Essential Steps to Take if You're Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Alabama

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Alabama, knowing what to do immediately after can be both overwhelming and daunting. However, taking the right steps promptly following the accident is crucial to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. At the Law Offices of Stephen Thompson, we specialize in personal injury law, particularly for victims of motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other vehicular injuries. We understand how life-changing such accidents can be and we can guide you on the immediate actions to take to protect your rights and potential compensation.

1. Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

The first step in any accident, including a pedestrian one, is to ensure everyone's safety. It's crucial to move out of the road and avoid any further injuries if possible. After securing the scene, call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if your injuries appear minor, it's essential to be evaluated by medical professionals immediately. Undocumented injuries can cause complications further along and may even reduce your chance of receiving complete compensation.

2. Report the Accident

Once everyone's safety is ensured and medical help is on the way, it's critical to report the accident to the police. Any pedestrian accident report filed in Alabama becomes crucial evidence if there's any future legal action. It provides an unbiased, third-party narrative of the events which often includes details about the incident, witness statements, and parties involved.

3. Collect Evidence

If your health allows, gather as much evidence at the accident scene as possible. This includes taking photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or properties. Additionally, gathering names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved, including any potential witnesses are also beneficial.

4. Avoid Discussing Fault

While it's important to cooperate with law enforcement and emergency medical professionals, avoid discussing the accident's details with anyone else, especially the other party's insurance company. Notably, any comments regarding fault or apologies can potentially be used against you unjustly during claim settlements. It's best to limit discussions about the accident until you've had a chance to speak with your attorney.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Alabama

Contact a seasoned Alabama personal injury lawyer like Stephen Thompson, ideally as soon as possible after your accident. Your attorney will advise you on protecting your rights, dealing with insurance companies, and pursuing all possible avenues for compensation. Besides, a lawyer will work tirelessly to build a robust case based on facts and evidence collected, significantly improving your chances for a successful claim.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

You might need to report the accident to your insurer within a specific timeframe, as stipulated in your insurance policy. If possible, consult with your attorney prior to giving any statements to insurance providers. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Alabama will help you navigate the challenging conversations with insurance adjusters, who often aim to minimize your compensation.

7. Document Medical Expenses and Damages

To maximize your compensation, start a file to log all of your medical costs, including hospital fees, medication, therapy costs, and any future medical expenses related to your accident. Additionally, record costs like property damage, loss of income, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. This careful record-keeping plays a crucial role when negotiating your compensation with insurance adjusters.

Seeking just compensation for pedestrian accidents in Alabama can be complex due to the state’s contributory negligence law, which can bar your claim if you're found to share any blame for the accident. That's why it's vital to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer skilled in handling Alabama pedestrian accident cases. 

At the Law Offices of Stephen Thompson, we're committed to ensuring our clients' rights are protected and they receive the full compensation they deserve. If you're searching for experienced, compassionate and dedicated personal injury or motorcycle accident lawyers in Alabama, contact us for a free consultation today.

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

• First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
• Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
• If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
• If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
• Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.

Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!