Did you know that US Pedestrian deaths have reached a 40 year high? According to the Governors Highway Safety Association’s new study shows that every day in America, 20 people will walk outside of their home and get killed by a moving vehicle.
Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in Alabama and Georgia, often resulting in severe injuries or as stated above, even fatalities. As a leading personal injury attorney serving East Alabama and West Georgia, we have secured millions for our clients who have been involved in pedestrian accidents in Auburn, Alabama and surrounding areas. Furthermore, Best injury attorney, Trip Walton “the Fighter” and his team of Alabama car accident lawyers, understand the complexities of pedestrian accident cases and are committed to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.
In this blog post, we will discuss common causes of pedestrian accidents, legal considerations, and how an experienced attorney can assist you in navigating your case.
(To read or download the full report from the Governors Highway Safety Association’s study – click here)
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Alabama and Georgia
Pedestrian accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which involve negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: With the increasing use of smartphones, distracted driving has become a major cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, browsing social media, or using GPS are not fully aware of their surroundings. According to the National Highway for Traffic Safety, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022.
- Speeding: High-speed collisions are more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it difficult to avoid pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield: Pedestrians often have the right of way at crosswalks. However, drivers sometimes fail to yield, leading to accidents.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Did you know that 37 people die every day in drunk driving crashes? That’s one every 39 minutes. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can reduce visibility and road traction, making it more difficult for drivers to see and stop for pedestrians.
Legal Considerations in Pedestrian Accident Cases
In Alabama, pedestrian accident cases are governed by specific laws and legal principles. Understanding these can be crucial in building a strong case:
- Comparative & Contributory Negligence: Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning that if a pedestrian is found to be even partially at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering damages. Click HERE to read more on Alabama Contributory Negligence. Georgia follows a modified comparative approach. To read more on Georgia Comparative negligence laws, click HERE.
- Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama and Georgia is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing the right to pursue compensation. However, it is important to note that the time frame can be different if a city, county or state entity is involved. To learn more about statute of limitations, check out our blog!
- Damages: Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact our experienced team of personal injury lawyers for a free initial case consultation*
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but an experienced personal injury attorney, like Trip Walton “the Fighter” and his team of Top Alabama Injury lawyers can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts to establish fault.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to secure the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Pedestrian accidents in Alabama and Georgia can have devastating consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. As dedicated personal injury attorneys, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
*portions of this blog post have been written with assistance from ChatGPT
