Alabama is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians in the country. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that, in 2019, Alabama was in the top 10 states for the most pedestrian fatalities. If you are one of the many people in the state who is struck by a vehicle when you’re on foot, you can get help.
A Tuscaloosa pedestrian accident attorney could be able to get you compensation for your injuries. By filing a personal injury claim, you can hold the negligent driver accountable and start to move on from the aftermath of your accident.
If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, you can get a free consultation with Morris Bart, LLC. Our lawyers are available 24/7 to help injury victims recover compensation to pay for their medical bills and other damages.
Can I Claim Compensation after a Pedestrian Accident in Tuscaloosa?
Yes, if you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, you do have the right to compensation. However, there are some things that you need to establish in order to claim your compensation. You need to be able to show that:
- You have specific, quantifiable damages like medical bills and lost wages.
- Someone else’s negligence caused your damages.
There are certain things that you can do to help your chances of showing that you deserve compensation. To help your claim, you should:
- Call the police and make a report.
- Save all your receipts and documents related to your injuries.
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including the vehicle that hit you.
- Don’t tell the other party’s lawyer or the insurance company anything they don’t need to know.
- Call an Alabama pedestrian accident lawyer to help.
While you can take those steps to help your claim, there’s only so much you can do without the help of a lawyer. The insurance company and the other party’s attorney will try to trick you into saying something that will hurt your chances of getting full compensation. A skilled lawyer will know how to guide you through the process of filing your claim and getting the compensation you deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a Pedestrian Accident lawyer serving Tuscaloosa, call (800) 537-8185
Your Rights As a Pedestrian in Tuscaloosa
As a pedestrian, you have rights in Alabama. If the other party infringed on those rights and broke road laws, they breached the standard of care. They could be found negligent and have to pay for your damages.
According to Ala. Code §32-5A-211, if a pedestrian is crossing at a crosswalk with no working signals, drivers have to give them the right of way. Additionally, if you are at any place other than the road when a driver hits you, then they are in the wrong.
That being said, as a pedestrian, you also have rules you need to follow. For example, if you are crossing at any place other than a crosswalk, then you have to give motorists the right of way. You’re also expected to not walk on the road when possible, using a sidewalk instead.
If you’re found to be in violation of pedestrian laws, there’s a chance that your compensation could be reduced or taken away entirely. The other party’s representation or the insurance company may try to say that you were partially responsible for your accident, but a personal injury lawyer in Tuscaloosa can keep them from taking advantage of you.
Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer for a Minor Accident?
If you had to pay anything for medical bills or other damages stemming from your accident, then yes, it very well may be worth hiring a lawyer to handle your case, no matter how minor. Medical bills can add up quickly, and you shouldn’t have to pay for injuries that weren’t your fault.
Thankfully, the Tuscaloosa pedestrian accident lawyers from our firm charge nothing upfront, so there is no risk in hiring a lawyer for a claim that will be small or unsuccessful. Our firm works on a contingency-fee-basis, which means we only get paid attorneys fees if you get compensation.
It may be tempting to try to take on your claim alone to save money on lawyer fees, but even if your case is clear-cut and low-risk, it’s worth it to have a lawyer by your side. Without the help of someone who knows Alabama law and can anticipate the other lawyer’s tricks, your chances at compensation are slim.
If you’re not sure whether your claim is worth pursuing, you can always get a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Tuscaloosa. One of our attorneys will sit down and assess your case to tell you what the best course of action is for your pedestrian accident.
Click to contact our Tuscaloosa Personal Injury Lawyers today
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Tuscaloosa Can Help
The first and most important thing that a Tuscaloosa pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm will do for you is listen. Our team will hear your story and tell you what we can do to help you recover. After that, our lawyers will:
- Investigate your accident
- Gather evidence of the other party’s negligence
- Calculate your damages
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Represent you in court if necessary
A surprising fact about personal injury claims is that they almost never turn into an actual lawsuit. Most of the time, they’re settled outside of court. However, in rare instances, negotiations fall through and claims go to court.
If that happens, your pedestrian accident lawyer will stick by your side so you have someone to fight for you in court. Again, we don’t get paid attorneys fees unless you win, so our team will do all it takes to get you compensation for your injuries.
Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Tuscaloosa for Free
Because pedestrians are so much more vulnerable than motorists, medical bills after an accident can be very high. You shouldn’t have to pay for your injuries out of your own pocket if someone else was at fault. Look to Tuscaloosa pedestrian accident attorneys at Morris Bart, LLC, to handle the legal details while you recover.
Call us or contact us online to talk with one of our personal injury lawyers today. We care about your well-being and want to help you get back on your feet.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
