Atlanta Pedestrian Injury Lawyers

Legal Representation for Victims of Atlanta Pedestrian Accidents

Of all the parties that use Georgia’s roadways, pedestrians are, by far, the most vulnerable. This is because pedestrians have no protection in a collision with a vehicle. Even a low-speed impact from a motorcycle or bicycle can cause serious injuries. The results of a pedestrian accident are usually devastating, drastically changing a person's life on physical, emotional, and financial levels. Although the road to recovery is a challenging one, compensation from the negligent party that caused the accident can help the victim, and his or her family, recover.

If your family member has been injured or killed in an Atlanta pedestrian accident, you need the representation of an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney. For over 30 years, Grant Law Office has been successfully representing Atlanta-area injury victims, winning them substantial verdicts and settlements. Call us today for a free consultation at (404) 995-3955.

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Pedestrian Law in Georgia

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when in a crosswalk. For this reason, the state of Georgia has passed strict statutes for vehicles. According to O.C.G.A. (Official Code of Georgia Annotated) 40-6-91: the "driver of a vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway within a crosswalk" when the pedestrian is approaching or on the roadway that the vehicle is traveling. And pedestrians have a responsibility to exercise common sense when traversing crosswalks; they should not "leave a curb or other place of safety" and step into the path of a vehicle so suddenly that it is nearly impossible for the driver to avoid them.

Bicyclists, on the other hand, should not be riding in crosswalks at all. Children on bicycles are allowed to use sidewalks; however, they have to dismount before traversing a crosswalk, and walk their bicycles across the street. Not only does bicycling down crosswalks put pedestrians at risk, but it also puts the bicyclist at risk since turning vehicles may not see the bicycle coming.

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A Driver's Duty of Care at Crosswalks

When approaching a crosswalk, motorists have a duty of care to follow the rules of the road and look out for any pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists before crossing. Failing to do so is an act of negligence. Forms of driver negligence that commonly cause crosswalk or intersection accidents include:

• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• Disobeying traffic signs or signals
• Failing to adjust to adverse weather conditions
• Failing to yield the right-of-way

When children are present, a driver's duty of care is enhanced. Motorists who negligently cause accidents at common play areas, such as parks and schools, may be subjected to stiffer fines and other civil penalties.

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How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Crosswalk and intersection accidents are among the most common scenarios leading to pedestrian injuries in Atlanta. These areas are designed to be safe for walkers, but they often become danger zones due to negligent drivers. These accidents are frequently the result of distracted driving, speeding, or drivers who fail to yield the right of way.

Parking lots are particularly hazardous for pedestrians, with inattentive drivers searching for spots and backing out of spaces without looking where they’re going. Factors such as poor lighting, lack of clear signage, and tight spaces add to the danger. Parking lot owners may be liable for injuries caused by poor maintenance and lack of security personnel.

Accidents involving drunk or distracted drivers are a major threat for pedestrians in Atlanta. Intoxicated drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to cause serious accidents. And drivers who are distracted by their phones, GPS systems, or other activities are not focused on the road, increasing the risk of hitting pedestrians.

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Compensation for Your Pedestrian Injuries in Atlanta

Pedestrians hit by motor vehicles generally sustain severe injuries that take a long time to recover from. If you or a loved one has been injured by a vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

• Current and future medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent injury or disability
• Lost wages
• Loss of career or earning capacity
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Hedonic damages for loss of joy of life
• Loss of a limb
• Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one
• And more

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Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta

Pedestrian who are stuck by motor vehicles can suffer catastrophic injuries. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may cause long-term cognitive and physical impairment. Spinal injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering the victim's quality of life. The medical treatment and rehabilitation for these injuries is often extensive, requiring specialized care.

When a car strikes someone who is walking, bone fractures are likely to occur. This may include broken arms, legs, ribs, wrists and pelvis, and other bones. Patients may require emergency care and surgery followed by a long recovery period. Whiplash resulting from a sudden jolt or impact may damage nerves in the patient’s neck, causing chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Psychological and emotional trauma can be a significant consequence of pedestrian accidents. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other types of emotional distress following the incident. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, mood swings, and other negative outcomes that require professional mental health support.

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Steps to Take After Suffering an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident

Call 911 right away to alert police and first responders. A detailed police report will document the scene, including witness statements and the officer’s account of potential violations of traffic laws. This report can significantly strengthen your case by establishing facts and supporting your version of events.

It’s important to seek medical attention right away after a pedestrian accident. Many types of injuries such as TBI and whiplash can grow much worse over time, and it’s important to start getting the correct diagnosis and treatment right away. Your doctor will document the severity of your injuries and this will be essential if you decide to seek compensation.

Gathering evidence and witness information immediately after a pedestrian accident in Atlanta is essential for building a strong case. Begin by taking photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If you require immediate medical assistance, you can ask a friend to take these pictures for you. You’ll also want to collect contact information from any witnesses present at the scene.

Contact an experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney right away. Don’t make any statements about the accident for an insurance adjuster or sign any agreements. It’s best to have your attorney handle all communications with the insurance company. Don’t reveal details about the accident on social media or talk about it with friends.

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Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?

Your Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers will collect evidence to determine who is liable for your injuries. Information such as witness statements, physical evidence, photographs, surveillance footage, and dash cam video will play a significant role in this investigation.

When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, Georgia is an at-fault state. That means that you can seek damages against the person who caused your accident to cover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses. Under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, more than one person may be liable for your injuries.

As soon as our investigation is complete, Grant Law Firm will file a claim against anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries. We will handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a lowball settlement offer. If the other side refuses to make a reasonable offer, Grant law firm is always prepared to take your case to trial.

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Statute of Limitations

If you've been injured as a pedestrian in Atlanta, Georgia law limits the time you have to file a lawsuit in court. The deadline is two years from the date of your injury. But since a variety of factors can change that deadline, it's important to speak to a lawyer about your specific case.

The two-year deadline applies to civil personal injury cases filed in a court. It doesn't apply to a claim you might file with an insurance company, which has its own deadlines. However, if your insurance claim is made well within the two-year window for filing a lawsuit, you'll still have the option of going to court if insurance settlement negotiations fall through. Consequently, it's best to speak to an Atlant car accident attorney as soon as you can after a pedestrian injury.

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Quality Representation in Georgia

At Grant Law Office, we have garnered a stellar reputation for success over decades of practice, yet we refuse to rest on our laurels. Each and every day, we devote ourselves to improving our skills and keeping up with the latest developments in the legal world. And we do this in order to get people, like you, the justice they deserve. For more information, contact our Atlanta personal injury lawyers today at (404) 995-3955 for a free case evaluation.

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Additional Information

• Georgia Pedestrian Fatalities On The Rise
• Atlanta Pedestrian Safety Stats
• Georgia Officials Urge All Pedestrians and Cyclists to Wear Bright Clothing
• Safety Tips for Georgia Pedestrians and Drivers
• Pedestrian Safety - NHTSA
• Pedestrian Safety - CDC
• Pedestrians and Bicyclists - IIHS