Understanding Alabama Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Pedestrians are at risk of severe injuries if struck by a motor vehicle, even in relatively low-speed collisions. To reduce the threat, pedestrian right-of-way laws in Alabama clearly define who has the right of way under various circumstances. The goal is to keep pedestrians safe from potentially devastating accidents — but they only work when people follow the law. When motorists fail to yield the right of way to a pedestrian as required, they can be held financially accountable for any injuries and losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Does the Right of Way Mean?

The right of way refers to the right of a particular road user to proceed in traffic. It becomes relevant when two or more road users encounter each other in traffic, such as at an intersection. Understanding your obligations is crucial when you reach the point where decisions must be made about who can legally go first.

What are the Right-of-Way Laws for Pedestrians in Alabama?

Alabama law grants pedestrians the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. That means they share the same obligation to learn and follow the rules for traveling on foot. Failure to abide by these laws can result in serious pedestrian accidents and questions about who can be liable for a collision.

Right-of-way laws that apply to pedestrians state that:

• Pedestrians must obey all official traffic control devices unless directed by a police officer.
• Pedestrians must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when crossing the road outside a marked crosswalk, intersection, pedestrian tunnel, or overhead pedestrian crossing.
• Pedestrians cannot cross in the middle of the road between adjacent intersections where crosswalks with functioning traffic signals are present.
• Pedestrians cannot cross an intersection diagonally unless authorized by traffic control devices.
• Pedestrians must use sidewalks whenever available. If a road does not have a sidewalk, persons on foot should walk along the shoulder as far from the traffic lanes as possible. If the road has neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder, pedestrians should walk as close as possible to the outside edge of the road along the left side, facing oncoming traffic.
• When a road or intersection has no functioning traffic signal, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the road within a crosswalk. Other drivers approaching from the rear may not overtake and pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?

Alabama laws require motorists to make reasonable efforts to avoid hitting people on foot. However, pedestrians do not always have the right of way. Here’s when they do:

• Pedestrians always have the right of way on sidewalks.
• Pedestrians have the right of way when entering or crossing an intersection or marked crosswalk.
• Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing a crosswalk following operational traffic signals.

Who is Liable for Failure-to-Yield Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian right-of-way laws in Alabama tend to favor pedestrians over motorists. In most cases, a driver will bear liability in a collision with someone on foot. That said, other parties may also bear liability for a pedestrian collision instead of (or in addition to) the motorist. For example, a municipal or county government may bear liability for a pedestrian accident caused by unsafe road or intersection conditions, such as malfunctioning or missing road signs or traffic control signals, obstructed lines of sight, or faded road or crossing markings.

Proving a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Alabama personal injury laws allow injured people to seek compensation from an at-fault party due to negligence. To prevail in a pedestrian accident claim, you will need compelling evidence that you had the right of way and that the driver failed to yield. Examples of evidence you might use to prove your case include:

• Police accident reports
• Accident scene photos and videos
• Eyewitness statements
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Cell phone records
• Vehicle computer logs
• Vehicle maintenance and repair records
• Post-accident vehicle inspections
• Testimony from accident reconstruction experts

Why Should I Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

A pedestrian accident can leave you in serious pain and facing a long road to recovery. Compensation can be a vital lifeline to help you recover from injuries and remain financially secure. However, the prospect of filing a personal injury claim and dealing with the insurance company can feel overwhelming as you try to heal. An Alabama pedestrian accident attorney from Gartlan Injury Law can handle the details of your legal claim, leaving you free to focus on your rest and recovery.

Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can pursue the financial recovery you need and deserve by:

• Evaluating your legal options for pursuing compensation
• Advising you on what to expect during the claims process
• Thoroughly investigating the pedestrian accident to recover valuable evidence
• Reviewing the facts and working with accident reconstruction experts (as needed) to piece together the events of the accident and identify liable parties
• Filing and preparing your pedestrian accident claim and communicating with adjusters and defense lawyers on your behalf
• Negotiating for a settlement that provides you with maximum compensation accounting for your ongoing expenses and future needs and losses
• Filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit and taking your case to trial (if necessary)

Contact an Alabama Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Did a careless or reckless driver hit you? Contact Gartlan Injury Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer.

Visit Our Alabama Pedestrian Accident Law Offices

Aaron Gartlan

Aaron Gartlan is a graduate of Troy University and the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law who focuses his practice exclusively on representing those injured by the wrongdoing of others. He is member of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In addition to his legal practice, Aaron teaches Business Law as an adjunct instructor at Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business and serves as a field artillery sergeant in the Alabama National Guard.