Pedestrian accidents cause victims to deal with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial strain. Understanding the steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Huntsville can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and case outcome. At Siniard Law, LLC, our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys help injured victims in the aftermath of the crash.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Here are some steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Huntsville:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention can protect your health and legal claim. Many serious injuries like internal bleeding, brain trauma, and spinal damage do not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if untreated.
A healthcare provider can diagnose hidden injuries and initiate a treatment plan. They will also generate medical records linking your injuries directly to the accident. A pedestrian accident lawyer can use medical records to prove the extent of your injuries and support your compensation claim.
Delaying treatment allows insurance companies to argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the collision. Further medical evaluation establishes the full extent of your injuries, allowing you to pursue maximum compensation from liable parties.
File a Police Crash Report
You should also file a police crash report after a pedestrian accident in Huntsville.
Here’s how a notification to the local police department is helpful:
Legal Requirements
Alabama law requires drivers to file a written accident report when property damage to any one person exceeds $250, pursuant to Alabama Code § 32-7-5. Pedestrians involved in a crash also have the right to obtain a copy of the official accident report. Under Ala. Code § 32-10-7, a pedestrian qualifies as a “person involved in the accident,” which entitles them to request and receive the report from law enforcement.
Enforcement officers must complete written reports within 24 hours of investigating motor vehicle accidents.
Preserving Evidence
Police reports document essential details like the date, time, location, weather conditions, and all parties involved. The officer’s unbiased observations about who caused the accident, any traffic violations, and witness statements become evidence when insurance companies dispute liability or downplay your injuries.
Protecting Your Claim
Insurance companies typically require official police reports when processing claims for pedestrian accidents. A pedestrian accident lawyer can use the report to prove the accident occurred and to establish the driver’s fault.
The report captures the driver’s information before they potentially leave the scene, supporting insurance claims or lawsuits.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After a pedestrian accident, contacting an experienced attorney is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights. A pedestrian accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on healing.
A pedestrian accident attorney will start by investigating the accident, gathering police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records to establish liability. They can also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to prove fault, especially when drivers or insurance companies attempt to shift blame.
A pedestrian accident lawyer will calculate the full extent of your damages, including current and future losses. They can communicate directly with insurance adjusters, protecting you from low settlement offers and ensuring that your claim reflects your actual losses.
If negotiations fail, a pedestrian accident lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They can maximize the chances of success by presenting strong evidence and expert testimony.
With skilled legal representation from Siniard Law, LLC, you gain a dedicated advocate who will fight tirelessly for your right to fair compensation.
Trust Our Huntsville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers to Handle Your Injury Claim
After a pedestrian accident, you deserve compassionate legal support that prioritizes your recovery and financial stability. At Siniard Law, LLC, our skilled Huntsville pedestrian accident lawyers will handle every step of your claim. We can investigate, gather evidence, establish liability, and initiate an insurance claim or lawsuit on your behalf. Contact our pedestrian accident lawyers for guidance, legal support, and help understanding steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Huntsville.
