This video discusses pedestrian accident cases, focusing on factors such as traffic signals and crosswalk usage. It highlights the importance of understanding the rights of pedestrians and the responsibilities of drivers, especially in congested areas. Additionally, it addresses the implications of contributory negligence in states like Alabama.
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention immediately. Document the scene, gather witness information, and report the incident to the police. Consulting a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Fault in pedestrian accidents is determined by examining traffic signals, crosswalk usage, and whether the pedestrian was jaywalking. The circumstances of the accident, such as the speed of the vehicle and the presence of pedestrians in the area, are also considered.
Contributory negligence is a legal doctrine that can bar recovery if the injured party is found to be partially at fault. In states like Alabama, if a pedestrian is deemed to have acted carelessly, they may not be able to win their case.
Pedestrian accident cases are more common in your northern states where there are simply more pedestrians. In the south, pedestrian cases boil down to whether or not the driver of the car ran a red light and whether or not the pedestrian was in the crosswalk. Crosswalk cases are fairly easy. Did you have the light? Did you not have the light? Was somebody at an adjoining intersection who made a turn and didn't see the pedestrian? Those types of cases are called pedestrian knockdown cases and they really focus on whether or not the pedestrian was jaywalking or in the crosswalk. They focus on who had the light. They can look at whether or not a motorist was speeding in an area that was congested by pedestrians or in shopping lot cases where people are walking into a store. They're often very clearly marked areas where they're supposed to walk. They're often armed. But you can expect pedestrians in a shopping area where you see plenty of parked cars and people going in and out of stores. So in those areas where you can expect to see pedestrians, you have an extra duty of care. You cannot hit a pedestrian. They have the right of way. But in Alabama, if they act in any way carelessly, then they can't win the case because we are a contributory negligent state. So when you analyze these cases for purposes of determining whether or not you have a lawsuit, those are the factors you have to look at.
