What Damages Can You Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?

A pedestrian accident involving a motorcycle can be a life-altering event that encompasses physical impairment, emotional distress, and financial hardship. Alabama, like other states, has its own laws that dictate how these personal injury lawsuits are handled, including the types of damages you can recover. This article aims to shed light on what compensatory damages you can pursue if you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian-motorcycle accident in Alabama.

Understanding Damages:

Before we delve into the types of damages, it's important to understand the term 'damages' in a legal context. Damages refer to the sum of money awarded to a person as compensation for loss or injury caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else. The intention is to restore the injured party to the position they would have been in had the accident not occurred.

Types of Damages You Can Recover:

1. Medical Expenses:

This is a significant part of any personal injury claim. Medical expenses include the cost of treatment immediately after the accident, ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and any future anticipated expenses related to the accident. Ensure to retain all medical records and receipts as evidence.

2. Lost Wages:

If the accident resulted in you taking time off work, you could claim compensation for lost wages or lost earning capacity if you are unable to resume work due to the injury. This would require documentation from your employer indicating your regular salary and the time you had to take off.

3. Pain and Suffering:

Unlike medical bills or lost wages, pain and suffering is a non-economic damage, meaning it doesn't relate to tangible expenses or losses. Still, its effects can be severe in a victim's life, encompassing physical pain, emotional distress, depression, loss of enjoyment in life, and more. 

4. Loss of Consortium:

Loss of consortium is a claim made by the spouse of the injured party, seeking damages for the loss of companionship, love, care, and other benefits of a marital relationship that have been adversely affected by the accident.

5. Wrongful Death:

If the pedestrian accident resulted in the death of a loved one, the family could file a wrongful death claim. In such cases, compensation may cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, mental anguish, and loss of future earnings, among other damages.

6. Punitive Damages:

In cases where the recklessness or malicious intent is evident, the court might also award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.

Understanding Comparative Fault in Alabama:

Alabama follows a doctrine known as "contributory negligence," meaning that if you are found even slightly at fault (1% or more) for the accident, you are barred from recovering any damages. This rule makes Alabama's system one of the strictest in the country. 

Navigating the complexities of an Alabama pedestrian accident claim can be challenging, and having an experienced Alabama personal injury lawyer on your side can be invaluable. At the law office of Stephen Thompson, we are committed to shedding light on your rights and guiding you through the path to recovery.

Whether you need assistance documenting your injuries, negotiating with insurance companies, or even understanding Alabama's stringent personal injury laws, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to help. Remember, time is of the essence in such lawsuits because of the statute of limitations. So, reach out to us today to preserve your rights and secure the justice you deserve. 

The information contained in this article provides a general overview of the topic and is not intended as legal advice. For specific information relevant to your situation, please consult with a personal injury attorney. 

To those searching for “Alabama personal injury lawyers,” “motorcycle accident lawyers,” or "Alabama pedestrian accident lawyer" on search engines, consider our law firm as your top option. Your dedicated Alabama legal advocate, Stephen Thompson, is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation on your case.

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!