Palatka Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian Accidents in Putnam County

If you or someone you love was hit by a car while crossing the street or lawfully walking along a roadway, you already know the immense devastation pedestrian accidents cause. Victims are likely to sustain catastrophic injuries and, tragically, many die due to these types of accidents.

At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we represent victims of pedestrian accidents in Palatka and throughout Putnam County. With over a century of combined legal experience, our team understands the complex nature of these claims. We are ready to fight tooth and nail for the fair compensation and justice you deserve.

Call (855) 933-3881 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney with one of our pedestrian accident attorneys in Palatka.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Many pedestrian accidents result in life-threatening injuries, meaning victims need immediate medical attention. After the accident, you may not be able to do anything other than obtain medical care. However, if possible, there are some steps you should take to protect your right to a fair recovery.

Immediately after the accident, to the best of your ability, do the following:

• Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if necessary
• Do not move anyone who appears seriously injured; wait for paramedics to arrive
• Get the insurance and contact information of the other people involved in the accident
• Take pictures of the scene of the accident, as well as your injuries
• Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information, as well as a brief statement

In the hours/days after the accident, you should try to do the following:

• See a doctor, even if you believe you were not seriously injured
• Follow your doctor’s orders and attend any follow-up appointments
• Take all prescribed/over-the-counter medications
• Refrain from speaking to the driver’s insurance company and do not give them a statement
• Contact a personal injury attorney

The best way to ensure your rights are protected after a serious accident is to contact an experienced lawyer who can inform you of your options and begin building your case. At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we offer contingency fees, so you do not owe any out-of-pocket expenses and we do not collect any attorneys’ fees unless/until we recover compensation for you.

Can a Pedestrian Ever Be at Fault for an Accident?

Although many people believe that pedestrians always have the right of way, this is false. Motorists have a responsibility to do everything they can to avoid hitting pedestrians, as people on foot are likely to suffer grave injuries or die in these types of accidents. However, pedestrians are also required to follow all applicable laws and use caution to avoid becoming involved in accidents.

In Florida, pedestrians are required to yield to oncoming traffic when:

• Crossing outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk
• Oncoming vehicles do not have reasonably enough time to stop
• Traffic control devices (“wait/do not walk” signals, red lights, etc.) do not permit them to cross
• Crossing a street where there is an overhead pedestrian walkway

Additionally, pedestrians are not permitted to walk along the roadway when a sidewalk is available and when a sidewalk is not available, they should walk as far over in the left shoulder as possible, facing oncoming traffic. Pedestrians in Florida are also not permitted to cross a street where there is no marked or unmarked crosswalk when the next adjacent intersection does have a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Instead, pedestrians should use the closest marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Helping You Fight for Fair Compensation

Often, drivers will argue that a pedestrian “darted out” into the roadway, giving the driver no time to stop. Insurance companies also use the defense that a pedestrian violated the law in order to avoid paying out claims. While sharing some portion of the fault in an accident does not bar you from bringing a claim, it will have a significant impact on your recovery.

At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., our Palatka pedestrian accident attorneys can help you fight back against these and other tactics. We are committed to advocating aggressively for you and the full compensation you are owed for your medical bills, lost wages, disability, lost quality of life, and pain and suffering. If you were seriously injured or if your loved one died due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, our team is ready to fight for you.

Contact us right away at (855) 933-3881 to schedule a free initial consultation. We answer all calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.