If you are dealing with devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain after an accident, it is important to understand liability in Huntsville pedestrian accident cases.
If a negligent driver caused the accident that injured you, the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Siniard Law are here to help. Our skilled legal team understands the state’s pedestrian liability laws and is ready to work diligently to identify all responsible parties.
Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability in pedestrian accidents requires careful examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Multiple parties may bear responsibility depending on how the accident occurred.
Here are the parties who may be liable in a Huntsville pedestrian accident case.
Motor Vehicle Drivers
Drivers are most commonly liable in pedestrian accidents. These accidents are more likely to occur when drivers:
- Fail to yield at crosswalks
- Run red lights or stop signs
- Speed through residential areas
- Drive while distracted or intoxicated
- Fail to exercise reasonable care near pedestrian zones
Even when pedestrians make mistakes, drivers have a duty to avoid collisions whenever possible.
Vehicle Owners
When the driver and vehicle owner are different people, the owner may share liability under negligent entrustment laws. Vehicle owner liability may arise when they lend their vehicles to individuals they know are incompetent, inexperienced, or have a poor driving record.
Employers and Companies
Employers can be held liable when their employees cause pedestrian accidents while performing job duties. Employer liability is common with delivery drivers, trucking companies, and commercial vehicle operators.
Companies may also face liability for inadequate driver training, poor vehicle maintenance, or pressuring employees to meet unrealistic deadlines that encourage unsafe driving.
Government Entities
Municipalities and government agencies responsible for road maintenance may be liable when dangerous conditions contribute to pedestrian accidents. Their liability may arise due to poorly designed intersections, malfunctioning traffic signals, inadequate lighting, missing crosswalk markings, or failure to address known hazards.
Property Owners
Private property owners can also be held liable in pedestrian accidents. Liability may arise if a pedestrian accident occurs on their premises due to negligent maintenance, such as inadequate parking lot lighting, unmarked hazards, or failure to control traffic flow in commercial areas.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective vehicle components, such as faulty brakes, steering systems, or malfunctioning safety features, may lead to manufacturer liability when mechanical failures cause drivers to strike pedestrians.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps Prove Liability
Proving liability in pedestrian accident cases requires evidence that demonstrates the at-fault party’s negligence. Here are different types of evidence our pedestrian accident lawyers might use to prove liability in a Huntsville case:
Police Crash Reports
Our pedestrian accident lawyers could support your claim using the official police report. This report contains details about the accident, including officer observations, cited violations, witness information, and preliminary fault determinations.
Eyewitness Testimony
A pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm could locate and interview witnesses who observed the accident. Their sworn statements can corroborate your version of events and counter any disputed facts presented by the defense.
Surveillance and Photographic Evidence
Our pedestrian accident lawyers could collect traffic camera footage and security videos from nearby businesses. We could also use photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions to demonstrate how the accident occurred.
Contact a Huntsville Attorney About Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, you should establish liability to protect your right to compensation. Understanding liability in Huntsville pedestrian accident cases is essential for holding the negligent party accountable. The experienced attorneys at Siniard Law could investigate the collision, negotiate with insurers, or litigate your claim in court to secure maximum compensation. Schedule a free consultation with us today.
