Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Athens

Legal Help After Being Hit While Walking

When a driver strikes a person on foot, the pedestrian usually takes the full force of the impact. Broken bones, head injuries, and lasting pain can follow in a moment that was completely out of your control. If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Athens, you may be facing medical bills, time away from work, and a lot of questions about what to do next.

At Shipman & Associates, P.C., we help people who have been injured while walking or crossing the street here in Athens and throughout the surrounding communities. Our team has more than 30 years of experience focused on personal injury and civil litigation, and we understand how quickly a pedestrian crash can disrupt your life. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you can talk with us about your options without worrying about upfront legal fees.

Call (256) 277-9117 for a free case evaluation or send a secure message to start your claim today.

Why Hurt Pedestrians Turn To Our Athens Injury Firm

After a serious crash, many people want a local legal team that understands their community and focuses its work on injury cases. At Shipman & Associates, P.C., our practice is dedicated to personal injury and wrongful termination matters, and that focus allows us to devote our time and training to the issues that matter most to injured clients. This includes pedestrians who have been struck by cars, pickup trucks, commercial vehicles, or SUVs on neighborhood roads and busy streets.

Our lawyers bring over three decades of experience in personal injury and civil litigation. Over those years, we have seen how insurance companies evaluate claims, how injuries can affect a person’s daily life, and how important it is to build a strong record from the very beginning. We draw on that experience each time we review a pedestrian injury claim, whether the crash happened in a crosswalk, in a parking lot, or along a roadside.

Clients also turn to us because of the way we work with them. We provide personalized attention to each case, which means we take time to understand your injuries, your work, your family situation, and your goals. Our “Great Eight” rules give our clients a clear, practical framework that can help them avoid common mistakes, keep important information organized, and support their claim as it moves forward. We share these rules because we believe informed clients are better able to protect their rights.

We know that cost is a major concern for injured pedestrians and their families. That is why we offer free initial consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney’s fees unless there is a recovery, and we discuss our fee structure with you up front so you know what to expect. Our goal is to make experienced injury counsel accessible when you need it most.

What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident In Athens

The moments and days after a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming. Taking a few key steps can help protect your health and your ability to pursue a claim later. Even if you already left the scene or went home, there are still actions you can take now.

Prioritize Safety & Medical Care

Your first priority should be your physical safety. If you are still at the scene of the crash and can move safely, try to get out of the roadway. Call 911 or ask someone nearby to do so. Emergency responders serving Athens and Limestone County can evaluate injuries and document what happened. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is important to be checked by a medical professional as soon as you can, since some conditions are not obvious right away.

Report & Document The Crash

When law enforcement arrives, give the officers an honest description of what you remember, including where you were walking, the direction of travel, and anything you noticed about the vehicle. A police report can be an important piece of documentation for an insurance claim or future lawsuit. It is generally better to stick to the facts and avoid guessing about speed or distances.

If you are able, you can also gather your own information:

• Names and contact information for the driver and any witnesses at the scene
• Photos of the vehicle, the roadway, traffic signals or signs, and any visible injuries
• Details about the time of day, weather, and lighting conditions

Be Cautious With Insurance & Seek Legal Guidance

In the days that follow, you may receive calls from insurance adjusters asking for statements or encouraging a quick settlement. Before you agree to a recorded statement or sign any forms, it can be helpful to understand your legal rights. Speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm is one way to do that. During a free consultation, we review the facts you know so far, answer your questions, and explain how certain decisions might affect your claim.

Common Causes Of Pedestrian Crashes & Who May Be Liable

Many injured pedestrians are not sure whether they have a valid claim, especially if the driver or others have suggested that they were not careful enough. The truth is that pedestrian collisions often arise from preventable driver conduct. Reviewing how the crash happened can help identify who may be responsible.

Motorists have a duty to watch for people walking near the roadway, particularly in areas where foot traffic is common. Crashes often occur because a driver is distracted by a phone, traveling too fast for conditions, or failing to yield when a pedestrian is lawfully crossing. Left and right turns through crosswalks near schools, shopping centers, and neighborhoods in Athens can be especially dangerous when drivers are focused on traffic instead of the crosswalk in front of them.

Other factors can play a role as well. Poorly marked crossings, limited visibility, parked vehicles blocking sight lines, or vehicles backing out of driveways and parking spaces can contribute to a collision. A commercial driver who is on a tight schedule or fatigued from a long shift can pose added risks to people on foot, even on familiar streets.

More than one party can sometimes share legal responsibility. Depending on the facts, potential defendants might include the individual driver, that driver’s employer in a work-related trip, or in some situations a property owner responsible for maintaining safe access areas. Pedestrians are sometimes blamed automatically, but a careful review of the evidence is often needed before reaching any conclusion about fault.

When you contact us, we look at the available information, such as police reports, photographs, and your own account of the event. Our experience focused on personal injury cases helps us evaluate how an insurer or court may view different types of conduct, and we work to identify the people or entities that may bear legal responsibility for your injuries.

Injuries & Losses In Pedestrian Accident Cases

Because pedestrians have no protection around them, injuries from these crashes can be severe. Even a collision at a relatively low speed can cause significant harm. Understanding the types of injuries and losses that may be involved can help you see why it is important to look at the full impact of the crash.

Common Pedestrian Injuries

Pedestrian injuries often include broken bones, torn ligaments, and damage to muscles or soft tissues. More serious cases may involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, or complex fractures that require surgery and long periods of rehabilitation. Some of these conditions may not be obvious in the first hours after the crash, which is why prompt medical evaluation and follow up care are so important.

Life Impact & Financial Strain

The effects of a pedestrian collision go beyond the physical. You may be unable to work for weeks or months. Routine tasks like driving, caring for children, or walking up stairs can become difficult. Many people also experience anxiety about walking near traffic again, changes in sleep, or a loss of independence. These changes can affect relationships, finances, and overall quality of life.

Potential Compensation In A Claim

When an injury claim is pursued, various categories of damages may be considered. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost income or reduced earning ability, and the pain and suffering that comes with serious injuries. There may also be claims for the cost of assistive devices, modifications to your home, or help with daily activities, depending on the situation. Exact outcomes depend on many factors such as the severity of injuries, available insurance coverage, and how liability is viewed.

Our goal is to understand how the crash has affected your life, not just to add up bills. Drawing on decades of work in personal injury law, we review medical records, speak with you about your daily limitations, and consider how long your doctors expect recovery to take. This helps us evaluate what a fair resolution might look like for your pedestrian injury claim and advise you accordingly.

How Our Team Helps With Your Pedestrian Injury Claim

Reaching out to a law firm can feel like a big step, especially when you are already dealing with pain and uncertainty. At Shipman & Associates, P.C., we work to make the process as straightforward as possible. When you contact us about a pedestrian accident in Athens, we start with a complimentary consultation so you can tell us what happened and ask questions in a low-pressure setting.

Your Free Consultation

During this initial conversation, we discuss the circumstances of the crash, the medical care you have received, and any contact you have had with insurance companies. We explain what documents might be helpful to gather, such as the police report or hospital discharge papers. We also outline the general stages of an injury claim, from investigation and documentation to negotiation and, when needed, filing a lawsuit.

Support Throughout The Claims Process

If you choose to work with us, our lawyers and staff handle communications with insurers and other involved parties so you can focus more of your energy on healing. We review available records, organize important information, and work to identify the strengths and challenges in your case. Our “Great Eight” rules are part of how we help clients stay informed and avoid choices that might unintentionally weaken a claim, such as posting certain details on social media or missing medical appointments.

We also place a strong emphasis on client education and ongoing communication. Throughout the process, we explain what is happening in clear terms, answer questions as they arise, and keep you updated on important developments. Our firm is committed to continuous legal education, which helps us stay aware of changes in Alabama personal injury law and adjust our strategies when needed. We handle pedestrian injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so attorney’s fees are collected only if there is a recovery, and we go over those details with you before we begin work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire your firm for a pedestrian accident?

You do not pay any upfront attorney’s fees when you hire our firm for a pedestrian accident claim. We offer free initial consultations, so you can speak with us about what happened without any initial cost. If we move forward together, we handle pedestrian injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means our fee is a percentage of the amount recovered through settlement or judgment, and it is typically paid from those funds at the end of the case.

We explain our contingency fee arrangement clearly at the start, including how expenses related to the claim are handled. The exact percentage and cost structure can vary based on the complexity of the case and whether a lawsuit is filed, and we review those details with you so there are no surprises. Our goal is to make experienced legal help accessible during a difficult time.

Do I really need a lawyer if the driver’s insurance has already called me?

It is your choice whether to hire a lawyer, but it is often wise to talk with an attorney before dealing directly with the driver’s insurance company on your own. Insurance adjusters work for the insurer, and their job is generally to resolve claims in a way that protects their company’s interests. This can include requesting recorded statements, asking detailed questions about your injuries, or offering early settlements that may not fully account for future medical needs or lost income.

When you speak with us, we can help you understand what your rights are and how certain decisions might affect your claim. We can review any offers or correspondence you have received and discuss whether they appear to reflect the full scope of your losses. If you choose to have our team represent you, we handle communications with the insurer and work to present your pedestrian injury claim in a clear and organized way. Having a pedestrian accident lawyer Athens on your side can help you feel less pressured and more informed when responding to the insurance company.

What if I was crossing outside a crosswalk when I was hit?

Being outside a marked crosswalk does not automatically mean you cannot pursue a claim. Every pedestrian collision is fact specific, and drivers still have duties to pay attention to the roadway, travel at a safe speed, and take reasonable steps to avoid hitting people they can see. Factors such as lighting, traffic, and where each person was positioned can all be relevant when evaluating fault.

Alabama law on fault and recovery can be complex, and small changes in the facts may affect how a claim is viewed. Because of that, it is usually not helpful to assume there is no case until the circumstances have been reviewed carefully. During a free consultation, we can talk through where you were walking, what you recall seeing and hearing, and what the driver was doing. From there, we can give you an informed opinion about whether it may make sense to move forward.

How long will a pedestrian accident claim usually take?

The time needed to resolve a pedestrian accident claim can vary widely. Some matters are settled with an insurance company within several months, particularly if liability is clear and the injuries are well documented. Other cases take longer, especially if medical treatment is ongoing, there are disputes about who was at fault, or a lawsuit is filed in the appropriate Alabama court.

In many situations, it is helpful to have a reasonably complete picture of your medical condition and future treatment needs before discussing final settlement. This can involve waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement or a doctor can give an opinion about long term effects. We talk with our clients about timing early on and provide updates as the case moves forward, so you understand why certain steps are being taken and what may come next. Our team works to move cases forward diligently while also allowing time to gather the information needed to support a fair resolution.

What should I bring to my free consultation with your team?

We can start a conversation with whatever information you have, but certain documents can help us give more detailed feedback during your consultation. If they are available, it is useful to bring a copy of the police report or incident number, any medical records or discharge papers you received from the hospital or clinic, and photos of the scene, your injuries, or the vehicle. Written notes about what you remember from the crash can also be helpful, especially if some time has passed.

You may also want to bring insurance information, including your own auto policy, since some pedestrian claims can involve coverage under your policy even if you were walking. If you do not have all of these items, you should still feel comfortable calling us. We can help identify what records will be important and discuss how to obtain them after we have spoken.

Can you help if the driver who hit me left the scene?

Hit and run pedestrian crashes present additional challenges, but there may still be options. In some cases, law enforcement identifies the driver later through witness information, surveillance footage, or vehicle damage. In other situations, injured pedestrians seek benefits under their own uninsured motorist coverage or other applicable insurance policies, depending on what coverage is in place.

During a consultation, we can review what is known about the vehicle and what insurance may be available to you. We can also discuss the steps you have taken so far, such as reporting the collision to police and notifying your own insurer. While no attorney can change the fact that a driver fled the scene, our team can help you understand the possible paths forward and work to pursue available compensation where the law allows.

Will I have to go to court for my pedestrian injury case?

Many pedestrian injury claims resolve through settlement with an insurance company without a trial, and some are settled before a lawsuit is ever filed. However, some cases do require filing suit in court and a smaller number proceed all the way to trial. Whether that becomes necessary depends on factors such as how strongly the insurer disputes fault, how far apart the sides are on the value of the claim, and what evidence is available.

If your case does move into litigation, we guide you through each step, from filing the complaint to preparing for any hearings. We explain what to expect in clear terms and answer your questions along the way. Our attorneys have years of experience in personal injury and civil litigation, and we use that background to advise you about the potential risks and benefits of continuing to negotiate versus proceeding toward trial. Throughout, our focus remains on what is best for you based on the facts of your case.

Talk With Our Athens Pedestrian Accident Team

Choosing to speak with a lawyer after a pedestrian accident can feel uncertain, especially when you are already dealing with pain, appointments, and financial worries. Reaching out is simply a way to learn about your rights and options. At Shipman & Associates, P.C., we are here in Athens, ready to listen to what happened, answer your questions, and explain how the process typically works for someone in your situation.

Our firm is focused on personal injury cases, backed by more than 30 years of experience, and we offer free consultations with no upfront attorney’s fees. If we move forward together, we handle your claim on a contingency fee basis so you can concentrate on healing while we work to pursue compensation for your injuries. Speaking with us does not lock you into any decision, and it can provide clarity during a difficult time.

To talk with our team about a pedestrian accident in this area, call (256) 277-9117 or contact us online today.