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Call An Expert Birmingham Pedestrian Accident Lawyer For Representation.
We Know Personal Injury Law - And Will Fight For Your Recovery.
Pedestrian accidents can abruptly change lives in ways no one can foresee. Imagine a family enjoying a simple walk together, not imagining it could be the last time they all hold hands. In a fleeting moment, a distracted driver might not see a child dart into the street, leading to an unfathomable loss and an empty chair that was once filled with laughter and stories. Or consider a grandparent, who, instead of hanging stockings with care, faces a silent holiday in the hospital due to a reckless driver's mistake.
These tragedies not only take away the ones we cherish but leave behind a trail of sorrow, with survivors enduring deep emotional wounds and physical harm. The aftermath is a tapestry of pain and 'what might have been' that no family should have to weave.
From 2016 to 2021, more than 680 Alabama residents were killed - and countless others injured - in pedestrian accidents. Alabama is ranked as one of the top 10 most dangerous states for pedestrians, with a death rate 56.8% higher than the median. At Wettermark Keith, we recognize the preventable nature of these tragedies and stand with those injured by reckless drivers. Responsible parties should be held accountable for their actions, and affected families should have the financial means and resources they need to move forward. At Wettermark Keith, our attorneys are dedicated to helping pedestrian accident victims navigate the complexity of personal injury law to obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any personal injuries or damages sustained. You don’t have to face this alone - if you’ve been hurt, please contact us today at (205) 933-9500 or through our website for a free consultation.
What Causes Birmingham Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can result from a variety of factors. While driver inattention or recklessness is a common cause of these accidents, poorly or dangerously designed intersections may share the blame. For example, if the intersection does not have clearly marked crosswalks, proper signage, working traffic signals, and reasonable lighting, pedestrians may not know where it is safe to cross the street, and drivers may not know who has the right of way, leading to confusion and catastrophic accidents. In this case, the city may be one of the at-fault parties, and therefore liable for damages. Identifying the cause of your accident is important in ensuring your compensation. Some of the most common causes behind pedestrian accidents include:
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Driver error or misjudgment
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Broken traffic laws
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Ignored right-of-way
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Driving while intoxicated
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Drowsy driving
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Speeding in a school zone
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Dangerously designed intersection
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Lack of crosswalks
If the driver, the city of Birmingham, or another party is found in any way at fault for the accident that injured you or killed a loved one, the law may entitle you to financial compensation. While a successful civil lawsuit can never heal your wounds or replace your loved one, it may ease your financial and medical burdens, and it will hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
Contributory Negligence
Whatever the circumstances of your pedestrian accident, never admit fault before you know all the facts. Call the police, give them your side of the story, seek medical treatment, and then contact us immediately to discuss your case. Even in an accident where you seem to be at fault, further investigation may uncover the wrongdoing of another party, or reveal that a malfunctioning traffic light, defective brakes, or unsafe crosswalk design caused the collision.
Alabama is a contributory negligence state, meaning partial fault could bar you entirely from recovery. As the plaintiff, you must be able to prove that you were not at fault and that the collision occurred due to the negligence of another party, such as the driver, the owner of the property where the collision occurred or the entity in charge of roadway design. Avoid admitting fault or making any statements without an attorney. Our lawyers have seen these cases before, and know the ways to increase your odds of securing the compensation you need.
Common Injuries Sustained In Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries sustained in these accidents include:
Head and Brain Injuries
Like motorcyclists, pedestrians lack the protection of a car and remain at high risk for life-threatening head injuries in the event of an accident. Accident victims may experience concussion, coma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or even death. Typical symptoms of head injuries include headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Broken Bones
The blunt force trauma of a vehicle collision often leads to broken bones, or fractures. While fractures can affect any bone in the body, the bones fractured in pedestrian accidents tend to be in the legs, arms, and pelvic region. Symptoms of broken bones can include swelling, misshapen appearance, severe pain, and limited mobility.
Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries:
In most pedestrian accidents, trauma to the body is immediately evident. When a car strikes a pedestrian, that person may hit the windshield and bounce off onto the hard ground. During this process, they may have been lacerated by broken glass and debris, bruised by blunt force trauma, and torn by cement. Lacerations can be deep, resulting in disfigurement, nerve and muscle damage, infection and even amputation. Soft tissue injuries most often show up as bruising, but can go beyond that to include sprains and muscle strains - typically resulting in pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion. Finally, road rash - caused by skin rubbing against pavement - is extremely painful and prone to infection.
Internal injuries:
If an accident is severe enough, pedestrians may also sustain internal injuries. These can be extremely dangerous, as they may damage vital internal organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Symptoms of internal injuries may include abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and blood in the urine.
Paralysis:
Serious spinal injuries can result when a person is struck by a vehicle. If the impact damages the spinal cord severely enough, the damage may result in lifelong paralysis.
This is not an exhaustive list of injuries. It is always advisable for pedestrian accident victims to avoid self diagnosis. Instead, they should seek immediate medical attention, even if they doubt they are seriously injured. Some injuries, including TBI's, may not present symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident, and require x-rays or close observation to diagnose.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident?
Once the numbing shock of a sudden accident begins to subside, the physical pain tends to set in. You will likely feel overwhelmed, dizzy, disoriented, and scared. If you are able to keep some presence of mind in the difficult moments after your accident, there are several crucial steps you should take to protect yourself and ensure that you receive justice and compensation.
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Report the Accident Immediately
If you are able, call 911 immediately to notify them of the accident. If possible, stay at the scene to give a report. Without admitting fault, provide the police with as much information as possible about the driver and the vehicle involved.
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Seek Medical Attention:
Whether or not you believe your injuries are serious, it is important to see a doctor within 24 hours of the accident to make sure you don't have internal bleeding, brain damage, or a host of other invisible injuries. Furthermore, a medical report can serve as important evidence in your case.
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Collect Evidence:
Take detailed pictures of the accident scene, the vehicle that hit you, your injuries, and any other relevant details. Gather contact information from the driver and any witnesses. Other parties will be collecting evidence as well. With this in mind, avoid speaking to the driver’s insurance company before consulting with a lawyer. As you are in a vulnerable state, they may try to take advantage of this and use your words against you to damage your case.
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Contact Wettermark Keith Pedestrian Accident Lawyers:
Alabama’s contributory negligence law means that even 1% liability could prevent you from obtaining compensation for your injuries. In light of this, the right lawyer can make the difference between receiving justice and dealing with ongoing financial worries. The opposition will have legal representation - you should too. Our experienced attorneys can take the stress off your shoulders, gather vital information, and prove in a court of law that the other party was at fault for the accident.
Our Birmingham Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Will Fight For Your Rights
Being Birmingham residents themselves, our attorneys have a deep understanding of the local laws and the Alabama legal system. They have a wealth of experience in handling pedestrian accident cases, are well-versed in the regulations that apply to these types of accidents, and understand the unique challenges that pedestrians face on the road. Our lawyers are committed to serving the Birmingham community, and we have no patience for negligence. We will work tirelessly for our injured clients, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a strong case on their behalf.
What Damages Can I Recover?
Dealing with the injury and trauma of a violent accident is often debilitating. Pedestrian accident survivors are often plagued by ongoing physical and mental health issues for years to come. The depression, anxiety, and PTSD that may follow an accident will need extensive therapy to treat. You may no longer be able to work due to your injuries, or lose all your PTO to sit in a hospital waiting room. When you aren’t at fault, the physical, psychological and financial burdens of an injury can be overwhelming - you are entitled to the resources you need to heal and continue your life. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Disability due to your injury
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damage
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
During our free consultation, we'll listen to your story, learn the details of your case and evaluate your options together.
Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Ensure Compensation - and Peace of Mind
Combined, our lawyers have spent more than five decades representing vulnerable pedestrians. If a settlement is unsuccessful or unfair, your attorney will not hesitate to take the at-fault party to court. Our goal is not only to win your case, but to provide you with valuable peace of mind while you piece your life back together. If you choose to hire one of our attorneys, know that you will never be left in the cold - we emphasize compassion, mutual respect, and constant communication with our clients as we work to obtain the justice they deserve.
Why Choose Wettermark Keith?
With offices located throughout Alabama, Tennessee and now Florida, Wettermark Keith has an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. We represent clients with respect, professionalism, and compassion, and know precisely which tactics to employ to maximize the chances of a successful case. Our attorneys practice with care and compassion, knowing the devastating toll an accident can take on a family. At Wettermark Keith, we prioritize forming strong relationships with clients based on trust, constant communication, and a dedication to truth. Caring for you is our goal - winning is just how we show it.
Seek Justice - Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our attorneys are available to answer any questions you may have - we will work with you to understand your specific needs and goals and develop a strategy to achieve them. We understand the inherent stress of pursuing a civil case after an accident, and we are here to minimize your stress and maximize your compensation Don't let a pedestrian accident ruin your life - contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys. Call us now at (205) 933-9500, or contact us through our website form or chat bot. You handle the initial phone call - we'll handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any personal injury lawsuit in Alabama has a two-year statute of limitations. If a lawsuit is not filed within this two-year period, you may lose the right to legal action or compensation. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, it may still be possible to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired. Whatever the case, we recommend consulting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
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