Tuskegee Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
When a motor vehicle hits a pedestrian, the consequences can be catastrophic. Pedestrians are considered the most vulnerable road users, as they do not wear any safety equipment like motorcyclists do and do not enjoy the physical protection that a passenger vehicle offers. This is why fatal injuries are so common in pedestrian accidents.
Alabama, in particular, is a dangerous state for pedestrians. Data shows that between 2008 and 2019, as many as 1,068 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. Even in non-fatal accidents, pedestrians often suffer debilitating injuries, which can severely affect their earning capacity and quality of life.
If you have been injured or have lost a family member in a pedestrian accident, you deserve justice. At the Law Office of Frank M. Wilson, we have more than 30 years of experience in handling pedestrian accident claims and can help you get the monetary damages you deserve.
Contact our firm today for a free consultation with one of our experienced Tuskegee pedestrian accident lawyers – someone who has been through the legal battlefields before and knows what it takes to walk away unscathed.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tuskegee, AL
Like most other cities in Alabama, Tuskegee does not have a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. With a Walk Score of 31, it is considered one of the least walkable cities in the state. The lack of pedestrian-friendly roads aside, driver negligence is also the reason why pedestrian accidents are so common in Tuskegee as well as other parts of the state.
Many drivers do not seem to be aware of (or care about) the fact that pedestrians enjoy the same rights as they do. Moreover, many drivers do not look for pedestrians before turning or making lane changes – as they are only used to looking for other vehicles.
Other examples of driver negligence that often lead to pedestrian accidents include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, running red lights, making rolling stops at intersections, failing to look for pedestrians while driving through crosswalks, and failing to look for pedestrians while entering and exiting parking lots.
Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Tuskegee, AL
- The intersection of Interstate 85 and US 91
- The intersection of West Montgomery Road and North Main Street
- The intersection of US 15 and US 80
- The intersection of US 80 and North Lake Street
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Tuskegee, AL
- Call 911, report the accident, and request for emergency medical care if needed.
- Tell the police what happened without adding or withholding any detail.
- If you have a smartphone with you, take pictures of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and the accident scene.
- Get the at-fault driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license, and insurance details.
- Get the name and contact information of people who witnessed the accident.
- Do not tell anyone – whether it is the police, the at-fault driver, or bystanders – anything that could be considered an admission of fault on your part. Even saying something like ‘sorry, I didn’t see you coming’ can be used as an admission of fault by the at-fault party’s insurance company and can impact your claim greatly.
- Get medical help as soon as you can. There are a number of hospitals near Tuskegee where you can get treated following a pedestrian accident. These include the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital in Phenix City, Community Hospital in Tallassee, Bullock County Hospital in Union Springs, and Jackson Hospital and Clinic in Montgomery.
- Contact an experienced Tuskegee pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss the possibility of filing a claim against the at-fault party.
- Do not post, comment on, or share anything on social media until your claim is settled.
Tuskegee, AL Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Always use a crosswalk if it is available.
- Do not jaywalk or cross an intersection diagonally.
- If there is no crosswalk, you must yield the right of way to motor vehicles while crossing the road.
- If there is no sidewalk, you can walk on the side of the road, but make sure you are facing traffic and stick to the outer edge of the road as much as you can.
- Do not walk at night. If you must do so, wear reflective clothing and make sure you have a flashlight with you.
- Do not check your phone while walking or crossing the road.
Filing a Claim After a Pedestrian Accident
Following a pedestrian accident, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver – or any other at-fault party – and recover damages. You have the legal right to recover economic damages (medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, and property damage) as well as non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanent disability or disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium).
In some cases, the at-fault party might not have sufficient liability insurance coverage to fully compensate you for your losses. In such a situation, if your auto insurance policy includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim against your own auto insurance company and recover compensation.
Your Tuskegee pedestrian accident attorney can help you file a third-party claim (against the at-fault party) as well as a first-party claim (against your own insurance company) and help you get the compensation you need.
Consult with an Experienced Tuskegee, AL Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
At the Law Office of Frank M. Wilson, we know that pedestrian accidents can result in catastrophic and life-threatening injuries that might require extensive treatment and care. We can ease the financial burden caused by your injuries by getting you the compensation you deserve.
Our founder – Frank M. Wilson – is an award-winning personal injury with extensive litigation experience. For over 30 years, he has represented his clients in local, state, and federal courts and has a track record of resolving complex cases that many other attorneys might think twice to take on.
Attorney Wilson can protect your rights and fight aggressively to get the maximum amount of compensation possible from the at-fault party. Contact our firm today at 334-420-2931 or contact us online and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a seasoned Tuskegee pedestrian lawyer.