Walking as a pedestrian is becoming increasingly dangerous due to drivers’ careless behaviors. If you’ve been hit by a car in Montgomery, AL, you need strong legal representation to help you hold the liable parties accountable.
At Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, our team of personal injury lawyers in Montgomery can help you through the legal process so you can recover the compensation you need. We offer a free case consultation so you can know the compensation you qualify for.
What Is Alabama’s Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents?
After you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Alabama, you should file your claim as soon as you’ve received the proper medical care. According to the Code of Alabama § 6-2-38, you only have two years from the pedestrian accident to file your claim. Our Montgomery pedestrian accident lawyers can help you understand the process and file on time.
Even though you have two years to file, the context of your case could change your deadline. Our team can give you a free case evaluation to determine exactly how long you have.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer serving Montgomery, call (205) 326-3336
What Information do You Need to File a Claim?
Filing a claim can be intimidating with all the information you need to provide about your accident for it to be accepted. However, that’s why our experienced team of Montgomery pedestrian accident attorneys is here to help you. We can help you gather the information you need to file your pedestrian accident claim, such as:
- Accident details: Obtain as many details as possible about the accident itself. This includes the date, time, and location of the incident. Take note of any specific factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as poor lighting, defective traffic signals, or hazardous road conditions.
- Contact information: Gather the contact details of everyone involved in the accident, including the driver of the vehicle, any witnesses, and responding law enforcement officers. Ensure you have their names, phone numbers, and addresses to facilitate communication during the claims process.
- Driver’s information: Obtain the driver’s insurance information, including the name of their insurance company, policy number, and contact information. This information will be important when initiating a claim and communicating with the insurance company.
- Witness statements: If there were witnesses to the accident, try to obtain their statements regarding what they saw. Their testimonies can provide valuable evidence and support your version of events.
- Photos and videos: Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including the location, any visible injuries, property damage, and any relevant road conditions. Visual evidence can be highly influential in establishing fault and illustrating the accident’s severity.
- Medical documentation: Seek immediate medical attention after the accident, even if your injuries seem minor. Keep copies of all medical records, including doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results, treatment plans, and receipts for medical expenses. These documents will help substantiate your injuries and the associated costs.
- Police report: If law enforcement responded to the accident, obtain a copy of the police report. This report typically contains important details about the accident, including the officer’s observations, statements from involved parties, and any citations issued.
- Insurance correspondence: Keep records of all correspondence with insurance companies, including emails, letters, and phone call summaries. Document each exchange’s date, time, and content to ensure accurate documentation of your claim.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help You After Your Accident?
Hiring an attorney to help you can save you time and money after you’ve been injured in a Montgomery pedestrian accident. One of the ways our team can help you is to gather evidence to support your side of the story. We’ll compile the evidence into a case demonstrating the negligent parties’ actions.
Another way we can help you is by understanding legal terms and the overall process. If this is your first time filing a lawsuit, you likely won’t know every step you must take. Our team can guide you through the process to help you have a successful case.
We can also provide a free in-person or video consultation to assess your losses. By knowing what damages you could be eligible for, we can help you negotiate better with the insurance company so you get the compensation you need. When you meet with our team, we can tell you about several additional ways we can help you with your pedestrian accident case.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Alabama?
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are fairly common in Alabama, and according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration, pedestrian accidents have stayed at a consistent rate. In 2020, there were 43 pedestrian fatalities; in 2021, the number of fatalities rose to 51. And finally, in 2022, there were 52 fatalities.
The large increase from 2020 to 2022 could have been due to COVID-19 measures or an increase in reckless driving and other negligent behaviors. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to yield
- Improper lane changes
- Texting and driving
Damages a Montgomery Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover
You’ll likely suffer injuries and losses after getting hit as a pedestrian. We often see physical injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents, including:
- Fractures
- Spine and neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Burns
Our team at Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, is ready to stand by you and fight for the following damages:
- Medical expenses: If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, you may face substantial medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs, which can create a significant financial burden.
- Emotional distress: As a pedestrian accident victim, you may experience emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma, which can have a profound impact on your overall well-being and quality of life.
- Lost wages: The injuries you sustain in a pedestrian accident may prevent you from working, resulting in lost wages and income, adding financial strain during your recovery process.
- Decreased earning capacity: Severe injuries from the accident could potentially limit your ability to earn a living, leading to a decreased earning capacity and impacting your future career opportunities and financial stability.
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain, discomfort, and suffering you endure as a pedestrian accident victim can significantly impact your daily life and activities, causing ongoing challenges and hardships.
- Traumatic brain injury damages: If you suffer a traumatic brain injury in a pedestrian accident, you may experience cognitive impairments, memory loss, and long-term physical and psychological consequences, requiring ongoing medical care, support, and adjustments to your lifestyle.
- Spinal cord injury damages: In the event of a spinal cord injury from a pedestrian accident, you may face paralysis, loss of bodily functions, and a lifetime of medical treatments, rehabilitation, and the need for adaptive equipment, greatly affecting your independence and overall quality of life.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation With Our Pedestrian Accident Team
At Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, our Montgomery pedestrian accident lawyers team is dedicated to your success. We’re ready to do everything we can to make sure you get the compensation you need.
Contact us today for a free case consultation.