Pedestrian accidents in Phenix City can result in devastating injuries. Even if a car is moving at a slow speed, the impact can be severe for a pedestrian, who has little to no protection.
In the event of a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, they can be held accountable for the resulting damages in a lawsuit. Such incidents can occur almost anywhere, but they tend to happen at locations where pedestrians have to rely on drivers, such as intersections and parking lots. If the driver fled the scene or if multiple parties are responsible for your injuries, the lawsuit may become complicated. Our team can assist you in investigating your case and gathering the necessary evidence to establish your claim.
For a free case review with our pedestrian accident lawyers, call Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
Steps You Can Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Phenix City, AL
Coping with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can pose many challenges. Nevertheless, there are several measures you can take to enhance your likelihood of holding the at-fault party accountable. It is essential to record the accident. Thus, reaching out to 911 right after the incident and capturing images of the scene is advisable. Prioritizing medical care is also crucial to document your injuries. Our pedestrian accident lawyers can use what you gather to build your case against the responsible party. Once you have received medical care, do not hesitate to seek our firm’s assistance for direction on the subsequent steps to follow.
Call the Police
In the event of a pedestrian accident, the first step towards seeking justice for your injuries is to contact the police immediately. If the offending party has left the scene, it is highly advised that you call 911 to report the incident. By informing the authorities, you ensure that your account is documented and any evidence at the scene is preserved for further investigation by our legal team and investigators. Additionally, the police report generated for your accident will serve as crucial evidence in your case and might help identify key details and witnesses related to the incident.
Gather Evidence
If you are physically able, we recommend collecting evidence while still at the accident scene. This includes getting contact details of witnesses or other drivers who might have seen what happened. If the driver who caused the accident stops, obtain their license and insurance information. It is also vital to take pictures and videos of all damaged vehicles and any injuries you sustained. This evidence will be useful when calculating your damages and determining liability later on. You can easily take photos using your phone, which will help paint a clear picture of the accident for the court.
Get Medical Treatment
Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, regardless of the extent of your injuries. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified medical professional is necessary to identify any possible internal injuries or fractures. Furthermore, your medical records can serve as evidence of treatment and the probable cause of your injuries. It is important to note that postponing medical care might adversely impact the compensation you receive in the future, as the other party might argue that your injuries are not significant if treatment is delayed.
Contact Our Team
If a pedestrian accident occurred due to the negligence of another driver or factors like inadequate road conditions or faulty equipment, you have legal options to seek compensation for the losses you have endured. In case you were unable to carry out some of the necessary steps, we can assist you in acquiring the required evidence to support your claim. We will also communicate with witnesses and the responsible party on your behalf so that you can concentrate on your recovery.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Phenix City, AL
Pedestrian accidents happen for a variety of reasons in Phenix City, and they often cause significant damage. Fortunately, our team is available to help you recover the compensation you deserve. It is important to take into account the circumstances surrounding your injuries, as they will affect the legal strategy employed in your case. Here are some of the most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents in Phenix City:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can pose a significant risk, as even a brief moment of inattention can result in a severe accident. Moreover, engaging in distracted driving is prohibited by law in Phenix City. Texting while driving is a common form of distraction and is responsible for a significant number of pedestrian injuries. Each driver has an obligation to operate their vehicle with caution and without any distractions.
Speeding
Pedestrian accidents frequently occur in Phenix City due to drivers who speed and fail to notice pedestrians in time to avoid collisions. Regrettably, in such situations, the speed of the driver’s vehicle often makes it impossible to come to a safe stop, resulting in a higher incidence of severe injuries or fatalities.
Disobeying Traffic Signals
It is regrettable, but many accidents involving pedestrians are frequently caused by drivers ignoring traffic signals or neglecting to yield at stop signs and crosswalks. To guarantee the safety of pedestrians, drivers must come to a halt at traffic lights and obey other signs that signal when to give way to pedestrians. Additionally, pedestrians face greater risks when walking at night, particularly in areas with inadequate visibility or lacking streetlamps. To stay secure and prevent harm or worse, pedestrians should comply with traffic signals and be vigilant of their surroundings at all times.
Hit and Run Accidents
If a pedestrian is injured on the street and the driver involved in the accident fails to offer assistance, the pedestrian can still seek damages. Some drivers tend to panic and flee the scene after hitting a pedestrian, particularly if they are at fault due to a traffic violation like drunk driving or texting. Finding the driver in a hit-and-run accident can be difficult, but any information the victim can remember might aid law enforcement in tracking down the culprit. Our team will work alongside law enforcement and conduct our own investigations to ensure the responsible driver is held accountable.
Drunk Driving
Intoxicated drivers who operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) pose a severe threat to pedestrians in Phenix City. Their impaired judgment and slower reaction times significantly increase the likelihood of fatal accidents. In some cases, these drivers might not even react quickly enough to avoid hitting pedestrians, and they might flee the scene to avoid prosecution. In the unfortunate event that you are injured by a drunk driver, you might be eligible for additional compensation designed to penalize the guilty party.
Our Phenix City, AL Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help
Contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case evaluation with our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys.
