BIRMINGHAM PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER

Walking should be the safest way to get from one place to another. But when a driver isn’t paying attention, even a short walk through a crosswalk or parking lot can turn into a life-altering event. Pedestrian accidents in Birmingham often leave people with devastating injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next.

Alabama law allows injured pedestrians to pursue compensation when a driver’s negligence causes harm. Still, these cases can be challenging, especially when insurance companies try to shift blame onto the person who was hit.

Pedestrian accidents rarely happen without warning. In many cases, they result from drivers failing to slow down, pay attention, or follow traffic laws designed to protect people on foot.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Birmingham include:

• Distracted driving, including texting or in-vehicle distractions
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
• Unsafe lane changes or sudden turns
• Accidents in parking lots or residential areas
• Poor visibility from inadequate street lighting or weather conditions
• Hazardous road design, missing signage, or poorly marked crosswalks

Even a brief lapse in attention can have devastating consequences for someone walking nearby.

If you’re struck by a vehicle, your health comes first. Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries don’t seem severe. Pedestrian injuries, especially head, spine, or internal injuries, can worsen over time.

Document the scene by taking photos, collecting witness contact information, and noting details about the vehicle and driver. Avoid discussing fault at the scene or with insurance companies before understanding your rights, as early statements can be used to limit or deny compensation later.

Liability in pedestrian accident cases depends on how the crash occurred. In many cases, the driver who struck the pedestrian is responsible. However, liability may also extend to other parties.

Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:

• A negligent or distracted driver
• The owner of the vehicle, if maintenance issues played a role
• An employer, if the driver was working at the time
• A city or municipality, if unsafe road conditions contributed

Identifying all potentially liable parties is often critical to pursuing full compensation.

Fault is determined by examining evidence such as traffic laws, crash reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction. While pedestrians generally have the right of way in crosswalks, insurers often scrutinize pedestrian behavior closely.

They may argue issues like visibility, timing, or location in an effort to shift blame, even when the driver’s negligence caused the crash.

This is one of the most important issues in Alabama pedestrian accident cases. Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means an injured person may be barred from recovering compensation if they’re found even slightly at fault.

Because of this, insurance companies often look for any reason to argue that a pedestrian contributed to the accident. That makes evidence and early legal guidance especially important in these cases.

Yes. Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents can still lead to compensation. In these cases, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply, and additional investigation may help identify the responsible driver.

These claims often move quickly, making early action important to preserve evidence and insurance options.

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection. Compensation may reflect both the immediate harm and long-term consequences of the injury.

Depending on the case, damages may include:

• Medical expenses and future treatment costs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional distress and loss of quality of life

Each case is evaluated individually based on the extent of the injuries and how they affect daily life.

Pedestrian accident claims are subject to strict legal deadlines under Alabama law. Waiting too long can permanently bar recovery, even when the injuries are severe.

Because evidence can fade quickly and contributory negligence issues may arise early, acting promptly is often critical.

Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize pedestrian claims by disputing fault or downplaying injuries. Settlement negotiations may involve multiple insurers and require detailed medical documentation and evidence.

Having legal advocacy can help ensure that settlement discussions reflect the true impact of the injuries, not just what an insurer is willing to offer.

Pedestrian accident cases require careful investigation and strong advocacy, particularly in Alabama’s strict fault system. Morgan & Morgan works to gather evidence, challenge unfair blame, and pursue compensation that reflects the full extent of the harm suffered.

When someone is injured simply trying to cross the street or walk safely, accountability matters.

No one should be punished for walking. When a driver’s negligence turns an everyday moment into a life-changing injury, Alabama law provides a path to accountability.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Birmingham, Morgan & Morgan may be able to help. Contact us for a free case evaluation. There are no upfront costs, and you don’t pay unless compensation is recovered. When people on foot are harmed, we fight For The People®.