Williston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Protecting the Rights of Injured Pedestrians in Williston, FL
Florida is a beautiful state to take a stroll or a bike ride in. Unfortunately, Florida is also one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians and bicyclists.
If you or someone you love was hit by a car while walking, running, or otherwise properly using the sidewalk or street, you may be entitled to compensation. At Schackow & Mercadante, our Williston pedestrian accident lawyers understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll that pedestrian accidents take on victims and their families. Our team is here to provide the compassionate support you need and the aggressive legal advocacy you deserve. We have handled thousands of injury cases and have a proven track record of success.
For a free consultation, call (352) 261-6767 or online today. We are available 24/7 to assist you.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can occur in many ways and for many reasons. However, the vast majority of these accidents are caused by driver negligence. When drivers fail to follow the rules of the road and act reasonably, they put others at risk. When their negligent or wrongful acts cause accidents, they can and should be held liable for the resulting damages.
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. When drivers are not paying attention to the road, they can easily hit pedestrians. Common distractions include cell phones, GPS devices, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, and more.
- Drunk driving: Drunk drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. This makes it difficult for them to see pedestrians or to stop in time to avoid accidents. Drunk driving is a serious problem in Florida and across the U.S.
- Speeding: Speed limits are set for a reason. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and cause accidents. Speeding drivers are also more likely to be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Failing to yield: Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street in marked crosswalks. When drivers fail to yield, they can hit pedestrians in the crosswalk. Failing to yield is a common cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Backing up accidents: When drivers are not paying attention and fail to look behind them before backing up, they can hit pedestrians. This is especially common in parking lots and garages.
- Failure to obey traffic laws: Drivers who run red lights, fail to stop at stop signs, and otherwise fail to obey traffic laws can easily hit pedestrians and cause serious injuries.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and other road hazards can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and hit pedestrians.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, fog, ice, and other poor weather conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and to stop in time to avoid accidents.
After a pedestrian accident, it is important to get in touch with a Williston pedestrian accident attorney right away. The sooner you do, the better. At Schackow & Mercadante, our team can get to work immediately, gathering evidence, building your case, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Liability for a pedestrian accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. In many cases, the driver is at fault and, therefore, liable for the accident. However, there are many other parties who could potentially be held liable, as well. For example, if a defective auto part caused the accident, the auto part manufacturer may be liable. If a government entity failed to properly maintain a sidewalk, causing the accident, the government entity may be liable.
Some potentially liable parties in a pedestrian accident claim include:
- The driver
- The auto part manufacturer
- The vehicle manufacturer
- The government entity responsible for maintaining the road
- The company that employs the driver
- Another pedestrian
At Schackow & Mercadante, we have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident claims. Our Williston pedestrian accident attorneys can investigate the accident, determine who is liable, and go to work fighting for the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation is Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims?
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious and catastrophic injuries. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and long-term care. In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents are fatal.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. In Florida, you can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Some of the most common types of damages in a pedestrian accident claim include:
- Medical expenses: This includes all past and future medical expenses related to the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, medical equipment, and more.
- Lost income: If you missed work while recovering from your injuries, you can recover compensation for lost wages. If your injuries are severe enough that you will be unable to return to work or to earn a living, you can also recover compensation for lost future earning capacity.
- Property damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, such as your bicycle, you can recover compensation for the cost of repairs or for the cost of replacing the property.
- Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress, mental anguish, and more.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries are severe enough that you are unable to enjoy the same quality of life as before the accident, you can recover compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries are severe enough that your marriage or personal relationships have been negatively impacted, your spouse or partner can potentially file a loss of consortium claim.
- Wrongful death: If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and more. Our firm can help you file a wrongful death claim and pursue the justice your loved one deserves.
At Schackow & Mercadante, our Williston pedestrian accident lawyers can help you understand the potential value of your case. We can also answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
How Our Williston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help You
After a pedestrian accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You may be wondering how you are going to pay your medical bills and make ends meet if you are unable to work. You may be in a significant amount of pain and unsure of when or if you will be able to recover.
At Schackow & Mercadante, our Williston pedestrian accident attorneys can help you by:
- Answering your questions and addressing your concerns
- Explaining your rights and legal options
- Handling all communication with the insurance company
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists, as needed
- Calculating the full and fair value of your case
- Filing all necessary paperwork and ensuring all deadlines are met
- Negotiating aggressively with the insurance company and, if necessary, taking your case to trial
Our team is here to provide the compassionate support you need and the aggressive legal advocacy you deserve. We have a proven track record of success and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. We know what it takes to win, and we are prepared to fight for you.
Call (352) 261-6767 or online today to request a free consultation with our Williston pedestrian accident attorneys. We are available 24/7 and are ready to help you in any way we can.
Awarded & Recognized What Our Clients Are Saying
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I met with Marie Banks to go over Car Accident Preparedness. She was awesome and so full of knowledge. Patient with all my questions and I left her office feeling good about the insurance I had and felt prepared if an accident were to happen. She treated me like family. Thank you! 10 out of 10 would definitely recommend.- Pranish Sharma
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“Marie was able to explain my coverage in a way that made it digestible and understandable. With Marie's help I was able to fix my insurance coverage to a policy that included the best protection and I now also rest easier knowing I'm in good hands if I eve”- Josh Talmore
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I'm a UF student who got injured on campus. Schackow & Mercadante handled my case extremely well. Everything was settled in about a year. I highly recommend them for any personal injury case.- Jenny Haber
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“The lawyers and staff at Schackow & Mercadante are professional, courteous and above all treat you like the person you are. You are not a number, you are not just a paycheck, but you are a friend, a guest, dare I even say, a family member.”- Ashley Wilson
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I would absolutely trust Schackow & Mercadante to handle any injury claim. After several meetings with their staff, I'm 100% comfortable with their positive outlook and trust they want what's best for their clients.- Rob Matthews
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They treated me with great respect and negotiated a settlement for me far beyond my expectations. They answered my calls promptly and were available each time I needed them throughout my case. I have recommended this law firm to others I know because I trust the attorneys and staff here immensely.- T Harrison
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I highly recommend Schackow & Mercadante, P.A.!!! The office staff is very polite and professional. Attorneys were great and treated me like a family member.- Kevin Drye