Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Atlanta, GA
A person should be able to go about their everyday life without worrying about getting hit by a car, but in the event of an accident, it is strongly advised that victims contact a pedestrian accident lawyer Atlanta, GA residents can depend on from Council & Associates, LLC. Big cities like Atlanta frequently have a high number of pedestrian accidents because of the close proximity between vehicles and pedestrians. Sometimes, those accidents happen when they shouldn’t have due to a driver not paying close enough attention to the road and the other people on it, or when a driver simply doesn’t obeying the rules of the road. Speeding through a traffic light that shortly goes from yellow to red, can also cause a driver to easily hit a pedestrian.
Because people who live and work in Atlanta depend so much on their cars, it’s not difficult to understand why there’s such a high fatality rate in the area (particularly high for Hispanics and those in the 15-34 and 35-54 age groups). To make matters worse, Atlanta citizen and visitors who choose to walk or ride public transportation experience frustration just in trying to get from one place to another. It’s not easy for pedestrians to get from here to there, and it’s not easy for drivers, either; combine the two, and both need to practice caution in trying not to collide with the other.
How Common are Pedestrian Accidents?
The short answer, unfortunately, is that pedestrian accidents happen a lot more frequently than you might realize. More than 110,000 pedestrian accidents occur just in the U.S. annually, and those accidents result in almost 60,000 injuries and 4,000 deaths. When you do the math, that amounts to one pedestrian being hit by a car every eight minutes – and that’s just being hit – remember some of those are fatalities. Another notable fact is that almost all (90 percent) of those accidents happen in clear weather, and most (about 75 percent) of them occur in urban areas.
Although it would be convenient to blame pedestrian accidents on the weather – wet, slick, and icy roads and poor visibility, for example – that only accounts for about ten percent. Alcohol plays into a huge number (almost half) of all pedestrian accident fatalities. Other things that make it more dangerous to drive among pedestrians and walk among vehicles include distractions (i.e., cell phones, in-vehicle navigation systems, and passengers), busy streets, and not obeying the rules of the road (including walking outside of a designated crossing zone, speeding, and not checking for pedestrians).
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Given the size and weight differences between a pedestrian and a vehicle, it should be no surprise that these types of accidents can be incredibly serious and cause life-altering and -ending injuries. These injuries can be devastating for so many reasons because they can cost you a lot physically, emotionally, and financially. Costs can include doctor visits, medication, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and there’s even the potential you’ll need medical aids or nursing care for the rest of your life! You could experience any one of the following injuries if you’re involved in a pedestrian accident:
- Broken bones, scrapes, and bruises
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Internal damage, including internal bleeding and damage to internal organs
- Back, neck, and spinal injuries, which could mean para- or quadriplegia
Many of these don’t occur when the car hits the person, but rather in the ensuing moments, when the person falls to the ground or hits other objects. Depending on your injuries, you may be entitled to the following compensation:
- Medical costs, including co-pays and prescription medications
- Wages lost due to your injuries sustained in the accident, including decreased earning potential, disability, and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship (when a spouse or child dies due to an accident)
- Punitive damages
In today’s society, car drivers are actually one of the most serious threats present on the roadway. A pedestrian has the right of way to cross and deserves to have drivers watch out for their safety too. But all too often, car drivers are more worried about zipping to where they need to be and what they have to get done, instead of how they could be putting the lives of others in serious jeopardy.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you must call 911 and let the emergency medical team evaluate you. If you can and it’s safe to do so, get yourself to a rest spot close to the scene and wait for help to arrive. Because of the sheer force of a vehicle hitting the human body, it is the pedestrian who is likely to sustain the worst injuries. Unlike a car driver, a pedestrian doesn’t have the same protective shield to deflect force of impact. As an Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer may discuss, injuries that tend to be common for pedestrians in accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Whiplash
- Impalement
- Lacerations and wounds
- Crushed extremities
- Spinal cord damage
- Mental trauma
- Disability
Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Infographic
If you were in a pedestrian accident, and were not critically injured, then try to get the driver’s information. Details to gather include driver’s name, current address, driver’s license number, insurance carrier, insurance policy number, vehicle license plate number and description, and phone number. If there were witnesses who saw the accident happen, it can help to get their name and contact as well, so you have people who support your side of the story. These witnesses can become influential for your personal injury case so that you can maximize how much compensation you receive. Your lawyer can reach out to these people in the days to follow.
The more evidence you have for the accident, the better your chances are at receiving restitution for your medical bills, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, prescriptions, chiropractic care, and other expenses or damages. Be sure to inform your legal team about all the ways you have suffered since the accident, such as your career, everyday life, relationships, mental health, etc. If you are having a difficult time mentally, that’s completely understandable. You or someone you care about may have just been the victim in a pedestrian accident, and that’s a stressful incident to go through.
Call today!
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a pedestrian accident, you should consider hiring an attorney to help you through the complicated, cumbersome process of filing a lawsuit and preparing your legal case in order to seek the compensation you deserve. Call the law firm that cares about you and fighting for your rights – call Council & Associates, LLC at (404) 526-8857 for a free case consultation. When you talk to an attorney, you’ll tell them your story, and they will tell you about your rights and the options available; then, together, you can decide on the path that best suits your particular needs and desires, given your specific situation.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Atlanta, GA
A pedestrian accident can be an extremely serious and traumatic event, with life-changing consequences, especially if you suffer serious injuries as a result of the accident, which is why you need a pedestrian accident lawyer Atlanta, GA; a lawyer can help you get compensation after you’ve been injured in an accident in which another driver was at fault. Contact Council & Associates, LLC today to learn more about your rights and legal options so that you can get back on your feet after your accident and get the money you need to recover from your injuries.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents can aid in prevention and is critical when pursuing legal claims. Legal professionals specializing in personal injury law can offer guidance and representation to victims seeking compensation for injuries sustained in such accidents.
Crosswalk Incidents
These occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at designated crosswalks, leading to collisions. This is especially prevalent in urban areas with heavy foot traffic.
Turning Vehicles
Accidents often happen when drivers make turns at intersections without noticing pedestrians crossing the road, particularly when drivers are distracted or visibility is impaired.
Distracted Driving
Pedestrians may be struck by drivers who are not fully attentive to the road due to texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions.
Impaired Driving
Accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have devastating consequences for pedestrians, as impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment.
Backing-Up Accidents
These occur in parking lots or driveways where drivers fail to notice pedestrians behind their vehicles as they reverse.
Jaywalking
Pedestrians may also contribute to accidents by crossing streets away from designated crosswalks or ignoring traffic signals, leading to unexpected encounters with vehicles.
Nighttime Walking
Reduced visibility during nighttime significantly increases the risk of pedestrian accidents, particularly on streets lacking adequate lighting.
Common Injuries with Pedestrian Accident
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and tears of ligaments and tendons, which are common when pedestrians are knocked down or thrown by the impact.
- Bone Fractures: Pedestrians may suffer from broken bones, with the most frequent being fractures of the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis due to the force of the collision.
- Head Injuries: These range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can occur even without direct head impact if the pedestrian is violently shaken.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to significant nerve damage and, in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt trauma can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Skin and soft tissues can be scraped or cut by the impact with the vehicle or the road, leading to bleeding and potential infection.
- Psychological Trauma: Accidents can also leave psychological scars, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect a victim’s ability to lead a normal life.
Given the potential for severe and lasting injuries, it is crucial for victims of pedestrian accidents to seek immediate medical care and legal assistance. An experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and suffering.
Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Infographic
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after being involved in a pedestrian accident?
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta, GA, it is crucial to first ensure your safety and seek medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Contact the police to file an accident report, which is important for legal and insurance purposes. Gather contact information from witnesses and take photos of the scene if possible. Additionally, it is advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in Georgia law to understand your rights and options for compensation.
How do I determine who is at fault?
Determining fault in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta involves assessing whether the driver, pedestrian, or both acted negligently. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. Evidence such as traffic signals, witness statements, and accident scene photos can be critical. An attorney can help establish fault by evaluating the evidence and applying state traffic laws.
What types of compensation can I claim?
As a pedestrian injured by a vehicle in Atlanta, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term disability or rehabilitation costs. In cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded. The specifics of what compensation is available can depend on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the accident, so legal advice is recommended.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years to seek damages for your injuries. It is important to act promptly to ensure that evidence is preserved and witnesses’ memories remain fresh, which can be crucial in proving your case.
Can a pedestrian be held liable?
Yes, a pedestrian can also be held liable for an accident in Atlanta if their negligence contributed to the incident. Examples of pedestrian negligence include jaywalking, crossing against traffic signals, or walking while distracted (e.g., using a smartphone). If a pedestrian is found to be partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rules.
What are my rights if I’ve been hit by a car?
As a pedestrian, you have the right of way when crossing the street at a marked crosswalk or intersection with a green light. If you are hit by a car while walking, the driver is usually at fault. You may be able to get compensation from the driver’s insurance company for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to get compensation from your own insurance company. You should speak to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Atlanta to find out what your rights are and how to get the compensation you deserve.
What does the driver need to prove in court?
In order to prove that the driver is at fault, your pedestrian accident lawyer in Atlanta will need to show that the driver was negligent. This means that the driver did not use reasonable care while operating their vehicle. For example, if the driver was speeding or texting while driving, they may be considered negligent. If you were hit by a car while walking in a crosswalk, the driver would likely be considered negligent since they should have yielded to you.
What do I need to prove in court?
If you were hit by a car while walking in Atlanta, you may be wondering how you can get compensated for your injuries. The first thing you need to do is prove that the driver was at fault. To do this, you will need to show that the driver was negligent. Negligence is when a person fails to use reasonable care and someone is injured as a result. There are four elements of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta, it’s important to seek legal assistance promptly. Contact Council & Associates, LLC to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer who can provide guidance and support through every step of your case. They will help you understand your rights, navigate the complexities of legal proceedings, and strive to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today
Let us handle the legal side of your case so that you can prioritize your health. While you are getting the treatment you need, we can organize evidence, do an investigation, and watch out for your best interests. You can count on us when terrible times arise. Reach out to an Atlanta lawyer pedestrian accident team from Council & Associates, LLC now for compassionate support.
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