Pedestrian accidents have a high propensity to cause serious injuries. For instance, victims regularly incur fractured bones, spinal cord damage, and brain injuries. Fortunately, those injured as the result of such accidents may seek payment for the harm they incurred.
However, the path to compensation in a pedestrian accident lawsuit can be complex. Defendants may employ several strategies to discredit plaintiffs’ cases. Accordingly, support from competent legal representation can be highly valuable to victims when fighting for the payment they deserve.
If you were injured because of a pedestrian accident in Birmingham, AL, seek guidance from our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Howe Law by calling (844) 876-4357 to discuss your potential case for free.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Birmingham, AL
There are many potential causes of pedestrian accidents. Still, many of such accidents are related to drivers’ negligence. For instance, the following are all common causes of pedestrian accidents in Birmingham, AL:
Speeding
Many pedestrians are struck by speeding drivers. While travelling at illegal speeds, motorists are prone to ignoring traffic lights and swerving outside of their lanes. Further, speeding drivers may fail to notice individuals using a crosswalk or travelling in a designated pedestrian lane.
Unfortunately, high-speed collisions are also likely to lead to more severe injuries. If you were hit by a speeding driver, then our pedestrian accident attorneys can help sue them for the damages you sustained.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is also a common source of pedestrian accidents. While intoxicated, motorists may exhibit blurry vision, delayed reaction times, and reckless decision-making abilities. Many pedestrians who are struck by drunk drivers suffer such accidents during the night. However, these accidents can still happen at any time of day.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another common cause of pedestrian accidents in Birmingham. There are multiple types of distraction that can affect motorists.
First, drivers can become cognitively distracted by taking their attention away from the task of driving. Second, drivers may become visually distracted by taking their eyes off the road. Finally, manual distraction may happen when drivers take their hands of the wheel.
There are several activities that can distract drivers. Some activities like texting can involve multiple types of distraction. Our legal team can help investigate whether a distracted driver is to blame for your collision.
What if You Share Blame for a Pedestrian Accident in Birmingham, AL
There are multiple ways that pedestrians can share blame for their accidents. For instance, a pedestrian may be partially at fault for their crash if they were disobeying a traffic signal or crossing the street in an improper area. Unfortunately, if you share responsibility for your pedestrian accident in Alabama, then you will be unable to obtain monetary damages for your injuries.
Alabama courts abide by the doctrine of contributory negligence. This means that victims cannot recover financial compensation if they share any degree of fault for their collisions.
Accordingly, defendants in pedestrian accident cases regularly attempt to shift blame onto plaintiffs. Support from our team can be very helpful when fighting to prove that the defendant in your case is entirely at fault.
Damages Available in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Birmingham, AL
There are several types of damages that may be compensated in a pedestrian accident lawsuit. During your free case assessment, we can explain which of the following forms of compensation may be awarded in your case:
Medical Expenses
Plaintiffs in pedestrian accident cases may obtain payment for the cost of any medical expenses related to their injuries. This includes the cost of all past, current, and future medical treatment.
In order to recover damages for medical expenses, you must seek medical treatment quickly after your accident. If you wait for your injuries to heal on their own, then you may be unable to obtain the full extent of compensation you deserve.
Lost Wages
Some pedestrian accident victims are unable to work until their injuries heal. In these cases, plaintiffs may pursue payment for the lost wages they suffer. Generally, these damages can be quantified using workers’ average weekly incomes.
Furthermore, some victims are permanently restricted from working in the future. These plaintiffs may also obtain compensation for their lost earning capacity in the future. However, pursuing damages for lost income in the future can be a complex process. It can be very beneficial t0 have experienced legal representation by your side when pursuing such damages in your case.
Physical Pain
Some pedestrian accident injuries can produce excruciating physical pain. For instance, fractured bones, back injuries, and head injuries can all be extremely painful. If you were hurt because of a pedestrian accident, then you may be entitled to monetary payment for the pain you experienced.
Emotional Suffering
In addition to recovering payment for physical pain, you may also be able to recover compensation for the emotional suffering caused by your pedestrian accident. For example, someone who suffered a brain injury because of their pedestrian accident may restricted from performing their favorite activities after their crash. In that case, the plaintiff may be entitled to payment for the emotional anguish stemming from their injury.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Additionally, you may obtain monetary damages for a wide range of out-of-pocket expenses related to your pedestrian accident injuries. For example, you may need to pay for help with transportation to your doctor’s appointments while recovering. Those transportation costs could be included in your claim against the at-fault motorist.
Damages for out-of-pocket expenses are usually established using receipts. Therefore, you should try to keep the receipts for any costs you incur because of your pedestrian accident injuries.
Property Damage
Finally, you may be awarded payment for any property damage caused by your pedestrian accident. For instance, if your cell phone was damaged because of your crash, then you may recover compensation for the cost of its replacement or repair.
Victims of Pedestrian Accidents in Birmingham, AL Can Call Our Attorneys for Help
Seek support from our pedestrian accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
