Walking across the street, you hope that nearby drivers prioritize your safety. However, reckless and careless drivers can come out of nowhere, violently hitting anyone. When you are hit by a car, seeking justice through a legal claim could hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions and provide you with the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses. Consult an experienced injury attorney to assist you throughout your lawsuit.
A Riverview pedestrian accident lawyer at Distasio Law Firm could guide you through the legal process—whether through settlement or in court. We proudly stand by and fight for pedestrians injured in car accidents.
Timeframe for Filing a Pedestrian Crash Case
Florida Statutes § 95.11 empowers you to file suit when a reckless driver injures you. In most cases, the deadline to file a claim in court is two years, but it varies depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For example, you typically have less time to sue the government than a person for damages.
Sometimes, the court pauses (tolls) the deadline when someone is under 18 or legally cannot file a case. For example, if an adult is in a coma or incapacitated because of their injuries, the court might pause the deadline until the person is well enough to bring a lawsuit.
Ensuring you file all paperwork within the allotted timeframe is often difficult, especially when juggling the physical and mental demands of your recovery. A pedestrian injury attorney in Riverview could help you prepare your case by investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, calculating your injury-related expenses, and guiding you through the legal process.
Filing a Claim When You Might Share Fault
Under Florida Statutes § 768.81 you can file a suit for injuries you sustained from a pedestrian collision, even when you might share responsibility for the incident; however, the monetary damages you receive may decrease. Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule, which lets you recover compensation if you are less than 50 percent at fault for an accident.
For example, suppose a negligent driver hits you while crossing the street in Riverview, and you suffer $1,000 in damages. If the judge determines the driver is 51% at fault, and you are 49% at fault, you might take home $510 in compensation—representing the percentage of fault the other person carries for the accident.
A skilled Riverview pedestrian crash lawyer like Scott Distasio could help prove the automobile driver holds the majority of fault for the accident leading to your injuries.
Call a Riverview Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Help With Your Claim
When you are hit by a car, know that this is not the end of the road for you. Bringing a legal claim allows you to tell your story in court and get the closure and compensation you need to move forward. It is also an opportunity for you to hold the at-fault person or company accountable for their actions.
At Distasio Law Firm, we have an intimate understanding of the immense impacts these incidents can have on you, your family, and your community. We dedicate our time and resources to holding negligent drivers responsible for misconduct. Contact a Riverview pedestrian accident lawyer on our team today to schedule a consultation.
