Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Birmingham

Walking is one of the best things that a person can do for good health, and may be one of the only forms of transportation available to some people. Indeed, even for those who have a car, walking is often necessary – navigating a parking lot, crossing a street, etc. are all parts getting to and fro.

Despite the fact that walking is an essential and important aspect of our lives, there are not enough protections for pedestrians in place. Indeed, in 2015 in Alabama, the number of pedestrian injuries increased by 5.3 percent, resulting in 656 pedestrian injuries and nearly 100 pedestrian fatalities that year (the most recent year for which data is available).

If you have been hit by a car in Alabama, our lawyers want to meet with you. We understand the serious nature of pedestrian accidents, and will be by your side to help you recover compensation after a crash.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Most pedestrian accidents result from negligence, and are almost always caused by human error. Some of the top causes of pedestrian accidents in Alabama are:

• Drinking while driving;
• Driving while distracted;
• Speeding;
• Failing to yield;
• Running a stop sign/stop light; and
• Driving aggressively.

In some cases, a pedestrian accident may be the fault of a pedestrian. In fact, distracted walking has surged in recent years, as more pedestrians are looking down at their phones or listening to music while walking than ever before.

Injuries in a Pedestrian Crash

Even when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle that is not traveling at a high speed, injuries in a pedestrian accident are often very serious; after all, a pedestrian has no protections to help prevent injuries. Indeed, at the very least, a pedestrian is almost always knocked down when hit, which can lead to road burn injuries, bone fracture injuries, head and traumatic brain injuries, and more. If the pedestrian is hit while the vehicle is traveling at a high speed, or is run over, crush injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe internal injuries, and other tragic, or fatal, injury types are more likely.

Not only are these injuries terrible, painful, and often disabling and disfiguring, but they are also very expensive to treat, can result in the pedestrian being unable to return to work, and are often accompanied by psychological injuries as well.

Steps to Take after Being Hit by a Car

If you are hit by a car, taking the following steps can help to ensure that you get the treatment that you need, and that you are able to recover the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Steps to take include:

• Seek medical care. Even if you only think your injuries are minor, you should still make sure that you are assessed by a medical professional. In fact, some injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, may not be obvious immediately.

• Document the crash. After seeking medical care, taking thorough notes regarding the crash and how it happened is important. You should also be sure to report the incident to the police regardless of extent of injuries, talk to eyewitnesses, request a copy of the police report, and make sure to document your injuries and recovery process.

• Notify the insurance company. In Alabama, the party who causes an accident is responsible for paying for it. As such, if your pedestrian accident was the fault of the driver, their liability insurance policy should pay for your injuries. You will need to file a claim with the insurance company as soon as possible after a crash, and be prepared for an insurance adjuster to open an investigation.

• Hire an attorney. In order to navigate the claims process, negotiate with an insurance adjuster, and improve your chances of recovering the maximum amount of compensation available to you, working with an attorney is recommended.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helping You Recover Damages

Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer is one of the smartest things that you can do following a crash. Things you should know about working with an attorney are:

• Your attorney will manage an investigation on your behalf. As explained above, determining fault is critical after a crash, as the at-fault party is the party who will be liable for damages. If fault is disputed, having a professional on your side who can investigate your case can prove invaluable.

• Your attorney will make sure you understand the law. It’s not just fault and the concept of negligence that you need to understand after being hit by a car, but things like damages, the statute of limitations, and the process of filing a lawsuit, too.

• Your attorney will calculate your damages and negotiate on your behalf. While you may think you know what your injuries are worth–after all, you have your medical bills in front of you–calculating damages after a crash can actually be fairly difficult to do. This is because there are many different types of damages available to you (economic, noneconomic, punitive), as well as damages for past and future losses. In addition to calculating what your case is worth, your attorney can also negotiate with an insurance adjuster to help maximize your settlement amount.

• Your attorneys works on a contingency fee basis. Another benefit of working with a personal injury attorney is that a skilled attorney will not only not charge you for you initial consultation, but will also work on your claim on a contingency fee basis. The fee is contingent on your case being won – if your case is not won, you will not owe the attorney anything. If your case is won, your attorney’s fee is based on a percentage of your winnings.

Contact the Offices of Burge & Burge, PC Today

A pedestrian accident may change your life. To help you protect your future, contact the law offices of Burge & Burge, PC. Our Alabama pedestrian accident attorneys care about the outcome of your case, and will fight for you. You can reach us today at 205-251-9000, or send us an email at your earliest convenience.