Tuskegee Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Driving is a major responsibility. You’re in charge of several tons of deadly machinery that has the capacity to kill or seriously injure people, not to mention the potential for property damage. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t take that responsibility seriously. As a result, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed every year when drivers are reckless, negligent, or simply inexperienced.

Tuskegee pedestrian accidents are not rare, and if you’re a victim, it’s crucial to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you are owed. Schedule a consultation with Mann & Potter now by calling us at 205-879-9661.

Pedestrian Accidents in Alabama

While pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and to anyone, there are certain circumstances that make pedestrian collisions more common. Some factors that tend to come up again and again include:

• The victim is a child. Pedestrian accidents are a leading cause of death for children, often because their small size makes them more difficult to see. They are also more likely to dart out in front of oncoming cars because they don’t understand the danger.
• The victim is a senior citizen. A significant amount of pedestrian accident victims are elderly individuals. Impatient drivers may underestimate how long it takes a senior citizen to cross the street or simply try to beat a pedestrian through the intersection before letting them go.
• Alcohol is involved. Statistics show that alcohol is a factor in many pedestrian collisions. Drunk drivers are less attentive to the road, have slower reflexes, and are less likely to stop in time.
• Urban accidents are more common. Congested traffic, higher driving speeds, and impatient drivers are all important factors contributing to an increase in urban accidents. Crashes are far less likely to occur in rural areas.
• Speed is often a factor. Accident statistics indicate that speed is involved in the vast majority of pedestrian collisions. This includes speed limit violations and when drivers are going too fast for weather conditions.
• Crashes are more likely to occur at night. Most collisions happen during times of limited lighting, or between the hours of 6 P.M. and 6 A.M.

What Causes Pedestrian Collisions?

A variety of conditions lead to the vast majority of pedestrian collisions in Tuskegee and other parts of Alabama. By determining the root cause of an accident, your pedestrian accident attorney can figure out who is liable. Common causes of pedestrian crashes include:

• Distracted driving. Looking away from the road for even a fraction of a second can lead to tragedy, which is why distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian crashes. Drivers today can be distracted by their phones, conversations with passengers, food, makeup or hair, or rummaging for something in the next seat.
• Speeding and reckless driving. Trying to save a couple minutes by speeding or cutting corners is rarely worth it. In the worst-case scenario, doing so can cause a fatality or serious injury in a pedestrian accident.
• Failure to see or look for pedestrians. Drivers know to look for other cars and vehicles on the road, but some simply forget to look for people on foot. This leaves them unable to stop in time when a pedestrian walks in front of them. Others may look for pedestrians but not see them, as is the case with young pedestrians or those who pop out from behind a car.
• Driving under the influence. Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol paves the way for tragedy. No matter how careful a pedestrian is, they are at great risk when they encounter an impaired driver.
• Drowsy driving. Driving while fatigued is often just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Combined with the fact that pedestrian crashes are more common at night, drowsy driving is a huge risk factor for pedestrian collisions.
• Inattentive pedestrians. While many crashes are due to driver error, pedestrian behavior can also cause a crash. When pedestrians dart out from behind a parked car, they often leave drivers no space to stop. Failing to check for oncoming traffic is another dangerous behavior.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Pedestrian

As a pedestrian, you have the right to a safe roadway. However, there are also responsibilities you must fulfill to do your part. You have the right to behave in a way that assumes drivers will obey the rules of the road and navigate safely around you. You are obligated to follow traffic signals, including stop signs, stoplights, and walk/don’t walk signals. You have the right of way when crossing the road, and cars are expected to yield to you.

What if there are no stop signs or traffic control lights? In that case, you still have the right of way at intersections. However, you should still check for oncoming traffic before entering the road. If you are crossing anywhere other than an intersection or marked walkway, you must yield the right of way to cars.

How We Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Tuskegee

If you’ve been injured in a Tuskegee pedestrian accident, you must move quickly to fight for compensation and file a personal injury claim. The driver’s insurance company will likely push for a quick end to the case by pressuring you to take a low settlement. By hiring an attorney, you can begin the process of gathering evidence, investigating your case, and building a case.

We know that you are likely struggling with serious injuries after a pedestrian accident and dealing with an aggressive insurance company is probably not high on your list of priorities. Our team’s only goal is to get you the full and fair settlement you deserve.

We know the tactics and tricks that insurance companies use to coerce you into low settlements, and we won’t let you fall victim to those methods. Instead, we’ll fully investigate your claim, build a strong case using all the available evidence, and fight for fair payment for you—whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.

Call Mann & Potter Now

If you’re ready to take the next step in your pedestrian accident claim in Tuskegee, we’re ready to sit down and talk with you. Schedule a consultation now by calling us at 205-879-9661 or contacting us online.