Have you been injured in a serious Huntsville pedestrian accident? Do you have questions about what to do next? We can help. Call Mama Justice today.

Pedestrian accidents happen all too frequently in Huntsville. No one ever thinks that they will be struck by an automobile while they are out on a stroll, but it can and does happen more often than it should.

When a pedestrian is injured in an accident because of some form of driver negligence, they may be entitled to recover compensation.

Speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Huntsville from Mama Justice can help you to determine if you have the right to seek justice for your injuries and losses.

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Huntsville

If you were injured as a pedestrian, it’s vital to seek out pedestrian accident lawyers and learn about possible legal representation. Huntsville personal injury attorneys can help assist with the complex litigation involved in pedestrian accidents. Personal injury cases can serve to provide financial recovery for medical bills and other accident-related expenses.

Serious injuries can lead to significant medical expenses. You shouldn’t be left to cope with them alone. Call the car accident attorneys at Mama Justice to discuss the specifics of your accident and all of your accident-related expenses.

You have rights. We can help you.

Alabama Pedestrian Accident Statistics

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in the Hunstville area, you’re not alone.

A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Administration ranked Alabama as the ninth deadliest state for pedestrian accidents. Alabama has a death rate that is 28.6 percent higher than the national average. We are ranked 56.8 percent higher than the national median average.

The fatalities as a result of pedestrian accidents in Alabama have increased 81 percent since 2010. That number has skyrocketed with devasting consequences for the victims and their surviving family members.

Is the Pedestrian Ever to Blame for an Accident?

Every accident is different, but many accidents are because of some form of negligence on behalf of the pedestrian or the driver. In 2019, 71 percent of the accidents involving a car and a pedestrian were blamed on the pedestrian.

Often, people are distracted while walking. This can be by looking at an electronic device, walking in the roadway, or crossing outside of a marked crosswalk.

Due to the fact that pedestrians are sometimes to blame, it’s crucial to speak with a skilled car accident lawyer as soon as you have received the appropriate medical care for your injuries.

Don’t Trust the Insurance Company

An insurance company focuses on getting as much profit as it can. Its interests are financial, not moral. This means when dealing with an insurance company, you cannot trust it has your best interest in mind.

Large insurance companies, in particular, care about their bottom line. Unlike a law firm and its vehicle accident attorneys who represent clients they care about, insurance companies don’t care about justice.

Insurance companies are always suspicious of pedestrians and look for a way to place the blame on the victim. That’s why you must contact one of the knowledgeable personal injury lawyers to help build a solid personal injury case.

There are many instances where an accident is due to an at-fault driver. With the proper personal injury firm, it can be argued in a court of law that it was the negligent driver responsible.

Important Pedestrian-Related Traffic Laws

There are many laws here in Huntsville that pertain to pedestrians and car accidents. These are important to know to help avoid a car accident and better legally protect yourself in case one does occur.

The Right of Way

When a pedestrian is at a crosswalk on the same side of the road as a vehicle or dangerously close to a vehicle, the vehicle is required to give the pedestrian the right of way. This means that the vehicle must allow the pedestrian to move first.

The vehicle has the right of way when a pedestrian is not standing at a designated crosswalk and is not too close to the vehicle.

Accidents can occur when either party does not follow the proper right of way procedures.

Traffic Lights, Signals, and Other Rules

Alabama law requires that pedestrians follow traffic lights and don’t wait for signals. Recently, Alabama put into effect the 3 Foot Bicycle rule, stating that bikes and motor vehicles must keep a three-foot distance between them.

This rule helps keep both parties safe, changing the traffic flow and spacing of vehicles on the road. Additionally, this law is a helpful tool to keep us mindful as a pedestrian on the road.

Knowledge is Power

Discuss your rights with a Huntsville car accident attorney today at Mama Justice. Our law firm can help you better understand laws that affect you and your rights in the event of an accident.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Every accident is different, but there are common reasons why a pedestrian accident may occur. Many reasons are the same as those that cause a typical car accident. However, some are unique to cases involving pedestrians.

By understanding the common reasons behind some automobile accident cases, you can better empower yourself to avoid accidents in the future.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving includes behaviors such as texting or talking on the phone, eating, applying cosmetics, or reading. Ultimately, it involves any non-essential action that leads to the driver not paying attention to their surroundings or noticing nearby pedestrians.

Distracted driving is the leading cause of many car accidents each year. Numerous car accident victims are nearby pedestrians who sustain personal injuries related to an accident caused by a distracted driver.

Speeding

Many personal injury claims involving pedestrians are caused by drivers speeding.

When drivers pass the posted speed limit, they increase the danger of any crash. Not only are pedestrians harder to spot when a vehicle is moving so fast, but any resulting impact will also be with a higher velocity, leading to possibly worse sustained injuries or even wrongful death.

Broken Crosswalk Signals

Broken crosswalk signals may lead to confusion about when to cross the roadway. This defect can lead to automobile accidents and subsequent personal injury cases.

Even when it is unclear if either the pedestrian or the driver is wholly at fault, it is vital to seek legal counsel to seek compensation and find a fair settlement.

Poorly Designed Roads

Some roads can make car accidents more likely due to their poor design. Some might have blind spots, fast bends, or poorly implemented speed limits.

A Huntsville pedestrian accident lawyer can look through an accident report and understand when an accident is due to a person’s negligence or a poorly designed road. An experienced attorney will understand where a personal injury lawsuit best fits and obtain the maximum possible compensation for their client.

Construction Accidents

Sometimes a pedestrian accident doesn’t occur alongside a car crash or motorcycle accident. Construction accidents can lead to workplace injury or even wrongful death.

Construction accidents can be the worst nightmare for an insurance adjuster since many companies can be liable.

Finding an appropriate insurance settlement can be particularly difficult. A law firm that understands the complex business law behind such cases can help you get the best possible outcome.

What is Primary vs. Secondary Impact?

In accident reconstruction, personal injury lawyers often find injury caused by both primary and secondary impact.

In accidents involving something as powerful and fast as a moving vehicle and a relatively unprotected pedestrian, a first hit or collision can cause the pedestrian to suffer a secondary impact.

For example, if a speeding car were to turn a corner and hit a pedestrian at a crosswalk, the victim would first sustain the injury caused by the vehicle. The victim might break a rib against the windshield, for example.

After being hit, due to the car’s speed, the pedestrian might be flung into the air. When the victim lands on the ground, they might hit their head, leading to more severe injuries such as a traumatic brain injury.

In this example, the primary impact caused the broken rib, and the secondary impact caused the traumatic brain injury.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need the advice of one of our skilled accident lawyers in Huntsville. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Along with understanding how an accident happened, it is essential to know its effects on a victim. An injury can prevent you from returning to work and spending time with friends and family. Some injuries don’t develop or reveal themselves until months after an accident.

Read further to understand what injuries to look out for and identify what injuries you or a loved one may have sustained.

Types of Injuries

  • Broken bones and bone fractures
  • Head and brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and other neurological impairments
  • Neck and spinal injuries (such as partial or total paralysis below the injury)
  • Limb loss and amputation
  • Knee trauma
  • Soft tissue damage (such as lacerations, contusions, sprains, and dislocations)
  • Back injuries
  • Burns from coming into contact with car steam, chemicals, hot liquids, or surfaces
  • Internal injuries
  • Disfiguring facial injuries and scars
  • Road rash

Each accident is unique. You or a loved one may experience an injury not listed above. Sometimes wrongful death may occur. Post-traumatic stress disorder may develop after an accident. While invisible, this condition may have equal effects on an individual’s ability to return to work or normal life after an accident.

How to Avoid Being Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

If you have already been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to contact a Huntsville pedestrian accident lawyer to seek financial recovery.

Top Tips for Keeping Safe Before an Accident

  • Be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
  • Stay off of your phone
  • Obey all traffic signs and signals
  • Be mindful of traffic laws
  • Travel in well-lit areas
  • Share the sidewalk
  • Never assume cars can see you

It’s not your fault that there are reckless drivers on the streets. But because there are, it’s important to take certain steps to help protect yourself.

Financial Recovery and Financial Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

Personal injury victims not only sustain life-altering injuries, but they also sustain immense amounts of financial loss. You may be able to recover compensation following your personal injury accident.

This financial loss can come from expenses such as surgery, physical rehabilitation, and the cost of medication. An insurance company might not cover all necessary treatment. Alongside expenses, the financial loss can come from lost wages due to injury.

To return to your life, you must receive fair compensation. Along with your insurance claim, you may obtain compensation through legal means.