As the most populous city in the Yellowhammer State, Huntsville poses serious risks for pedestrians due to the unusually high volume of traffic on local roads. In addition, many drivers fail to watch for individuals using crosswalks or walking lawfully alongside roadways. This negligence often results in collisions that may have severe consequences for those struck.
If you were recently involved in a collision of this nature through no fault of your own, experienced personal injury attorneys may be able to assist with pursuing full compensation for your losses. From start to finish, a Huntsville pedestrian accident lawyer could serve as a dedicated advocate, working to assert your rights and seek a favorable outcome through a settlement demand or lawsuit.
Are Drivers Always at Fault for Collisions with Pedestrians?
Because pedestrians involved in traffic accidents are far more likely to sustain serious injuries than vehicle occupants, it may seem logical to assume drivers are always legally at fault in these incidents. In reality, however, pedestrians pursuing civil claims must meet the same burden of proof as any other personal injury plaintiff. They must demonstrate that a specific reckless or careless act by the driver was the primary and direct cause of their injuries.
Injured pedestrians must actively challenge any allegations of contributory negligence that the opposing party asserts. As a Huntsville pedestrian accident attorney could explain, Alabama courts deny financial recovery to anyone who bears even partial responsibility for their own injuries, regardless of whether another party holds most of the blame.
Seeking Fair Recovery Within Filing Time Limits
Assuming no issues arise related to contributory negligence, an injured pedestrian in Huntsville may pursue a comprehensive civil claim seeking compensation for the full value of all past and future losses resulting from the accident. These losses may include both economic and non-economic forms of harm, such as:
- Medical bills, including costs of rehabilitative treatment and maintenance care for long-term disability
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including costs of repairing/replacing damaged personal property
- Lost work wages/salary, benefits, bonuses, and/or long-term earning capacity
- Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
- Psychological trauma from injuries and/or the accident itself
- Lost overall quality of life, and other intangible effects of permanent disability/disfigurement
Not every plaintiff will have grounds to seek all of these damages, and the appropriate monetary value for each type of loss may vary significantly from one case to another. A qualified attorney could provide further insight into the potential value of a specific pedestrian injury claim in Huntsville during a confidential initial consultation.
Speak with a Huntsville Pedestrian Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options
If a negligent driver struck and injured you while you were lawfully walking near or across an active roadway, you may have strong grounds to pursue financial compensation. However, even well-supported civil claims may fail without guidance from experienced legal professionals who understand how to navigate the legal and procedural challenges within Alabama civil law.
Fortunately, the help you need is available from a compassionate and capable Huntsville pedestrian accident lawyer.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
