What To Do When Involved In A Pedestrian Accident In The State Of Florida

Florida is an outdoor state. Sure, all states are "outdoors" but Floridians are able to spend time outdoors year-round. With that comes a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Shirtless surfers, joggers, speed-walkers, dog walkers, etc. Sometimes it's just an after dinner stroll around the block. Unfortunately, disaster doesn't discriminate whether you were jay-walking or using a cross-walk.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a pedestrian versus automobile accident you may be entitled to compensation. Fast-moving, heavy motor vehicles create obvious dangers for pedestrians, and one of the most serious responsibilities imposed on drivers is that they must keep their eyes on the road and take all possible steps to avoid hitting anyone who is on foot.

Clearly, if you were hit while crossing at a crosswalk on a green light, the driver will generally be held responsible. But even if you were not following the rules for pedestrians, you may be entitled to compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.

Jaywalking may be technically against the law, but that does not give drivers free rein to cause accidents anytime a pedestrian steps off the curb and into the road. Drivers must use good judgment and make reasonable efforts to avoid causing pedestrian accidents.

Contact Florida Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey Sexton at 888-293-1144 if you or your loved one has suffered or lost their life as a result of a pedestrian accident.

When Should You Contact A Lawyer After A Brain Injury?

When a brain injury is sustained it often requires prompt and intense treatment. After a brain injury, even a mild concussion, it is imperative that one seeks medical help as quickly as possible. Brain injuries can progress over time, and occasionally, without any notice. If not properly treated, a worsening brain injury could result in damages too extensive to repair.

A brain injury ranges from mild to severe. The term "mild" can be misleading, mild brain injuries refer to the severity of the physical trauma that resulted in the injury. It does not indicate the severity of the injury's consequences. Mild brain trauma can result in: confusion, disorientation, unconsciousness lasting 30 minutes or less, amnesia during the time of the injury, seizures, headaches, dizziness, lethargy, vomiting, and poor concentration.

There are two types of severe brain injuries, closed and penetrating. Closed is an injury to the brain caused by movement within the skull. This type of injury could result from a motor vehicle crash, a fall, or being struck with an object. Penetrating is a result of a foreign object entering the skull. A penetrating injury could be a caused by being struck with a sharp object or a firearm.

The short and long term affects of a severe, non-fatal brain injury include: amnesia, issues with cognitive and motor function, depression, anxiety, aggression, impulse control, personality changes, and changes in hearing, vision, and perception.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), severe brain injuries play a part in a significant number of permanent disabilities and death in our country. Traumatic brain injuries cause a third of all injury related deaths in the US. Each year, roughly 1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury.

These types of injuries can greatly affect a person's life, including employment, relationships with family and friends, one's ability to do simple household tasks, as well as the ability to take part in social activities. Since medical care associated with a brain injury is so costly, those who have suffered this type of injury may receive a sizable medical bill. Additionally, the affects of a brain injury can be life long and debilitating.

Contact Florida Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey Sexton at 407-293-1144 immediately if you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury due to the negligence of others.