Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Dothan
Were you hit by a car while walking in Dothan, Alabama? Whether you were crossing a busy street or simply walking in your neighborhood, chances are the impact of the accident left you with serious medical needs and under a lot of financial stress. However, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and a knowledgeable accident attorney can help you demand it.
At Parker Trial Law, we’ve helped pedestrian accident victims across Alabama for almost a decade. We focus on building strong cases and pursuing the compensation our clients need, whether through negotiation or by taking the case to trial. Contact us now for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney in Dothan, AL. We’ll help you explore your options and stand by your side throughout the legal process.
Benefits of Hiring a Dothan, AL, Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer in Dothan, AL, can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Pedestrian accidents often result in devastating injuries, like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal damage. An attorney understands the severe nature of these injuries and will work hard to secure full compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and future treatment needs.
A pedestrian accident case requires careful attention to evidence, such as skid marks, surveillance footage, and witness accounts. An Alabama pedestrian accident attorney will know how to gather and use these details to prove your claim. Additionally, they can handle communication with the driver’s insurance company, so you don’t have to stress about saying anything that could hurt your case.
Attorneys who focus on personal injury cases can also negotiate directly with insurers to pursue a fair settlement. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or even deny claims, but an experienced lawyer will know the tactics they might use and how to counter them. They will fight for a settlement that includes full coverage for your current and future recovery. If negotiations don’t lead to a fair result, your lawyer can take your pedestrian accident lawsuit to court.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you suffer injuries in an Alabama pedestrian accident, the actions you take afterward can impact your health, your recovery, and your ability to seek compensation. Taking the following steps can protect your legal rights and strengthen your pedestrian accident claim:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible so your doctor can thoroughly evaluate, treat, and document your crash injuries.
- Gather contact information from the driver, any witnesses, and bystanders at the scene.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and any road conditions that might have contributed to the accident.
- Avoid making statements to the insurance company without first consulting with an attorney.
- Keep detailed records of your medical care, doctor’s visits, and expenses related to the crash.
- Contact a Dothan, AL, pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and discover how they can help you pursue compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Depending on the details of your case, you could recover money for a variety of accident-related expenses, both immediate and long-term. This could include pedestrian accident compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – The costs of hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and any other medical treatment you require for your injuries
- Future Medical Costs – The anticipated costs of any ongoing care, rehabilitation, or future surgeries you might need for your recovery
- Lost Income – Income you lost during your recovery period if you had to take time off work
- Lost Earning Potential – The future income you will no longer be able to earn if your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity or from working at all
- Pain and Suffering – The physical pain and discomfort you experience as a result of the accident
- Emotional Distress – The psychological impact on your life if the accident has caused you emotional trauma, such as anxiety or depression
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – Reductions in your enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you love or lower your overall quality of life
When you meet with a Dothan, AL, pedestrian accident attorney, you can learn more about what you could pursue for your particular case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Identifying the at-fault party is key to pursuing compensation after a pedestrian crash. Depending on the circumstances of the wreck, several parties could be liable in a pedestrian accident injury case:
The Driver
In many cases, the driver of the vehicle involved in the collision is responsible for the pedestrian’s injuries. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, they could be held accountable for their negligence.
The Vehicle Owner
If the driver of the vehicle does not own the car, the vehicle’s owner could be liable, especially if they allowed an unlicensed or incompetent driver to use their car. Vehicle owners have a duty to ensure that only safe drivers operate their vehicles.
Government Entities
Poorly designed or maintained roads can contribute to pedestrian accidents. If an unsafe intersection, broken traffic light, or lack of proper crosswalks led to the accident, the local government or entity responsible for road maintenance might be liable.
Employers
If the driver was working or driving a company vehicle at the time of the accident, their employer might be responsible for the employee’s actions. Employers can be liable for injury accidents their employees cause while on the job.
Manufacturers
In some cases, a defective vehicle part, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning steering system, could contribute to a pedestrian accident. If a product defect played a role in the crash, the vehicle or part manufacturer could be liable for the resulting injuries.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?
In Alabama, you have two years to file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident injury. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are. Given this strict deadline, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident. A lawyer can handle your claim in a timely manner, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare your case for court if necessary. Acting quickly and getting legal help is the best way to preserve your right to recover the compensation you need after a pedestrian collision.
How Many Pedestrians Are Killed in Dothan, AL, and Alabama Each Year?
In one recent year, Alabama recorded almost 750 pedestrian-involved accidents. Of those, 120 resulted in fatal injuries. There were also 178 cases of suspected serious injuries and 217 suspected minor injuries. In Dothan specifically, there were four reported pedestrian accidents that year. Fortunately, none of these accidents were fatal, though two involved suspected minor injuries, and two involved possible injuries.
What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Pedestrian Accident?
When a pedestrian gets hit by a car, they can suffer a wide range of injuries depending on factors like the speed of the collision and the surrounding environment. Common examples include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Road rash
- Dislocated joints
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Facial and dental injuries
- Contusions
- Amputations
What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Whether crossing busy streets or walking through quiet neighborhoods, pedestrians face considerable risks when drivers act carelessly or ignore traffic laws. Below are several examples of driver-related factors that frequently lead to pedestrian accidents in Dothan:
Distracted Driving
Many pedestrian accidents happen because drivers aren’t paying attention. If drivers are texting, eating, or looking at their GPS instead of monitoring their surroundings, they are more likely to overlook pedestrians crossing the street or walking along the road.
Speeding
Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for the conditions are less likely to be able to stop in time to avoid pedestrians. High-speed driving also increases the severity of crash injuries when pedestrian accidents happen.
Failure to Yield
Many pedestrian accidents happen when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks or intersections. Pedestrians have the right of way in many traffic scenarios, but some drivers don’t understand right-of-way rules or simply ignore traffic signals, which can lead to collisions.
Drunk Driving
A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs has impaired judgment and slower reaction times. Drunk drivers are prone to swerving off the road or failing to notice pedestrians in time to avoid crashing, especially in low-visibility conditions like at night.
Poor Weather Conditions
Rain, fog, or darkness can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Slippery roads also reduce a driver’s ability to stop quickly, increasing the risk of accidents. Drivers should adjust their speed and stay alert in bad weather, but many fail to do so.
Backing Up Without Looking
Some pedestrian accidents happen in parking lots or driveways when drivers don’t check their surroundings before backing up. If they’re not paying attention, drivers might crash into pedestrians walking behind or around their vehicles as they reverse.
Contact a Dothan, AL, Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Dothan, don’t wait to get the support you need to demand fair compensation for what you’ve suffered.
Contact the pedestrian accident law firm of Parker Trial Law today for a free initial consultation so we can review your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps.
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