Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Montgomery, AL

Although pedestrian accidents are less frequent than motor vehicle accidents, they are more likely to be fatal. And although injuries are not nearly as expensive to treat as they are in the motor vehicle sustained due to the lack of many safety features, pedestrian accidents can still cost you a fortune in medical bills, lost income, and long recovery periods. This is even truer when considering secondary costs like pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and psychological trauma.

In a situation like this, you will need a team of pedestrian accident lawyers that knows and fights for your rights to fight and win in court. Our legal team at Frank M. Wilson has years of experience and an outstanding track record of verdicts and settlements in pedestrian injury cases. Call us to learn more about how we can help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Pedestrian Traffic Laws

Pedestrians and drivers in Alabama must follow specific traffic laws and codes to prevent accidents and related liability:

• The primary law in this area requires that pedestrians obey traffic control devices and cross at intersections or when signals are provided. Pedestrians must stop when traffic continues, when lights signal them to stop, or when crossing walks are marked in that manner.
• Pedestrians have the right-of-way when the ‘walking man’ or ‘walking woman’ signals are illuminated. In these situations, motorists must wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road before proceeding with their trip.
• A vehicle must still yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian who wishes to cross in an intersection or a crosswalk to ensure pedestrian traffic safety.
• Once a pedestrian is outside of a crosswalk or an intersection, they must yield the right-of-way to motor vehicles.
• It is not legal for a pedestrian to walk on a road where there is a sidewalk present. Pedestrians should keep to the edge of the road and as far away from traffic as possible when no sidewalk is available.
• Alabama prohibits pedestrians who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs from being on the roadway. They will be subject to prosecution and could face fines or jail time if found guilty.
• Alabama’s pedestrian-related laws are restrictive in terms of a pedestrian’s right of way and can be complex in determining who is at fault in a collision. These laws may work in favor of the insurance company in deflating claims. Often, the driver is quick to deny responsibility, hoping to avoid financial liability.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are some of the most devastating collisions an individual can experience. When another driver runs a red light, speeds or fails to pay attention while on the road, pedestrians can suffer catastrophic injuries. There are numerous possible causes for such accidents. These include:

Parking Lots

Parking lots are inherently dangerous. Drivers swerve to avoid pedestrians; pedestrians cluster around cars; and doors open unexpectedly, endangering anyone who happens to be nearby. When people fail to observe traffic laws, they put everyone else at risk, including the occupants of parked cars. Car owners can be held liable for injuries if their negligence causes an accident.

Distracted Driving

It is a sad fact that many drivers become distracted while driving. Whether they’re tinkering with the car radio, consulting a GPS screen, eating a snack, or putting on makeup, they’re not focused. Distracted drivers can be pretty dangerous.

Because the driver isn’t paying attention, they don’t see someone crossing the street at an intersection. Instead, the driver slams on the brakes or turns sharply to avoid hitting the person. This can cause a rear-end collision or may cause another motorist to veer into the pedestrian’s path of travel.

Speeding

Speeding cars put pedestrians at risk. Since speeding drivers don’t always see pedestrians on the opposite side of the road, they’re more likely to strike people walking on the opposite side than on the sidewalk. Also, if a speeding driver makes a lane change without paying attention or steps on their brakes for some reason, they can hit a pedestrian who is walking alongside the road.

Intoxication

No matter the amount of planning that goes into a night on the town, if a driver partakes in alcohol before going out, there is always a chance that they will induce a crash. When a drunk driver strikes a pedestrian, the results can be devastating. And don’t forget if they hit someone on a bike or scooter!

Compensation Available in a Pedestrian Accident

When a person is struck by a car, the victim’s injuries will be considered in terms of monetary value. In Alabama, the following elements are considered in calculating compensation for a pedestrian accident victim:

• Medical expenses based on how much it costs to treat the victim.
• Rehabilitative care costs based on how much it costs to make the victim function as well as they could before the accident.
• Lost wages based on how much money the victim would have earned if not for their injuries.
• Loss of future earnings based on how much less the victim would have earned due to their injuries.
• Pain and suffering that the victim experienced due to his injuries may also be considered.
• Mental anguish: Some stress and anxiety that may result from the accident may be included in compensation calculations.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: This refers to any loss of social, recreational, family, or other activities that the victim may endure due to the accident.

The more severe the injuries are, generally, more money will be awarded for compensation purposes.

How Can Frank M. Wilson Law Firm Help You in a Pedestrian Accident?

When someone is injured in an accident, insurance companies will quickly try to put the blame on them. Our pedestrian accident attorneys know how to take those accusations and prove that you were not at fault. We begin by collecting evidence and finding witnesses to back your case and show that you were not at fault, and it was the other driver who caused the collision. We understand your situation and aggressively seek a resolution that helps you heal with the payment you deserve.

Let us help you get what you deserve rightfully from your accident claim. Our firm is built on the belief that every pedestrian accident victim should be well compensated for injuries and other losses. We work hard to protect the rights of our clients and take pride in our reputation for integrity and experience. Call us at (334) 420-2391 or contact us online today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.