Pedestrian / Crosswalk Accident Attorney in Dothan, Alabama
In Alabama, we have pedestrian-friendly weather most of the year, and we all love taking a leisurely walk and enjoying a beautiful sunny day or cool evening. But although walking is a very enjoyable activity, being a pedestrian can also be dangerous at times. This is especially true when we come up to a crosswalk where we must negotiate vehicle traffic.
Each year, thousands of individuals are killed and tens of thousands are seriously injured in pedestrian accidents throughout the United States. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable to severe injuries and fatalities in these types of accidents, and they are involved in the largest percentage of serious and catastrophic incidents. If you or someone close to you was injured or killed in a crosswalk accident in Alabama, you need strong legal counsel in your corner fighting hard to secure the just compensation you deserve.
At M. Adam Jones and Associates, we have many years of experience successfully representing victims of pedestrian/crosswalk accidents and other types of personal injuries in Alabama. We are skilled advocates on behalf of those who have been injured through no fault of their own, and we work closely with our clients to provide highly personalized legal representation and moral support during this difficult time.
We know that pedestrian accident cases are not always cut and dry, and there are often complicating factors that the insurance company may use to try to devalue the claim or even deny it all together. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of this area of the law, and we routinely go up against well-funded adversaries, such as large insurance companies and their high-priced lawyers. We have a successful track record with these types of cases, and we put our extensive experience to work to explore every potential legal avenue toward obtaining full and fair compensation on behalf of each client we serve.
What causes Crosswalk Accidents?
When a motor vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the resulting injuries can be serious and even fatal, especially for the pedestrian, who has less protection than a vehicle occupant. There are a number of different injuries those involved in these types of accidents may sustain, such as:
- Back and neck injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Fractures/broken bones;
- Permanent scarring;
- Internal injuries;
- Loss of limbs/amputations;
- Wrongful death.
There are many reasons that pedestrian accidents happen. In the majority of cases, they are the fault of a motorist who collides with the pedestrian, although sometimes pedestrians may be at fault. Some common ways that motorists cause crosswalk accidents include:
- Reckless driving: Driving recklessly or aggressively makes it difficult for a motorist to slow down or stop in time to avoid a pedestrian at a crosswalk or intersection. Examples of reckless driving include excessive speeding, tailgating, making sharp turns, weaving in and out of lanes, and running stop lights or stop signs.
- Drowsy or fatigued driving: Someone who drives after working long hours and/or not getting enough sleep is more susceptible to getting drowsy or even falling asleep behind the wheel. This tends to happen more often during hours after dark, when it is difficult to see pedestrians.
- Driving while intoxicated: Those who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and sometimes become sleepy at the wheel. Other times, they enter a reckless mindset and take unnecessary chances like speeding through an intersection. In either case, chemically-impaired driving greatly heightens the risk of a motorist colliding with a pedestrian when they encounter them at a crosswalk or intersection.
- Distracted driving: Motorists have more distractions these days than ever before. Texting while driving is an especially dangerous distraction, because it takes the attention of the motorist completely off of the road. When a motorist is too busy looking at their cell phone at a crosswalk, it is easy to miss pedestrians that may be crossing in front of them.
A few common ways that pedestrians might contribute to the crosswalk accident include:
- Inattentiveness/distractions: Motorists are not the only ones who are overly distracted by their cell phones. Many pedestrians also spend a lot of their time texting, taking selfies, watching videos, and engaging in other types of electronic activity. Sometimes, distracted pedestrians bump into bicycles, vehicles, and other objects when they are walking along the sidewalk or crossing the road.
- Improper or illegal crossing: Another common way that a pedestrian might contribute to a crosswalk accident is by crossing when it is not their turn. Some pedestrians also try to cross the road at locations that are not designated crosswalks.
- Alcohol: Like intoxicated drivers, pedestrians who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs tend to make very poor decisions, such as crossing illegally or stumbling into traffic.
Pursuing a Crosswalk Accident Injury Claim in Alabama
Pedestrian accident cases are often a lot more complicated than more standard motor vehicle accidents. In many cases, there is disagreement about who was at fault, and a thorough investigation may be required to uncover the key facts of the case and determine the root cause. This is very important in Alabama because in Alabama, an injured party can be barred from recovering damages if they are found to have “contributed” in any way to the underlying accident. This means that even if you are found to be just 1% at fault, you may lose your right to compensation for your injuries. This is a very high bar to clear, and it is one of the reasons it is absolutely essential to retain an attorney as soon as possible, so your legal right to compensation can be preserved.
Speak with an Experienced Alabama Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a crosswalk accident, get immediate medical help for your injuries, then get in contact with a seasoned personal injury attorney. At M. Adam Jones and Associates, we have the knowledge, skills, resources, and commitment to help ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you need and deserve. Call our office today at 334-699-5599 to schedule a free consultation. You may also message us through our online contact form.