If you or a family member have been hit by a vehicle, you need an experienced Dothan pedestrian accident attorney. Turn to the personal injury lawyers at Morris Bart.
Why You Should Hire a Dothan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer ASAP
While you are healing from your injuries, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Dothan could be working on your case. There are other advantages beyond just the peace of mind that your case is being worked on so that you can focus on your recovery. What else?
Alabama Has a Statute of Limitations
In Alabama, you may only have up to two years to file a legal claim following a personal injury claim, including for pedestrian accidents. However, there are sometimes exceptions to these rules that alter how much time you have to seek damages. By hiring a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with Alabama’s laws, you can ensure you meet the statutory requirements and don’t miss out on your opportunity to recover financial compensation.
Pressure from the Driver’s Insurance Company
Once the responsible driver’s insurance company learns of the incident, their adjuster will try to get you to accept the lowest compensation possible. Do not talk with them. You need an attorney to deal with all insurance representatives.
For a free legal consultation with a Pedestrian Accident lawyer serving Dothan, call 800-537-8185
What Can a Dothan Pedestrian Accident Attorney Do for You?
A pedestrian accident lawyer will do much more than handling the insurance company. They will investigate your accident, prepare your case, and be your voice for getting proper compensation for your injuries.
The initial consultation with a Morris Bart attorney is free. This gives your new attorney a chance to review the information and evidence you already have while allowing you to meet and get to know them. During this meeting, you should be prepared to provide:
- Where you were and the date and time of day you were hit
- Your full recollection of the accident
- Contact information of the driver
- The type of vehicle they were driving and insurance information
- Contact information for witnesses
- Copies of your medical records for injuries sustained in the accident
These things and anything else you know about the accident will go a long way in allowing our attorney to evaluate your case. You can then, together, decide how to proceed.
Pursuing Your Legal Case
Your lawyer will need to prove that someone other than you was responsible for the accident to make a solid case. Other information your legal team will need to gather includes:
- A copy of the police report
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photographs and videos of the accident
- Records of any previous accidents or arrests involving the driver
In addition, if the clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident remains unwashed, including your shoes, your attorney likely will want to see them. Clothing along with items the pedestrian was carrying may show debris, blood, rips, and tears that can be important evidence in your case.
Determining Who Was at Fault
The responsible party is often the vehicle driver, but not always. The fault could lie with:
- The automobile manufacturer for a faulty part in the vehicle
- An auto repair shop for improper or poor maintenance of the vehicle
- The city, county, or state for improperly maintaining a roadway, stoplight, or traffic signage
But most accidents are caused by negligence on the driver’s part. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Speeding
- Failure to stop at a light or stop sign
- Failure to stop at a pedestrian crosswalk
- Distracted driving
- Driving while under the influence
In Alabama, your lawyer must be able to prove that you, the pedestrian, had no shared fault in the accident.
Shared Fault vs. Contributory Negligence
Alabama is one of the few states that negates shared fault, known as contributory negligence. If the victim of an accident is even one percent responsible, they cannot receive any compensation for their injuries or other damages. That is why it is imperative your attorney can show you had no responsibility for your accident.
There are a few exceptions to this, involving children and someone who is mentally challenged. Your Dothan pedestrian accident attorney knows to apply an exception if applicable and when needed.
The Case for Compensation
To get you the compensation you deserve, your attorney will have to prove:
- The driver was negligent
- That negligence caused your injuries and other damages
If your attorney can prove negligence in your case, you will be awarded compensation.
Click to contact our Dothan Personal Injury Attorney today
What Can You Receive in Compensation After Being Hit by a Car?
The compensation you receive is based on damages. Those damages include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Punitive damages, applied for intentional harm, are recognized in Alabama but rarely awarded.
Chances are, you will be looking for economic and non-economic compensation.
Types of Economic Compensation
The damages in this category are the most straightforward and easiest to prove. These include such things as:
- Emergency medical transport
- Emergency medical tests and treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Other medical care and tests
- Rehabilitation
- Convalescent or in-home care
- Allotment for future medical care
- Loss of income
- Future loss of income
- Property damages
Each item has proof of expense or loss.
What Is Non-Economic Compensation?
Non-economic injuries help compensate for your pain and suffering. This includes such things as:
- Mental anguish and psychological pain
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Your attorney will use past case files and expert witness information to help determine the amount you should be entitled to here.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Dothan for Help
When you or a family member have been hit by a car, it is hard to know where to turn for legal help. The attorneys at Morris Bart have cared for Alabamans for more than 40 years. We are well-established in Dothan and familiar with the local courts, the judges, and defense attorneys.
That knowledge is vital in our work to help you. Take comfort in our experience and contact us for your free consultation today.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
