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.