If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Naples, Florida, you may be entitled to compensation. Garvin Injury Law is prepared to help you pursue a claim for everything you’ve been forced to endure, including your pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses.
Injured By A Car While Walking?
Contact an Attorney at Garvin Injury Law Today
Our Naples injury lawyers will treat you like family if you hire us and do everything we can to maximize the value of your claim. We are a trusted Southwest Florida personal injury firm that has been in business for over 50 years and has recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients.
Reach out to our law offices today for a free consultation by calling (239) 277-0005. You can get reliable legal guidance with no obligations during that initial meeting.
Why Hire Garvin Injury Law for Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Naples, Florida?
Garvin Injury Law has earned deep respect in the Florida legal community. Our pedestrian accident attorneys have received recognition from organizations such as the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Martindale-Hubbell because of our winning track record.
When you bring our Naples personal injury lawyers onto your case, we can:
- Pinpoint the at-fault party
- Gather key evidence from the scene
- Develop a tailored legal strategy
- Consult with qualified experts
- Shield you from unfair blame
- Manage paperwork and insurer communications
- Push for a fair settlement
- Bring your case to trial if needed
We can answer any questions you might have during your free consultation, so reach out to us today in Naples, FL, to get started.
Florida’s Insurance Rules for Pedestrian Crashes
Pedestrian accident claims in Florida carry unique insurance considerations. The state operates under a “no-fault” auto insurance framework. Under this system, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may pay for initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
PIP benefits are capped at $10,000. The coverage pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages. One important detail is that you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for these benefits. Even pedestrians without a vehicle may be covered under a household family member’s auto policy.
Once your losses go beyond the limits of PIP coverage, you may be able to file a separate claim against the driver who hit you. Our attorneys can review your case to determine every coverage option available.
What Factors Influence the Value of My Naples Pedestrian Claim?
While the severity of your injuries plays a major role, it is not the only thing that determines what your claim is worth.
Other elements that affect your case’s value include:
- The scope of available insurance coverage
- Whether your injuries will require long-term care
- The degree of physical and emotional suffering
- Whether you bear any fault for the accident
- How compelling your documentation and evidence are
Having a capable Naples personal injury attorney on your side can also make a real difference. A seasoned lawyer can negotiate more effectively and leverage expert testimony to bolster your position.
Leading Causes of Pedestrian Collisions in Naples
Naples sees heavy foot traffic from both residents and seasonal visitors, which increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the country for people on foot. Many of these collisions stem from driver carelessness.
Frequent causes of pedestrian crashes in the area include:
- Distracted driving
- Running red lights or ignoring stop signs
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Speeding through residential zones
- Driving while fatigued or impaired
- Making unsafe turns at intersections
Regardless of how your accident occurred, you may still have a valid claim for compensation. Reach out to our pedestrian accident attorneys today for guidance.
Recoverable Losses in a Naples Pedestrian Accident Case
If you are eligible to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, Florida law allows you to seek both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your tangible financial losses. These can include hospital bills and future medical treatment. Rehabilitation expenses and missed wages also qualify.
Non-economic damages address the less visible toll of the accident. Pain and suffering and emotional distress fall into this category. A reduced quality of life does as well.
In rare situations, punitive damages may also apply. These are reserved for cases where the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct.
Affording Legal Representation After a Pedestrian Accident
Most pedestrian accident lawyers in Naples work on a contingency fee basis. That means you will not pay any upfront costs or hourly rates. Your attorney’s fees are only collected if your case results in a settlement or jury award.
The typical contingency fee is around 33%, though the exact terms will depend on the details of your case. You will sign a fee agreement before any work begins. This arrangement allows anyone to access quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Fault?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar. Under this standard, you can still receive compensation if you are found partially responsible for the accident. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
There is one critical threshold to keep in mind. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will be barred from recovering any damages at all. This makes it vital to have an attorney who can protect you from exaggerated blame and fight to keep your share of fault as low as possible.
Note that this law applies to claims against the opposing party, not against your PIP insurance coverage if applicable.
Florida’s Deadline for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
Under Florida law, you generally have two years from the date of your pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to take legal action within this statute of limitations time window, you will likely lose the right to pursue compensation entirely.Â
Certain exceptions may extend or shorten this timeline. For instance, claims against a government entity could carry a much shorter deadline. Speak with our personal injury attorneys promptly to confirm the filing window that applies to your specific situation.
Contact Garvin Injury Law for a Free Case Evaluation
Pedestrian accidents can leave you dealing with serious injuries and an overwhelming recovery process. If another person’s negligence put you in harm’s way, you should not have to shoulder those burdens without taking legal action in response. Garvin Injury Law has stood by injured victims in Southwest Florida for over five decades and is ready to do the same for you.
Our Naples pedestrian accident attorneys have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our deserving clients.
Call (239) 277-0005 today to learn more and schedule your free initial consultation.Â