Walking should be a safe way to get around Gainesville, but unfortunately, pedestrian accidents happen far too often on our city's busy streets. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you're likely dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future.
Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys understand the unique challenges that pedestrian accident victims face. We know that pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, and when they're struck by vehicles, the results are often catastrophic. Our team is dedicated to helping injured pedestrians and their families seek justice and secure the compensation they need to recover and move forward with their lives.
Why Choose Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers?
When you're recovering from a pedestrian accident, you need attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases and have the experience to take on insurance companies and negligent drivers. Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers bring decades of combined experience handling pedestrian accident cases throughout Florida, and we're committed to fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians.
Experience in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Our pedestrian accident lawyers have successfully handled hundreds of pedestrian accident cases across Florida. We understand the unique legal challenges these cases present, from proving driver negligence to demonstrating the full extent of our client's injuries and losses.
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection pedestrians have when struck by vehicles, and we know how to build compelling cases that reflect the true impact of these devastating accidents. We've represented clients who were injured in various types of pedestrian accidents, including crosswalk accidents, intersection collisions, parking lot incidents, and hit-and-run accidents.
Our attorneys understand the traffic laws that protect pedestrians and know how to investigate accidents thoroughly to identify all potentially liable parties. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to build strong cases that maximize compensation for our clients.
Resources to Take on Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to pedestrian accident victims, sometimes even blaming the pedestrian for the accident.
We have the resources and experience to fight back against these tactics.
Our firm has the financial resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, hire expert witnesses, and build a compelling case on your behalf. This level of preparation allows us to negotiate from a position of strength and secure maximum compensation for our clients.
Personalized Legal Strategies
Every pedestrian accident is different, and we believe in providing personalized legal representation tailored to your specific situation. Our team will take the time to understand the unique circumstances of your accident and develop a legal strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome. We'll work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Free and Confidential Consultations
We know that pedestrian accident victims often face significant financial stress due to medical bills and lost income. That's why we offer free and confidential consultations to discuss your case and legal options. During this initial meeting, we'll review the details of your accident, assess the strength of your claim, and provide you with an honest evaluation of what to expect moving forward.
We can be easily reached at (561) 800-8000. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Pedestrian Accident Compensation in Gainesville
Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to significant compensation for their injuries and losses. The compensation available in your case will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the degree of negligence involved in the accident.
Medical expenses often represent the largest component of pedestrian accident compensation. Pedestrian accidents frequently result in serious injuries that require immediate emergency treatment, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Lost income is another critical component of pedestrian accident compensation. Many pedestrian accident victims are unable to work for extended periods while recovering from their injuries. Some may never be able to return to their previous occupation due to permanent disabilities. Our attorneys work with economic experts to calculate both past and future lost earnings, ensuring that our clients are fully compensated for the financial impact of their injuries.
Pain and suffering damages recognize the physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life that pedestrian accident victims experience. These damages acknowledge that the impact of a serious accident extends far beyond medical bills and lost earnings. Our attorneys understand how to document and present evidence of pain and suffering to maximize compensation for our clients.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Gainesville
University Avenue, one of Gainesville's busiest corridors, has been the site of numerous pedestrian accidents over the years. This major thoroughfare connects the university campus to shopping centers and residential areas, creating a mix of student pedestrians, commuters, and commercial traffic that can be dangerous when drivers aren't paying attention.
The downtown area around the courthouse and city hall also sees significant pedestrian traffic, particularly during business hours and special events. The intersection of University Avenue and Main Street is particularly busy, with pedestrians crossing between businesses, restaurants, and parking areas.
Campus-area streets like 13th Street, Archer Road, and Newberry Road are common locations for pedestrian accidents, especially during evening hours when visibility is reduced. These areas combine heavy student foot traffic with drivers who may be unfamiliar with the area or not expecting pedestrians.
The Butler Plaza area, a major shopping destination, sees pedestrian accidents in parking lots and at crosswalks as shoppers move between stores and to their vehicles. Large retail complexes like this can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians due to the high volume of vehicle traffic and distracted drivers.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents in Gainesville
Our attorneys have experience handling all types of pedestrian accident cases throughout Gainesville and the surrounding areas.
Crosswalk accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Florida law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, but many drivers ignore this rule or fail to see pedestrians until it's too late.
Intersection accidents happen when pedestrians are struck while crossing at intersections, even when they have the walk signal. These accidents may occur when drivers make turns without checking for pedestrians or when drivers run red lights or stop signs.
Parking lot accidents are common in shopping centers and business districts where pedestrians and vehicles share space. Drivers backing out of parking spaces or driving through parking lots may not see pedestrians walking nearby.
Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in pedestrian cases, where drivers flee the scene after striking a pedestrian. These cases can be particularly challenging because identifying the responsible driver requires thorough investigation and sometimes community assistance.
Nighttime accidents are especially dangerous because reduced visibility makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Poor lighting, dark clothing, and impaired drivers all contribute to an increased risk of nighttime pedestrian accidents.
Fighting Insurance Companies After a Pedestrian Accident
Insurance companies often employ tactics designed to minimize their payouts to pedestrian accident victims. They may try to blame the pedestrian for the accident, argue that injuries aren't as severe as claimed, or pressure victims to accept quick settlements that don't fully compensate them for their losses.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys understand these tactics and know how to fight back effectively. We thoroughly investigate every accident to gather evidence that supports our clients' claims and contradicts any attempts by insurance companies to shift blame to the pedestrian.
We work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and other evidence to determine exactly how the accident occurred and who was at fault. This scientific approach to accident investigation provides compelling evidence that insurance companies cannot easily dismiss.
Our attorneys also understand the importance of properly documenting our clients' injuries and their impact on daily life. We work with medical experts to ensure that all injuries are properly diagnosed and that the long-term consequences of those injuries are clearly understood and documented.
When insurance companies make lowball settlement offers, we're prepared to reject them and continue fighting for fair compensation. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and aren't afraid to take cases to court when insurance companies refuse to offer reasonable settlements.
What to Do After a Gainesville Pedestrian Accident
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident in Gainesville, there are important steps you can take to protect your legal rights and support your recovery. While every situation is different, these guidelines can help you navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian accident.
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Adrenaline and shock can mask the symptoms of serious injuries, and some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Having a medical record documenting your injuries immediately after the accident is vital for your legal case.
Follow all medical treatment recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. Insurance companies will look for any reason to argue that your injuries aren't serious or that you're not following proper treatment protocols. Consistent medical care demonstrates the severity of your injuries and your commitment to recovery.
Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, including doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and any medical equipment you need. Also, document how your injuries have affected your daily life, including missed work, activities you can no longer do, and the pain you experience.
Obtain copies of the police report and any other documentation related to your accident. If the police didn't respond to the scene, consider filing a report yourself. Having official documentation of the accident can be important for your legal case.
Contact our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys as soon as possible. In Florida, you have four years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and witness memories are fresh.
Avoid speaking with insurance companies without first consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make statements that could be used against you later, or they may pressure you to accept a quick settlement that doesn't fully compensate you for your injuries.
How Our Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help
When you work with our pedestrian accident attorneys, you're getting experienced advocates who understand the unique challenges of pedestrian accident cases and are committed to fighting for your rights. Our team will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your recovery.
We'll conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. This investigation may include obtaining surveillance video, analyzing traffic patterns, and consulting with accident reconstruction specialists.
Our attorneys will handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim. We'll negotiate aggressively on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and losses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we're prepared to take your case to trial. Our trial attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and know how to present pedestrian accident cases effectively to judges and juries.
Throughout the process, we'll keep you informed about the progress of your case and involve you in important decisions. We understand that recovering from a pedestrian accident can be stressful, and we're here to provide support and guidance every step of the way.
Contact Our Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Gainesville, our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys will fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Time is critical in pedestrian accident cases, as evidence can be lost and witness memories can fade. Also, there is a time limit for filing an injury lawsuit in FL, generally two years from the date of the accident. Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today at (561) 800-8000 to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help.