. Defective automobiles and parts could prevent a driver from stopping before hitting a pedestrian.
The facts of the case determine who is liable for damages. The driver who caused the accident can be held liable. However, a government entity, vehicle manufacturer, and other third parties could also be partially to blame for the pedestrian accident.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Pedestrian Accident in Dunedin, FL?
Pedestrians can seek compensation for their economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Nursing and/or personal care
- Household services
- Reductions in earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
A pedestrian accident victim may also recover compensation for their non-economic damages.
Examples of pain and suffering damages include:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical pain
- Impairments and disabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your case goes to court, a jury could award punitive damages if the facts of the case support the claim. Punitive damages are awarded to “punish” the driver or another party for wrongdoing.
The value of your damages and case depends on many factors. Our Dunedin pedestrian accident attorneys analyze each factor that impacts how much your case is worth. We diligently work to maximize the value of your damages to put as much money as possible into your pocket.
Types of Injuries Caused by Dunedin Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian’s body receives the full impact of the force of a car hitting them. They may be crushed beneath the car, thrown for a distance, or caught between the vehicle and another object. The result can be catastrophic injuries.
Injuries caused by pedestrian accidents include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Soft tissue injuries and nerve damage
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Dunedin, call 911 immediately to report the accident. Do not refuse medical treatment at the scene, and see a doctor as soon as possible. Documenting your injuries is essential for receiving a fair settlement for a claim.
Can I Receive Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident in Dunedin if I Am Being Blamed for Causing the Accident?
You might still have a claim if you are partially to blame for causing the pedestrian accident. Under Florida’s current modified comparative fault law, you can recover compensation for damages provided you are less than 51% to blame for causing your accident.
Your compensation is reduced by your degree of fault. Therefore, if you are 15% to blame for causing your pedestrian accident, you can receive up to 85% of your damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Florida?
Car accident claims, including pedestrian injuries, generally have a two-year statute of limitations for filing lawsuits. If a government entity is involved, the time to file a claim is reduced to just a few months.
It is unwise to wait to talk to an attorney about your case. The deadline for filing claims can change because of exceptions to the general rule. Therefore, you could have more or less time to file a claim or lose your rights.
Filing a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires can result in a dismissal of the case. Our Dunedin pedestrian accident attorneys review all aspects of your case and calculate the deadlines for filing claims. We monitor those deadlines to ensure your case remains active.
What Is the Cost of Hiring a Dunedin Pedestrian Accident Attorney to Handle My Case?
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we accept cases for a contingency fee. That means you can hire an experienced Dunedin pedestrian accident lawyer without paying any money upfront for attorneys’ fees. There is no retainer fee or hourly fee to pay.
Instead, we agree to accept a percentage of the amount of the settlement or jury verdict as our attorneys’ fees. Our law firm does not receive payment for services until we recover money for your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Dunedin Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, our clients come first. Your well-being and best interests are our top priorities after a pedestrian accident in Dunedin, FL. Contact our lawyers today or give us a call at (727) 787-2500 to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you toward recovery.
