Georgia Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Car collisions don’t just happen between cars or trucks. If you or a loved one is struck as a pedestrian, you have the same rights as if you’re behind the wheel. Don’t be misled into thinking your claim isn’t viable. We help get our clients back on track.
Common Sense
If you are a pedestrian, always use crosswalks and watch where you are going before stepping into the roadway. Always make sure you’re paying attention to traffic lights, crosswalk signs, and surrounding traffic. This will help keep you safe.
Crosswalks
While you should always cross the street in a crosswalk if one is nearby, sometimes there isn’t one. Georgia law has specific provisions on negligence involving pedestrians outside a crosswalk, but every driver must exercise care for all road users while driving. Just because you weren’t in a crosswalk doesn’t mean you can’t recover.
Your Own Insurance
If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or medical payments coverage, you can still make a claim even though you weren’t in a car. You’ve paid premiums for these coverages for years; use them.
What To Do After The Impact
The most important thing is to ensure you are out of the roadway and that any injuries are being addressed. But if able, identifying witnesses to the collision can be even more crucial in these cases than in “vehicle-to-vehicle” wrecks. It is important to find witnesses who can speak without bias about what actually happened to you, not just how the collision occurred, but how you were doing immediately after.
Georgia Car Accident FAQs
Your Marietta, GA pedestrian accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. Here are a few FAQs to help you navigate your case:
What Steps Should I Take If I’ve Been Hit By A Vehicle As A Pedestrian?
The immediate aftermath of a pedestrian accident is critical. Ensure your safety first and then seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Documentation is essential; obtain a copy of the police report, take photographs of the scene if possible, and collect contact information from witnesses. Before speaking to insurance companies, it’s advisable to consult with qualified pedestrian accident attorneys who can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
How Can An Attorney Help After A Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident, a lawyer can be instrumental in helping you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and potential legal action. Our attorneys can manage all communications with the insurance companies, investigate the accident to establish liability, and help document your injuries and other damages. We aim to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Are Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents?
Common causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, failing to yield at crosswalks, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our pedestrian accident specialists often see cases where driver negligence results in serious injuries to pedestrians. Understanding the causes is vital for a successful claim, as we must prove the driver’s fault to secure compensation for our clients.
What Compensation Can I Recover In A Pedestrian Accident Case?
Compensation in a pedestrian accident case may cover various damages, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In the tragic case of a fatality, the family may seek wrongful death damages. Each case is unique, so we work closely with our clients to assess their specific losses and advocate for the maximum available compensation.
How Long Do I Have To File A Pedestrian Accident Claim?
In Marietta, GA, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. To avoid missing this deadline, which could prevent you from recovering any compensation, contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident is crucial.
At Johnson & Alday, LLC, we know how life-altering a pedestrian accident can be. That’s why we are committed to providing Marietta residents with the dedicated legal representation they need. Our team is here to answer your questions, ease the burden of legal stresses, and ensure your rights are fully exercised.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to offer the support and legal expertise you need to secure the compensation you’re entitled to and get back on your feet. Contact us today to learn how our Marietta pedestrian accident attorneys can help.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious and life-changing injuries. Whether you’re walking in a crosswalk, through a parking lot, or along a neighborhood street, you have the right to expect that drivers will follow the law and drive safely.
Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents are caused by careless or reckless driving. Our Georgia pedestrian accident attorneys help victims pursue the compensation they need after being hit by a vehicle. The following are a handful of common causes our team has seen lead to pedestrian accidents in Georgia:
Distracted Driving
When drivers are focused on their phones, GPS, or other distractions inside the car, they may not see pedestrians in time to stop. Even a glance away from the road can lead to a crash, especially in areas with crosswalks or heavy foot traffic.
Failing To Yield At Crosswalks
Georgia law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Still, many drivers either fail to yield or rush through before the person has finished crossing. This behavior puts pedestrians in direct danger, particularly at intersections or near schools.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit not only increases the likelihood of a crash but also makes the impact much more severe. When a speeding driver doesn’t have enough time to stop for someone crossing the road, the results can be devastating. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in these situations because they lack physical protection.
Driving (Or Walking) Under The Influence
Alcohol and drugs affect everyone’s judgment, drivers and pedestrians alike. A driver under the influence may miss traffic signals, fail to yield, or drift off the road. On the other side, an intoxicated pedestrian may cross against signals or walk in unsafe areas. Both situations increase the chances of a serious crash.
When this happens, fault may be shared depending on each person’s actions. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers can help you understand what compensation you may be eligible to recover, even if you believe you’re partially to blame for your accident.
Poor Visibility And Low Lighting
Many pedestrian accidents occur in the early morning or late evening hours when visibility is limited. Drivers who fail to use their headlights, drive too fast for conditions, or overlook pedestrians in dark clothing may strike someone simply because they didn’t see them in time.
Left-Hand Turns At Intersections
Left-turn accidents are a common cause of pedestrian injuries. Drivers turning left are often focused on oncoming traffic and may not look carefully for people crossing in the opposite crosswalk. This split attention can lead to serious injuries for pedestrians who have the right of way.
Backing Up Without Looking
Accidents involving cars backing out of driveways or parking spaces are especially dangerous for pedestrians. Children, the elderly, and people walking behind a vehicle may be in the driver’s blind spot. Without properly checking mirrors or surroundings, a driver can hit someone walking behind them.
Learn How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to take action. Our Georgia pedestrian accident attorneys are here to help you understand your legal rights and take steps toward recovery. At Johnson & Alday, LLC, we work with injured pedestrians across the state to pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact our team to discuss your situation and how we may be able to help.