Destin Pedestrian Accident Law Firm

Destin, Florida has a lot of foot traffic. Unfortunately, that means a lot of pedestrian accidents as well. According to Smart Growth America’s ‘Dangerous by Design’ report, Florida is the second most dangerous state for pedestrians in America. Data from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) shows that pedestrian accidents tend to occur frequently in Okaloosa County – largely due to inattentive and negligent drivers.

If you have been injured or have lost a family member in a pedestrian accident, you need an experienced Destin pedestrian accident lawyer to recover the maximum possible financial compensation for your injuries and losses.

At Whibbs, Stone & Barnett, we have more than 60 years of combined experience in handling personal injury claims and have represented several pedestrian accident victims over the years. We have what it takes to take on insurance companies and can get you the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Destin, FL

Data shows that a vast majority of pedestrian accidents happen due to the inattentiveness or recklessness of drivers. The most common forms of driver negligence that can lead to pedestrian accidents are:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Speeding – particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic
• Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians
• Failing to stop when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk and is approaching the driver’s side of the road
• Failing to check for pedestrians while turning
• Disregarding traffic signals
• Running red lights
• Backing up – particularly in parking lots – without checking for pedestrians

Common examples of pedestrian negligence that can lead to accidents include:

• Not using a crosswalk
• Walking on the road even when a designated sidewalk or shoulder is available
• Darting in and out of the road

Apart from this, poor visibility – particularly at night – can also increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. It’s one of the reasons why pedestrians are advised to wear reflective safety vests at night.

Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Destin, FL

• US – 98 and Benning Drive
• US – 98 and Stahlman Avenue
• US – 98 and Beach Drive

Types of Injuries that can Result from a Destin, FL Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle, the resulting injuries are almost always catastrophic in nature. Even at low speeds, a collision with a motor vehicle can prove to be deadly for pedestrians, as they are not protected in any way.

The most common injuries that can result from a pedestrian accident include cuts and lacerations, ligament tears, contusions, dislocations, broken bones, crush injuries, traumatic amputation resulting in limb loss, facial injuries, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

The Importance of Getting Medical Help after a Pedestrian Accident

Following a pedestrian accident, you need to get medical help as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, your symptoms might worsen and lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Based on this, failing to get medical care in a timely manner can also affect your tort claim, as the insurance company might argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim to be.

There are a number of hospitals near Destin where you can get the medical care you need following a pedestrian accident. These include the HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, North Okaloosa Medical Center, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, and HCA Florida West Hospital.

How Does Florida’s Serious Injury Threshold Work?

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own auto insurance provider will compensate you for your injuries in the event of an accident. You can file a tort claim against the party that caused the accident only if your injuries meet the legal threshold for serious injuries.

Under Florida law, any injury that results in one or more of the following conditions can be considered a serious injury.

• Significant or permanent loss of a major bodily function
• Permanent injury
• Significant scarring or disfigurement
• Death

In order to prove that your injuries meet the aforementioned threshold, you need a wide range of evidence including your medical records and reports from the doctors who treated you. A reputable Destin pedestrian accident lawyer can gather the evidence needed to prove that your injuries meet the required threshold and help you get the settlement you deserve from the at-fault party.

What Kind of Damages Can You Recover in a Destin Pedestrian Accident Claim?

• Medical expenses (including the cost of transportation to the hospital, emergency care, diagnostic procedures, lab tests, surgeon’s fees, hospitalization expenses, prescription medications, and more)
• Future medical expenses (estimated cost of the treatment you need for the foreseeable future)
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Cost of long-term care and assisted living (if you are permanently disabled and unable to live on your own)
• Lost earnings
• Loss of earning capacity (if you have a physical or cognitive impairment that affects your earning potential)
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of consortium (can be filed by your spouse to get compensated for the loss of marital relationship)

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Our Experienced Destin, FL Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Maximize Your Settlement

A pedestrian accident can result in serious injuries that can lead to extended pain and suffering, and may also put you out of work for months or even longer. The physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injuries can be too much to bear for your family.

At Whibbs, Stone & Barnett, we have more than six decades of experience in fighting for injury victims in Destin, as well as other parts of Florida. We know the bad faith tactics that insurance companies use to cheat injury victims and know how to get them to pay you what you deserve.

To discuss your claim with one of our seasoned Destin pedestrian accident lawyers, call us today at 850-409-6403 or get in touch with us online and schedule a free consultation.