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    Accidents involving pedestrians are more common than you might think. In 2017, nearly 6,000 pedestrians lost their lives in accidents involving vehicles according to the Centers for Disease Control, and an additional 129,000 were treated in emergency departments across the country for injuries. Unfortunately, no statistic can begin to illustrate what happens in the days and weeks following a pedestrian accident.

    If you were hit by a car while crossing the street, it’s helpful to discuss your legal options with Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer David Fuchs. To schedule a free consultation with a skilled injury attorney, reach out to us today.

    How a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help

    Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident on your own can be overwhelming; between insurance claims and managing any physical or emotional damages you may have, it can feel like too much. This is why it’s generally a good idea to hire a pedestrian accident attorney, as they’ll be able to:

    • Negotiate a fair settlement with the driver’s insurance company or defense attorney
    • Coordinate with your doctors so that you can get the medical information you’ll need to provide to your insurance company
    • Organize the evidence and present it in a coherent fashion in court
    • Negotiate with lien holders to reduce the amount on any of your liens

    Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer

    Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

    Fort Lauderdale Attorney David I. Fuchs

    David I. Fuchs, Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

    Of course, people on foot are usually the more vulnerable of victims in pedestrian accidents, as they don’t have a giant metal cocoon to provide them some protection. In fact, Florida pedestrian accident statistics show that it’s one of five states that contribute to nearly half of pedestrian deaths in the entire country each year.

    Some common pedestrian accident injuries include:

    It doesn’t necessarily matter where you’re walking when this happens, be it a sidewalk, crosswalk, or even when you’re jaywalking or have the right of way–there’s no place that offers more safety over others when it comes to pedestrian accidents. Cars can easily veer off the street and crash into pedestrians.

    Injuries from pedestrian accidents deserve the best representation, and dedicated Fort Lauderdale attorney David Fuchs is here to help.

    Seeking Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

    pedestrian crossing in fort lauderdaleUsually, injured pedestrians will seek recourse from the driver who hit them. In some circumstances, however, a third party may be partial to blame. For example, a municipality may be responsible for your injuries if it had faulty traffic control devices, unsafe streets, or a lack of crosswalks in a busy area.

    One of the most common questions injured pedestrians ask following an accident is who will pay their medical bills.

    The at-fault driver’s insurance company should be responsible for any medical expenses. You may also be able to request compensation for lost wages and the cost of physical therapy or rehabilitation. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can guide you through your legal options and advise you on how to proceed with your pedestrian injury claim.

    Filing a Claim Against the Driver That Hit You

    If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the driver is often at fault, even if the pedestrian was not crossing in a crosswalk. Florida law states that drivers should be alert to any hazards on the road, including pedestrians. In other words, a driver will usually be at fault for a pedestrian accident, unless hitting the pedestrian was unavoidable (for example, the pedestrian tried to beat traffic or didn’t look before crossing the road).

    Here’s a caveat: jaywalking is illegal in most municipalities in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale. Even if the driver fails to avoid hitting a pedestrian, the person on foot may still be partially at fault for jaywalking. Since Florida is a “comparative negligence state,” your personal injury claim would be reduced by your degree of fault.

    This concept is easier to understand with an example: say you were involved in a pedestrian accident and incurred $100,000 in damages. An investigation, however, reveals you were 20% at fault for the accident. In this case, your maximum verdict would be $80,000.

    What to Do After Getting Hit by a Car

    people crossing street in fort lauderdale pedestrian crosswalkIf you’re a pedestrian who’s been hit by a car, you may ask yourself what to do. Those who have been injured in any type of pedestrian accident should follow these suggestions:

    Call the Ft. Lauderdale Police

    It’s wise to call the police as soon as possible after being hit by a car. If you’re too injured, however, then have someone call them for you. If possible, have someone take photos of the accident scene, the car that hit you, and the names and numbers of any eyewitnesses. Reporting this information will not only be helpful to the police, but your insurance companies later as well when you’re filing your claim.

    Seek Immediate Medical Attention

    Getting hit by a car often leads to lasting injuries. If you’re in serious pain, go to a nearby emergency facility like Holy Cross Hospital or Broward Health Imperial Point. This is not only what’s best for your health, but for your personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters and juries may assume that you didn’t suffer as much if you don’t seek timely treatment for your injuries. Lastly, getting medical treatment creates an official record of your injuries that’s admissible in court.

    Don’t Discuss Fault at the Accident Scene

    It might be tempting to divulge details about what happened–and you may be too flustered to even notice you’re doing it–but keeping mum on who was at fault at the accident scene will actually save you a lot of trouble later. This is because most pedestrians are unaware of the laws surrounding these claims of fault, and assigning blame to the wrong person could create a host of legal troubles down the road. The only person who can truly help you navigate the aftermath of the accident according to the law is a pedestrian accident attorney.

    Contact Your Insurance Company

    It’s recommended that you contact your car insurance provider immediately after an accident. Most policies extend to pedestrians, too, and will help you successfully make post-accident medical or disability claims.

    Is it True That Pedestrians Always Have the Right-Of-Way in Ft. Lauderdale?

    car speeding through pedestrian crosswalk in fort lauderdaleUnder state  law, individuals operating motor vehicles have a heightened obligation to avoid crashes with pedestrians. Still, the duty for motorists to use extra caution when faced with pedestrians on or near roadways is not necessarily absolute.

    Pedestrians also have a duty to abide by traffic devices and laws. For example, most drivers know to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are using a marked crosswalk. But what are drivers and pedestrians expected to do when there is no crosswalk?

    In the absence of markings or traffic devices, pedestrians are expected to exercise reasonable judgment and not assume that drivers approaching the area will yield. Also, if drivers have the green light, pedestrians are actually expected to yield to drivers.

    If I’m Injured in a Pedestrian Incident, Who Can I Sue?

    When attempting to determine liability in a pedestrian vs. car accident, a number of considerations must be taken into account. For instance, the injured party (known as the plaintiff) will be required to show that they’ve been injured due to the driver’s (defendant’s) negligence.

    It must also be shown that the driver owed the pedestrian a duty of care and that duty was breached, thus causing the harm that the pedestrian experienced.

    Depending on the specifics of the case, proving this may be easier said than done. Accordingly, accident victims are encouraged to seek legal counsel from an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

    Our Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help

    pedestrians in crosswalk in fort lauderdaleAfter you’ve received appropriate medical care, get in touch with a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer. The attorney at David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. will protect your best interests and serve as your legal advocate throughout the process. Insurance companies may try to approach you with a low offer or deflect blame to another party.

    We’ll work to achieve a settlement that’s fair and appropriately represents your bills, lost wages, and suffering.

    Your personal injury claims process begins with a free initial consultation. Let us review the specifics of your case and help you decide on your next best steps. Contact us online to schedule your appointment today.

    David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Office

    8 SE 8th Street
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
    P: (954) 568-3636

    Client Testimonials

    “…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

    Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

    Sean O.
    Google Review
    “Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

    It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

    Giovanni G.
    Google Review
    “…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

    I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

    Sheila N.
    Google Review
    “Best lawyer in Broward County”
    Evans P.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

    I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

    Velouse G.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

    Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

    Libby E.
    Google Review
    “I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

    At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

    Donna M.
    Google Review
    “They have a wonderful team.”

    …took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

    Nicholas G.
    Google Review
    “My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

    I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

    Yvette W.
    Google Review
    “This is a great law office.”

    The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

    Jonathan Z.
    Google Review
    “Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

    It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

    Sade P.
    Google Review
    “They helped tremendously!”

    I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

    A Boone
    Google Review
    “I highly recommend this man.”

    A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

    N. Hit
    Google Review
    “He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

    David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

    Samantha D.
    Google Review
    “…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

    I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
    They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

    Karen G.
    Google Review
    “Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
    Zuberi L.
    Google Review
    “He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

    I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

    Joan K.
    Google Review
    “My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

    Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

    Willie M.
    Google Review
    “A+++++ recommended.”

    I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

    J. Hernandez
    Google Review
    “I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

    They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

    S. Rodriguez
    Google Review
    “They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

    I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

    Pastor D.
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