Huntsville Pedestrian & Vehicle Accident Attorneys

Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident as a pedestrian?

A pedestrian accident is one of the most devastating kinds of accidents. Because a pedestrian doesn’t have the protection of a car—with its seat belts, air bags, and metal frame—an accident can cause serious injuries, or even death.

Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that around 4,000 pedestrians are killed and nearly 70,000 are injured in accidents with motor vehicles. In Alabama, 84 people were killed and 589 were injured in 2011. Unfortunately, pedestrian deaths have increased over the past several years—perhaps due in part to the rise in distracted driving.

Most of these accidents happen at night, when the driver is less likely to see the pedestrian. (This is why it is important to wear bright, reflective clothing when walking at night.)

Children and the elderly are most vulnerable to death in a pedestrian accident—together accounting for more than 25 percent of those killed and nearly 30 percent of those injured in this type of crash.

Drivers have a responsibility to obey all rules of the road, including yielding to pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk and walking on a sidewalk. However, drivers can often be careless and negligent, and their mistakes have serious consequences for the public.

Pedestrian accidents can be caused for any number of reasons:

• Distraction: Drivers who are changing the radio station, talking to a passenger, talking on a cell phone, or texting cause thousands of injuries and deaths every year because they just aren’t paying attention to the road.
• Alcohol or drugs: It’s well known that alcohol and drugs have serious, negative effects on a person’s ability to drive. In fact, alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all fatal pedestrian crashes.
• Failure to obey traffic laws: Running a red light or stop sign, speeding, and failing to look before turning—among other traffic violations—can result in a pedestrian crash.

If you’ve been in an accident as a pedestrian, you know first-hand that it is life-changing. Your injuries may be severe, resulting in numerous trips to the doctor and extended time off work. Medical bills and lost income can cause serious financial hardship: you may be struggling to support yourself and your family while you recover.

Pedestrian accident resource pages:

• Crosswalk Accidents
• Who Has the Right of Way?

Martinson & Beason, P.C. is here for you and your family. To get your questions answered after a pedestrian accident, contact us today. The evaluation is free and confidential.

We are dedicated to helping people like you get back on their feet physically and financially after an accident. Our Huntsville, AL pedestrian accident attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not charge you a fee until and unless we make a recovery for you.