Pedestrian Accident Insurance: What You Need to Know in Alabama

With the increasing volume of foot traffic and motor vehicles in Alabama's streets, pedestrian accidents have unfortunately become a common sight. It is of the utmost importance that everyone understands the basics of pedestrian accident insurance and how it functions within Alabama’s legal landscape. This knowledge can be instrumental in getting rightful compensation should you or a loved one ever be involved in a pedestrian accident. 

Alabama follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which can have a significant impact on the outcome of any personal injury claim following a pedestrian accident. According to this rule, if you, as a pedestrian, are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you could be barred from recovering any damages. This highlights the necessity of proper legal representation from an experienced attorney such as Stephen Thompson, who specializes in personal injury and motorcycle accidents.

In Alabama, the minimum insurance coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury or death when multiple people are involved, and $25,000 for property damage. However, these limits might not be sufficient in cases of severe injuries or fatal accidents. Hence, understanding the key facets of Alabama pedestrian accident insurance can be crucial.

Motorists are expected to carry auto insurance that includes liability coverage for bodily injury or death that they might cause to others in an accident. This indicated liability coverage also extends to damages caused to pedestrians. Thus, if a pedestrian is hit by a motorist who is at fault, the pedestrian can file a claim with the motorist's insurance company. However, it is also crucial to note that this claim can be contested, and insurers could attempt to minimize or outright deny your settlement.

In circumstances where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, or in an instance of a hit-and-run, an injured pedestrian would have to rely on their insurance. There is an option in Alabama for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage, while not mandatory, provides a safety net for pedestrians in the unfortunate event of being hit by a motorist who lacks sufficient coverage.

Remember that pedestrian accident claims are not only limited to accidents involving motor vehicles. If a pedestrian trip-and-fall accident takes place due to improperly maintained sidewalks or similar hazards, the property owner may be held responsible.

Generally, when dealing with pedestrian accident claims, it's in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The attorney can guide you on how to document your damages properly, correspond with the insurance companies on your behalf, and negotiate for a fair settlement.

Another critical point in Alabama's pedestrian accident laws is the statute of limitations, which is two years. This statute means that a claim must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Any claim filed beyond this time may be ruled as time-barred, and as a result, you may lose your right to sue for damages completely.

Dealing with the repercussions of a pedestrian accident can be stressful and overwhelming, but having knowledgeable legal support can significantly streamline your path to recovery.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Alabama, consider reaching out to Stephen Thompson, a seasoned personal injury lawyer dedicated to safeguarding your rights and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. His deep understanding of Alabama's pedestrian accident laws, paired with an unwavering commitment to his clients, makes him an ideal attorney for your legal needs. 

Understanding pedestrian accident insurance laws in Alabama is of paramount importance. Not only can they bring clarity in the ill-fated event of an accident, but they may also be instrumental in ensuring that your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve. Let Stephen Thompson guide you through this legal maze, fighting for your right to justice and fair compensation at every step. Reach out today and take the first stride toward achieving the relief you need and the justice you deserve.

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!