Pedestrian accidents often happen as the result of motorists’ negligence. For example, pedestrians are often hit by drivers who are impaired, speeding, or distracted. These accidents have a high propensity to cause catastrophic harm. In especially serious cases, victims can sustain fatal injuries.
Thankfully, you may be able to sue the driver who caused your pedestrian accident. In order to obtain monetary damages, you must be able to show that your accident occurred because of their negligent behavior.
If you were hurt because of a pedestrian accident in Montgomery, AL, get help from our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
What to Do After Suffering a Pedestrian Accident in Montgomery, AL
There are steps you may take after suffering a pedestrian accident that will help your ability to recover payment from the driver who hit you. The first step will involve reporting your accident to law enforcement. After any accident that causes an injury, 911 should be called. Afterwards, the dispatcher can send emergency services for anyone who requires immediate medical attention. Furthermore, an officer will visit the scene to draft their official accident report. This report can provide a great deal of information that helps your build your case.
Next, you should attempt to exchange information with other parties if you can. You should retrieve the contact information and insurance information of the driver who hit you. Additionally, contact information for eyewitnesses should be collected. Eyewitnesses can offer both oral and written statements that help explain how or why your accident happened.
Furthermore, you should attempt to take photos at the scene of your crash if possible. These photos may be used to help prove fault for your crash. However, they can also be used to discredit the defendant’s alternative theories of fault. For instance, the driver who hit you may suggest that your accident happened because of poor visibility, as opposed to their negligence. In that case, photos from the scene depicting clear weather could be used to disprove the defendant’s argument.
If you did not receive emergency medical care at the scene of your accident, you should see a doctor as quickly as you can. You will need proper documentation of your injuries in order to recover financial compensation for the harm you endured. Accordingly, waiting for your injuries to heal on their own can prevent you from obtaining the payment you are owed. Furthermore, the defendant and their insurer may assert that a delay in medical treatment means that you were not seriously hurt.
Finally, you should reach out to our Montgomery pedestrian accident lawyers as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner you get in touch with our legal team, the more efficiently we can collect the evidence needed to recover damages in your case.
Common Sources of Pedestrian Accidents in Montgomery, AL
A high number of pedestrian accidents happen as the result of driver’s negligent behavior. For example, the following are all common sources of pedestrian accidents in Montgomery:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers can be distracted by a wide array of activities that take their minds off the task of driving, their hands off the wheel, or their eyes off the road. For example, texting, playing music on mobile devices, and conversing with passengers are all examples of activities that regularly distract drivers.
While distracted, drivers are prone to making reckless mistakes like running red lights and making illegal left turns. Fortunately, these drivers may be sued for pedestrian accidents they cause.
Drunk Driving
Many pedestrians are struck by drunk drivers. Drunk drivers will exhibit blurry vision, poor reaction times, and careless decision-making abilities. Many drunk motorists strike pedestrians simply because they do not notice them on the roadway. Furthermore, pedestrians are also regularly struck by drunk drivers who swerve outside of their lanes. These accidents mostly happen at night but can occur at any time of the day. If you suspect you were hit by a drunk driver, then you may be entitled to monetary damages.
Speeding
Additionally, speeding is another common source of pedestrian accidents in Montgomery. Speeding drivers will have trouble controlling their vehicles and braking on time to avoid collisions. Many speeding drivers are unable to stop as they abruptly approach red lights and crosswalks. Accordingly, many pedestrians are stuck by drivers who are travelling at excessive speeds.
What if You Share Some of the Blame for Your Pedestrian Accident in Montgomery, AL?
If you share some of the blame for your pedestrian accident, then you will be unable to obtain compensation for the injuries you suffered. Courts in Maryland will adhere to the strict rules of contributory negligence when assigning damages in pedestrian accident cases. Accordingly, if you are found to have played even the slightest role in causing your collision, then you will be unable to file a lawsuit against the other party.
Most defendants in pedestrian accident cases will attempt to shift blame onto victims. However, do not let this deter you from seeking the payment you are owed. There are several forms of evidence that you can use to establish that the defendant in your case is entirely at fault.
Considering Settlement Offers in Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits in Montgomery, AL
After filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit, you will likely be presented with settlement offers before trial. If you enter into a settlement agreement, then the defendant in your case will pay you a specific sum of money in exchange for the voluntary dismissal of your claim. There are some advantages to settling your case earlier. For instance, you may receive payment sooner and save on some of the costs associated with going to trial.
Unfortunately, there is a chance that the defendant will not make an offer that represents the true value of your case. Accordingly, you may need to go to trial to obtain the full extent of financial compensation you deserve. However, if your case is unsuccessful at trial, you may receive nothing. It is important to have experienced legal representation on your side when evaluating settlement offers in your case.
Pedestrian Accident Victims in Montgomery, AL Can Call Our Law Firm for Assistance
Seek support from our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
