Walking through Sunrise should be safe, whether you are heading to a local park or navigating the busy commercial areas near Sawgrass Mills. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents remain a harsh reality in South Florida. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. At Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, we represent pedestrian accident victims in Sunrise and throughout Broward County. We understand the profound impact these collisions have on your life, and our firm is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process to seek the compensation you need to move forward.
Sunrise is a bustling city with heavy traffic corridors like Sunrise Boulevard, Oakland Park Boulevard, and the roads surrounding the Sawgrass Expressway. With a steady mix of commuters, tourists, and local residents, intersections and crosswalks can become dangerous zones for people on foot. Distracted driving, failure to yield, and speeding are common factors that lead to devastating pedestrian collisions in our community. If you were hit by a car while crossing the street or walking in a parking lot, our legal team can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your crash to identify the liable parties.
Insurance companies often try to shift the blame onto the pedestrian, arguing that you were jaywalking or distracted by a phone. Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages, provided your share of the blame does not exceed the legal threshold. The team at Altman Law Firm is experienced in countering these insurance tactics. We work diligently to gather evidence, such as traffic camera footage and witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf.
From the moment you contact us, Altman Law Firm handles the heavy lifting of your legal claim. We manage communications with the insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and prepare your case for trial if a fair agreement cannot be reached. We also assist families navigating the heartbreaking process of a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident. Our goal is to provide compassionate, steadfast representation so you can focus entirely on your physical and emotional recovery.
First, seek emergency medical attention, even if you feel fine, as some injuries are not immediately apparent. Call law enforcement so a formal crash report is filed with the Sunrise Police Department or Broward Sheriff's Office. If possible, document the scene by taking photos of the vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area, and collect contact information from any witnesses.
Florida law imposes a strict statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you are filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a lost family member, the time limit is also typically two years. Failing to take legal action within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Yes, you may still have a valid claim. While pedestrians are expected to use crosswalks and obey traffic signals, drivers also have a legal duty to exercise caution and avoid hitting people on the road. Under Florida comparative negligence rules, your compensation might be reduced if you are found partially at fault, but you are not automatically barred from seeking recovery.
In Florida, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is usually the first source of compensation for medical bills, even if you were a pedestrian. If you do not own a vehicle, you may be covered by the PIP policy of a resident relative or the driver who hit you. For severe injuries that exceed PIP limits, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's bodily injury liability insurance.
Hit-and-run accidents are incredibly stressful, but you still have options. If the police cannot locate the fleeing driver, you may be able to seek compensation through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, provided you have it on your auto insurance policy. Our firm can help you review your insurance policies to identify all available avenues for recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sunrise, contact Altman Law Firm today to discuss your legal options during a complimentary consultation. Call (305) 373-3730.