Toll free866-434-5840
Toll Free 866-434-5840
Local 251-265-1000

Mobile Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Recover compensation if you were hit by a car

Car accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists often result in serious injuries. That's because cyclists and pedestrians have little protection against cars, trucks and other vehicles. Without warning, motor vehicles sometimes strike people riding or walking along or across a street.

When these accidents happen, injury victims and their families often don't know what to do. Injuries are often severe or sometimes even fatal. Over 100 pedestrians are killed in Alabama every year, and the state regularly ranks among the most dangerous in the country for pedestrian deaths. And to make matters more complicated, some cycling and pedestrian accidents involve hit-and-run drivers.

Fortunately, you're not alone. Dean Waite can work with you and make sure your bicycle or pedestrian accident receives the attention it rightfully deserves. Mobile pedestrian accident attorney Dean Waite has years of experience handling such complex cases.

Dean Waite can help you fight for maximum compensation for your losses. If you are injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, our law firm can take aggressive action on your behalf and hold the negligent party accountable.

What should I do if I'm involved in a pedestrian accident?

Once you address the immediate medical concerns of your pedestrian accident, make sure you take steps to protect your legal rights. Your first step should be to obtain a copy of the Alabama Uniform Traffic Accident Report for your pedestrian accident. Police officers fill out this report for every accident involving a motor vehicle in Alabama. And most insurance companies rely on this report when deciding whether or how much to compensate injury victims. We can help you review your report and make sure all the facts are right.

Another part of the accident investigation process involves talking with insurance companies about your accident. A claims adjuster from the driver's insurance company might contact you. We recommend you decline comment until you have legal representation. Anything you say can be used to deny your claim. We have years of experience successfully negotiating with insurance companies.

If possible, take photographs of your accident scene as soon as possible. Also take photos of your injuries or ask someone else to do so for you. Such evidence can be critical when it comes to negotiating for the compensation you rightfully deserve.

If there were witnesses, make sure you get a statement from them and they speak with the police about your accident. Also get their names, addresses and phone numbers. That way, investigators can get in touch with any witnesses. We cannot stress enough the importance of witness statements. Such statements can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case.

Who is liable for a pedestrian accident?

Both drivers and pedestrians have a responsibility to share the road safely, but the greater responsibility falls on the person behind the wheel of a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds. Many pedestrian accidents are caused by distracted drivers who fail to notice a pedestrian. Driving too fast at night or in low-light conditions is also a key factor since darkness affects peripheral vision first and pedestrians enter the road from the side.

Sometimes, a party other than a pedestrian is liable for an accident, such as a manufacturer of a defective vehicle or defective brakes. Only an attorney can fully investigate a pedestrian crash and determine which party or parties are at fault.

How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?

Every accident is different, but many pedestrian accidents are quite costly. The value of your claim depends on the extent of your injuries and the effects those injuries have had on your life. If you have a permanent injury such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI), you may be permanently disabled. However, even a relatively minor injury can have ripple effects on your health, your career, and your quality of life.

Some of the damages (financial compensation) you can pursue in a pedestrian accident claim include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and lost future income
  • Replacement services, like housework and childcare
  • Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
  • Lost quality and enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Property damage

Depending on the circumstances, this may be in the tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars. Only an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can investigate your claim and determine the full value.

How are pedestrian and bicycle accidents different from other accidents?

There are many reasons why pedestrian and bicycle accidents are different from motor vehicle accidents. First and foremost, such accidents often are associated with more severe injuries than car wrecks or motorcycle accidents.

Dealing with insurance companies can sometimes be problematic as well, especially if the pedestrian or cyclist does not have insurance of any kind. In most cases, a person's health insurance will cover their accident. But your own policy might not cover the full, long-term cost of a bicycle or pedestrian accident. Dean Waite can meet with you and help you examine all potential sources of compensation.

Another common difficulty - drivers who cause bicycle and pedestrian accidents often deny any wrongdoing. In some cases, they might even try to blame you for causing the accident. They may say you were not paying attention. You don't want to risk being denied compensation. Contact our law firm as soon as possible for the legal advice you need now.

Why do I need a lawyer if I'm involved in a bicycle or pedestrian accident?

Dean Waite and his knowledgeable legal team have years of experience dealing with complicated bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Attorney Waite knows how to determine who's at fault and how to hold drivers accountable for their actions.

Without an experienced lawyer on your side, you could risk losing out on thousands of dollars on your claim. We can also explain all the legal options available to you. That way, you can decide what approach you want us to take on your behalf.

If the driver hit you while on foot or a bicycle and then fled the scene, you may be able to file a claim against your own auto insurance policy.

If necessary, we're prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf for your pedestrian or bicycle accident. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation. We are ready for you any time of the day or night. Call (866) 434-5840.