There are several potential causes of pedestrian accidents. For instance, a collision involving a pedestrian may occur because a driver was distracted behind the wheel. Further, such a crash may happen because a driver disobeys a traffic signal. Fortunately, victims of pedestrian accidents can sue the parties responsible for their injuries.
There are many types of economic and non-economic damages that may be pursued during a pedestrian accident lawsuit. While performing a free assessment of your claim, our team can determine which forms of compensation may be available to you.
In the aftermath of your pedestrian accident in Decatur, AL, seek help from our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free evaluation of your claim.
Common Locations Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Decatur, AL
There are certain places where pedestrian accidents happen more regularly than others. Fortunately, our pedestrian accident attorneys can assist victims of collisions that occur at any of the following locations:
Crosswalks and Intersections
Crosswalks and intersections are common locations for pedestrian accidents. Drivers often cause collisions at these locations by failing to yield the right-of-way, disobeying traffic signals, and engaging in distracted driving. Thankfully, victims of such accidents may be entitled to a significant compensation for their injuries.
Urban Areas
Pedestrian accidents are prevalent in highly populated urban locations, such as city centers and downtown areas. Increased foot traffic, busy roads, and a mix of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians can create a higher risk of accidents.
Residential Areas
Residential areas, particularly neighborhoods with schools or parks, often see pedestrian accidents. These accidents are especially frequent during school hours or when children are playing outside. Drivers must adhere to reduced speed limits and watch for children crossing the street.
Parking Lots
Parking lots can be hazardous for pedestrians due to limited visibility and drivers maneuvering into and out of their parking spaces. Drivers may not appropriately check their surroundings before maneuvering around parking lots. Victims of parking lots accidents can sustain debilitating injuries.
Rural Roads
Pedestrian accidents can also happen on rural roads, especially when there are no sidewalks or designated pedestrian areas. Drivers must be cautious and watch for pedestrians alongside the road, especially during low-light conditions.
Construction Zones
Construction zones pose hazards for pedestrians due to altered traffic lanes, reduced visibility, and potential hazards from construction equipment and materials. Motorists have to exercise reasonable care and adhere to signs and safety protocols while driving in construction areas.
Examples of Injuries Suffered by Pedestrian Accident Victims in Decatur, AL
When pedestrians are hit by careless motorists, catastrophic harm can occur. The following are all examples of serious injuries suffered by pedestrian accident victims in Decatur, AL:
Broken Bones
Many pedestrian accidents lead to broken bones. Victims can suffer such injuries when they are struck by a vehicle, when they impact the ground, or when they contact another hard object such as a lamp post or a mailbox.
These injuries can be highly debilitating and painful. Also, in particularly serious cases like those involving compound fractures or crush injuries, those who sustain broken bones may require surgical treatment.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Many victims of pedestrian accidents incur traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can come in several forms. For instance, a victim may incur an intracranial hematoma, a skull fracture, or a concussion.
Those who sustain traumatic brain injuries can experience a wide array of symptoms that inhibit the quality of their lives. For example, someone who suffers such an injury may have trouble engaging in their favorite hobbies or participating in meaningful relations with family members. Thankfully, these types of non-economic damages may be compensated through pedestrian accident lawsuits.
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue damage is another serious type of harm sustained by victims of pedestrian accidents in Decatur. This type of damage usually involves injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Those who suffer soft tissue damage may experience excruciating degrees of pain and immobility.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also a common type of injury caused by pedestrian accidents. Like traumatic brain injuries, these injuries can come in several different forms. For instance, someone who suffers a pedestrian accident may incur a herniated disc, a vertebral facture, or a case of spinal stenosis.
Some of those who suffer spinal cord injuries experience partial or complete paralysis. In such cases, plaintiffs may be entitled to substantial compensation for the injuries they incurred.
Burns
Finally, some victims of pedestrian accidents suffer burn injuries. These injuries may occur because of fires and explosions caused by motor vehicle crashes. However, pedestrians can also sustain burn injuries by contacting hot metals, hot liquids, and hot air during the course of their collisions.
Burns can be extraordinarily painful. Thankfully, if you sustained a burn injury because of a pedestrian accident, then our legal team can pursue payment for the physical pain you experienced.
Deadline for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Decatur, AL
The deadline to file your pedestrian accident case in Alabama is set forth by Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Typically, you will have two years from the date of your crash to bring your potential lawsuit to court. If you do not act in accordance with this deadline, then the defendant will likely move to have your case dismissed.
Despite potentially having two years to file your case, you should begin building your claim right away. The evidence needed to support your claim may become hard to preserve or gather as time goes on. For example, documents can become lost, physical evidence can deteriorate, and witnesses can forget important details regarding your collision. The sooner you begin working on your lawsuit, the more effectively you may collect the information needed to win your case.
If You Were Hurt Because of a Pedestrian Accident in Decatur, AL, Our Attorneys Can Help
After suffering a pedestrian accident in Decatur, seek help from our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357 to review your potential claim for free.
