If you were involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you likely suffered serious and debilitating injuries, and working to provide a stable future for your family may not be possible as you struggle through recovery.
Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorneys are here to guide you through this terrifying and difficult time. At Meldon Law, we are your fiercest advocates as you seek justice and fight for the best possible outcome. Call us today for a free case consultation and explore your options.
We fight for you with no upfront costs.
What to Know About Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys have successfully represented numerous pedestrian accident survivors in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida. We know what it takes to win these cases, and we fight aggressively for our clients every step of the way. Our personal injury attorneys are not afraid to take large insurers head-on. We know the tactics they use, and we use this knowledge to benefit our clients as we seek the compensation they deserve.
For example, we recovered a $1.25 million settlement for an injured pedestrian after an accident left her with severe lower back injuries, resulting in the implantation of a spinal stimulator.
Skill, experience, and knowledge are the most important tools we bring to the table when we seek appropriate compensation for you. Our job is our passion because our clients are family to us.
Our Fort Lauderdale Lawyers Determine Fault for Your Pedestrian Accident
In Florida, to recover the compensation settlement or judgment you deserve, our attorneys must establish liability. After a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale, multiple parties may be responsible, such as:
- A local municipality. The government may share responsibility for the crash. Poorly placed crosswalks, malfunctioning traffic control devices, and improper parking lot maintenance can all contribute to pedestrian accidents.
- The driver. All motorists have a responsibility to drive safely and watch for pedestrians in their path. If they fail to do so, fatal pedestrian accidents can occur.
- A product manufacturer. Sometimes, a product device malfunctions, causing a serious pedestrian accident. Malfunctioning brakes, a tire blowout, or another defective car part can all result in deadly accidents. In these instances, you could have a case against a product manufacturer.
Before filing an insurance claim or civil lawsuit, our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorneys will examine all the evidence to build a strong case. Then, we fight for your rights, and we won’t back down. Our lawyers are a force to be reckoned with inside and outside the courtroom.
Injured as a Pedestrian? Contact a Fort Lauderdale Lawyer Today!
We Prove That Negligence Led to Your Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident
At Meldon Law, we believe in holding negligent individuals and entities responsible when pedestrians suffer serious injuries. To pursue compensation, however, we must prove that the other party’s negligence led to your condition. This requires establishing four elements:
- The responsible party owed you a duty of care. All motorists owe other road users a duty of care.
- They breached that duty of care. We must show that the other party acted negligently by acting carelessly or recklessly. For instance, speeding violates a motorist’s duty of care.
- The at-fault party’s negligence caused your injuries. We must use evidence, such as traffic camera footage and the police report, to show how the other party caused your accident.
- You suffered injuries and damages. To have a successful injury claim or lawsuit, we must show that you incurred damages and suffered injuries. We use your medical records, employment records, and out-of-pocket bills to demonstrate this factor.
If a defective vehicular component led to your pedestrian accident, we don’t have to prove the elements of negligence. Rather, we show that a faulty device led to your collision, and you suffered damages.
Our Lawyers Seek Compensation After Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accidents
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that you first turn to your personal injury protection (PIP) policy to help you pay medical expenses. You must do this before you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. You may also make a claim through your health insurance.
Whether through a claim or lawsuit, compensable losses in your Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident case may comprise:
- Medical costs, including all expenses associated with treatment of and recovery
- Income lost due to an inability to work
- Loss of future income (if your injury prevents you from returning to work or limits your ability to generate income)
- Property damage requiring repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering endured during and after the accident
- Mental anguish
How much you can recover for your injury-related losses depends on:
- The insurance coverage limits
- The extent of your condition
- Your estimated recovery period
- The cost of your out-of-pocket damages
- Any allegations of fault
The team at Meldon Law hopes to seek the highest possible settlement following your pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale. With our team’s support, you don’t have to worry about anything. We handle everything the claims process entails, from filing your claim to signing a waiver of liability.
You Have a Limited Time to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
Florida Statutes § 95.11 notes that you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a new change, as you used to have four years to file your case. To uphold your right to damages, we break ground on your case immediately. That way, we can prevent the statute of limitations from expiring and uphold your right to damages.
Connect With Our Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale, we have three words for you: you’re not alone.
To learn more about your legal options, contact us today. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you will pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident FAQs
How do I prove the driver’s negligence caused my injuries in Fort Lauderdale?
You must show that the driver failed to use reasonable care, directly leading to your injuries. Evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, crash reconstruction, and medical documentation all help establish fault. A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer at Meldon Law can gather and present this evidence to demonstrate that the driver’s negligence—such as speeding, texting, or ignoring crosswalks—caused your injuries and losses.
How does Florida’s no-fault insurance system affect my pedestrian accident claim?
Florida’s no-fault (PIP) system allows injured pedestrians to receive up to $10,000 in medical and lost wage benefits through their own auto insurance, even if they were walking at the time of the crash. However, because pedestrian injuries are often severe, PIP coverage is rarely enough. Once your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold, a pedestrian accident attorney at Meldon Law can help you step outside the no-fault system and pursue a full claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Does car insurance cover pedestrian accidents in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. If you were hit by a vehicle while walking, the driver’s bodily injury liability coverage may pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) can also apply. A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer at Meldon Law can review all available policies to ensure every possible source of compensation is pursued.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for pedestrian injuries. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation. A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorney at Meldon Law can ensure all filings, evidence, and insurance claims are handled promptly to preserve your case and maximize your recovery.
