Pedestrian or Cyclist Injured In Car Crash? You have rights!
As South Florida attorneys, we have recently seen an uptick in the number of pedestrians, cyclists, and people on scooters injured in car accidents. Whether you are a tourist or a local, you can be victimized by a driver who fails to pay attention on our roadways.
As more and more drivers “text and drive”, the number of accidents has skyrocketed. Pedestrians and cyclists are commonly injured in…
- high-traffic intersections
- during rush hour
- late at night
- near businesses
Some of the more significant injuries involve drivers who crash into pedestrians or cyclists while…
- running a stop sign
- leaving a business or restaurant
- riding near neighborhoods (i.e. Parkland, Weston, Davie)
Why Pedestrian & Cycling Accidents Are So Bad
Unlike a person in a car, pedestrians and cyclists are completely exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists are not shielded by a steel encasing and airbags.
Without the opportunity to brace for impact, even during a “low-impact” crash, pedestrians and cyclists oftentimes suffer from significant or life-threatening injuries to their:
- neck (whiplash)
- head/brain
- lower back
- lower extremity (torn knee / broken leg)
- wrist (bracing for fall of bicycle)
- shoulder
- hip
Many of our clients are emergency transported to Broward Health, Cleveland Clinic or Memorial Hospital for their injuries.
How to Get Compensated After an Accident
Pedestrians and cyclists have rights and should be compensated for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering as a result of a car accident…do NOT wait to treat for your injuries!
Accidents victims – including “hit and run” victims – are entitled to compensation for their
- past and future medical bills
- past and future lost wages
- past and future pain and suffering
Past and future pain and suffering oftentimes garners the highest compensation. We can help determine the available insurances, whether it is bodily injury insurance or uninsured motorist insurance, to get you the money you deserve.
PIP vs LOP vs Private Health Insurance
Many pedestrians and cyclists in South Florida do not own a motor vehicle. In Florida, pedestrians and cyclists may have access to personal injury protection (PIP) benefits regardless if they own a vehicle. PIP benefits are purchased through an individual’s auto insurance and can cover both your medical bills and lost wages up to $10,000.00.
A pedestrian or cyclist will have PIP coverage if, at the time of the accident, they:
- Owned/leased a vehicle (with PIP coverage)
- Did not own a vehicle but resided with a resident relative who owned/leased a vehicle (with PIP coverage)
- Did not own a vehicle but the at-fault driver was required to purchase PIP coverage
- Do you know if you are entitled to PIP benefits? If you’re not sure, let us help determine if you can access these PIP benefits to pay for your medical bills.
- If at the time of the accident a pedestrian or cyclist did not have access to PIP benefits OR PIP is used up, a pedestrian or cyclist can possibly receive medical treatment on a letter of protection (LOP).
A letter of protection allows a victim of a car accident to get treatment by signing a letter protecting the medical provider’s outstanding balance. Let us help determine if you are a candidate for treating on a letter of protection.
A pedestrian or cyclists can always treat through their own health insurance, if available.
Whether you are a local resident or tourist, there is no reason to wait to receive medical treatment. Please call us with any questions or to discuss your options.In the worst cases involving death, the estate of the deceased is entitled to recover damages under the Florida Wrongful Death Statute.
Why Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer If I Have Health Insurance?
A common misconception between pedestrian and cyclists is that because they have health insurance there is no reason to consult with a personal injury attorney.Health insurance will cover an injured pedestrian or cyclist’s medical bills only. Health insurance will not cover a pedestrian or injured cyclist’s lost wages or pain and suffering.
An experienced personal injury lawyer may be able to secure a settlement offer (or jury verdict) for an accident victim of anywhere between 1x to 100x (or more) in pain and suffering compared the pedestrian or cyclists’ medical bills alone.
I Wasn’t Hurt That Bad, Do I Still Need A Lawyer?
Never assume your injuries are insignificant.
Our personal injury attorneys have observed injuries to cyclists ranging from bulging or herniated disc(s) to broken bones, paralysis, and even death.
Even on a soft-tissue injury, the medical treatment and lost wages alone can total tens of thousands of dollars. But, what is your pain and suffering worth?
Find out by calling one of our experienced personal injury attorneys for a FREE consultation. Remember, the personal injury attorneys at Lyons, Snyder & Collin are compensated on a contingency fee basis – you do not owe us one penny unless we collect.
Contact us today for a 100% free consultation.
