Customers at a Plantation, Florida, restaurant were shocked on December 8 when a minivan plowed through the front of the business, pushing tables and chairs most of the way through the dining area. Reports indicate that at least two people were seriously injured in the incident, with several more suffering minor injuries.
The accident occurred during lunch service at the Al Salam restaurant on North University Drive. According to police, the driver was attempting to park at the time of the accident, to pick up food at the restaurant. Police have not charged the driver and suspect that a medical emergency may have been the cause of the crash.
Recovery after a Florida car accident
Most of the injury victims in this case were not in the vehicle, so they were treated as pedestrians under Florida law. Pedestrians who are injured in an accident involving a Florida vehicle typically recover from their own insurance company under the state’s no-fault insurance laws. Those laws require every driver to have a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy, which protects them and covers the cost of injuries in an accident. PIP generally covers your injuries even when you are a pedestrian. If you do not own a car or have PIP insurance, you may recover compensation from the driver’s PIP insurance.
If PIP insurance is not enough to compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages and pain, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim. To do so, you must be able to prove that your injuries are extremely serious or permanent.
If you have been injured in any type of vehicle accident and would like to learn more about your legal options, speak with a knowledgeable Bradenton pedestrian accident attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.