Walking through Hialeah should not put your well-being at risk, whether you are crossing West 49th Street or navigating the busy intersections near Westland Mall. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents happen far too often in Miami-Dade County. When a driver fails to yield, is distracted, or ignores traffic signals, pedestrians bear the brunt of the impact. At Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, we represent individuals who have been injured due to someone else's negligence on the road. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take, and we are here to help you understand your legal options and navigate the claims process.
Hialeah is a densely populated, bustling city. With heavy traffic along Okeechobee Road and Palm Avenue, pedestrians face significant hazards daily. Florida law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. When drivers text behind the wheel, speed through residential zones, or fail to check crosswalks before turning, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries. Our firm thoroughly investigates the circumstances of your accident, gathering available intersection camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to build a strong foundation for your claim.
Sometimes, insurance companies try to shift the blame onto the pedestrian, arguing that you were jaywalking or not paying attention. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to seek compensation, provided you are not found to be more than fifty percent responsible. Any compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. We handle the complex negotiations with insurance adjusters to ensure your actions are evaluated fairly under the law.
After a severe accident, your primary focus should be on medical treatment and recovery. However, it is important to keep the state's deadlines in mind. Florida has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Generally, you have a limited time from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. If the unthinkable happens and a family loses a loved one, the timeline for filing a wrongful death claim is even shorter. Reaching out to a lawyer promptly helps preserve critical evidence and ensures your claim is filed within the required legal timeframe.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, as some injuries are not instantly apparent. If you are able, call the police so an official report is created. Collect contact information from the driver and any witnesses, and take photos of the scene, including the vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
In Florida, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically applies even if you were injured as a pedestrian. PIP can help cover initial medical bills and lost wages up to your policy limits. If your injuries meet a certain severity threshold, you may then pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's bodily injury liability insurance.
Hit-and-run accidents are deeply distressing, but you may still have avenues for recovery. If you or a household relative have uninsured motorist coverage on an auto policy, you might be able to file a claim under that policy. Law enforcement will also investigate to identify the fleeing driver, which could open up a claim against their insurance.
Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiated settlements with the insurance company before a trial becomes necessary. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses and other damages, taking the case to court may be the appropriate next step. We prepare every case thoroughly so we are ready for trial if the case demands it.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Altman Law Firm today to discuss your situation with a compassionate legal professional. Call (305) 373-3730.