Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Chatom, AL
Despite laws put in place to protect Chatom, Alabama pedestrians, a shocking number of pedestrian accidents occur every day on the roads. Whether these crashes are caused by careless drivers or inattentive walkers, the outcomes are often tragic. Pedestrians often suffer serious or fatal injuries in these collisions.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation if the accident was caused by someone else. To talk about your claim in greater detail, call Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough, Howell, Huggins & Bradley at 251-847-2237 (Chatom) or 251-651-0483 (Bay Minette).
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Statistics show that Chatom pedestrian accidents are tragically common. The vast majority of collisions can be traced back to either driver or pedestrian error. Commonly reported causes include:
- Inattentive and distracted driving. Distracted drivers put everyone on the road at risk. Whether they are eating, drinking, texting, or talking to passengers, they are at greater risk of causing an accident.
- Reckless driving. Some drivers are grossly negligent or even aggressive in their driving. They may want to intimidate pedestrians or get annoyed by pedestrians being “in their way.” This type of driving often leads to collisions.
- Unfamiliarity with the roads. When drivers are trying to read street name signs, look for one-way road signs, or look for passengers, they are less attentive to pedestrians.
- Parking illegally. Parking where it is illegal to do so may force pedestrians to walk in the road or along the shoulder.
- Failing to observe road signs and lights. “Walk” and “don’t walk” signs should be honored by pedestrians and drivers alike, but many drivers simply look for green lights to determine when they can and cannot turn.
- Walking where it is not permitted. Highways, expressways, and other high-speed roads are often closed to pedestrians. When pedestrians ignore this, they put themselves in danger.
- Violating laws while walking. Crossing where it is illegal, walking against a “don’t walk sign,” or otherwise ignoring the rules of the road can put pedestrians in serious danger.
- Walking while impaired. Pedestrians under the influence of drugs or alcohol are less likely to observe safety protocols, listen to road signs or lights, or watch out for oncoming vehicles.
Pedestrian Rights in Alabama
Alabama, like most other states, has numerous laws that protect pedestrians from reckless or aggressive drivers. Under the law, sidewalks are reserved for pedestrian use and cannot be used by motorists. When a pedestrian is walking in a crosswalk or at an intersection, motorists must yield the right-of-way to them until they pass. The same is true when pedestrians are walking in front of a parking lot or driveway.
Some laws protect specific populations. If an elderly, disabled, or young pedestrian is crossing, motorists must wait and give them plenty of time to cross—even if it’s considerably more time than a healthy or faster pedestrian would need.
Finally, pedestrians have rights even if they are crossing the street outside of a normal crosswalk or intersection. When this occurs, motorists are expected to use caution and avoid collisions. This means drivers can’t just drive at full speed towards a jaywalking pedestrian and blame the accident on them. Even if the pedestrian is not in an intersection, it is up to the driver to be careful and avoid accidents whenever possible.
Injuries from Chatom, AL Pedestrian Accidents
Reported injuries vary, depending on the speed of the vehicle, the location of the accident, and the overall health of the affected pedestrian. Commonly reported injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Scrapes and lacerations
- Infections resulting from lacerations and exposure to the roadway
- Burns
- Scarring
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue damage
Damages for Pedestrian Collisions
If you can prove that the other party was at fault for the accident and your subsequent injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses in the accident. This all depends on the severity of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Different types of compensation include:
- Medical bills, including expenses related to ambulance transportation, medications, diagnostic tests, and surgery
- Future medical expenses if your injuries are serious enough to require long-term care
- Lost wages and lost future income if your injuries will permanently affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
How We Can Help
We know that you’re likely overwhelmed after your accident. You may not be sure who to blame or how to seek the compensation you deserve. You might not even be sure if you are liable for the accident. We’re here to guide you through this difficult time and help you understand your options.
If the other party is liable for the accident, it’s important to have enough evidence to prove that. When you hire our firm, we’ll start by investigating the accident, gathering available evidence, and building a case to support your claim. From there, we’ll be able to take our fight to the driver’s insurance company.
The other party’s insurance company is going to push back on your claim and try to deny you compensation—you can expect that. Insurance companies are committed to maximizing their profit margins, even if they do so at the expense of accident victims.
To accomplish their goal, they might try to get you to accept blame for the accident, downplay your injuries, or imply that you are lying about the collision. These tricks are often enough to get victims to step down and stop fighting for more compensation.
We know how insurance adjusters manipulate clients, and we won’t let them do the same thing to you. We’ll take over communication with them, so they can’t try to make you say something that will invalidate your claim. We’ll present our evidence, negotiate for a fair settlement, or take your case to trial. Our goal is to help you get the money you need to cover your medical expenses, make up for time off of work, and make you whole from everything you’ve suffered.
Reach Out to Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough, Howell, Huggins & Bradley Now
Ready to get started on your pedestrian accident claim? We’re ready to help you and advocate for you. Set up a consultation now by contacting us online or giving us a call at 251-847-2237 (Chatom) or 251-651-0483 (Bay Minette).