Georgia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Georgia reported over 3,000 pedestrian crashes in one recent year. Pedestrians often end up facing severe injuries, medical expenses, and recovery time from traffic accidents. They shouldn’t have to handle the bill for it all. A pedestrian accident claim could allow them to recover compensation for their losses.

But dealing with insurance companies can be a hassle, and they often don’t take victims seriously. That’s where an experienced Georgia pedestrian accident attorney can help. Call Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC today if you were injured in a pedestrian accident that wasn’t your fault.

Georgia Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Car accident statistics have been increasing over the last few years. Pedestrian crashes are also happening more frequently. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety noted the following statistics for pedestrian accidents in one recent year:

• Pedestrians and bicyclists are less than one percent of all people involved in car accidents. However, they are 17 percent of all traffic fatalities.
• There were almost 400 pedestrians with serious injuries and over 200 pedestrians fatally injured in traffic crashes.
• There was a 22 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities over the last few years.
• Atlanta only has 44 percent of the states’ population. But 60 percent of all pedestrian accidents were in Atlanta.
• 79 percent of all pedestrian fatalities were not at intersections.
• Pedestrian accident victims required over 3,000 hospitalizations and emergency room visits, costing $171 million for Georgia residents.
• Georgia counties with the most pedestrian fatalities were Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, and Gwinnett Counties.

To combat the rising numbers, Georgia has a program promoting pedestrian safety called See & Be Seen. They report the following facts about Georgia pedestrian fatalities:

• 82 percent happen during overnight hours.
• 90 percent aren’t on a crosswalk.
• 33 percent are caused by motorists not yielding to pedestrians.
• Nine out of ten pedestrians hit by a vehicle at 40 mph don’t survive.

If you’re one of these many Georgia pedestrian accident victims, you may be owed compensation. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate your case and see if someone should be held responsible for your injuries.

Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Crossing a busy street can be dangerous. It requires caution and focus from both the pedestrian and any drivers on the road. But pedestrian crashes can happen anywhere, such as crosswalks, parking lots, and sidewalks. When someone isn’t paying attention, a pedestrian accident can easily occur. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:

• Distracted driving — Distracted driving is a top cause of collisions involving pedestrians. Drivers should slow to a stop at all red lights and stop signs. They must be alert and watch for pedestrians when they come to crosswalks.
• Reckless drivers — Traffic laws exist to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Drivers must follow all traffic rules, especially at crosswalks. Keeping a safe speed is also important. This includes slowing through busy intersections, even on a green light.
• Not crossing correctly — Pedestrians are responsible for crossing the street only on designated crosswalks. They must wait until they have the right-of-way and check that it is safe.
• Not yielding — Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians in designated areas. However, pedestrians must also yield to drivers at times. Pedestrians and drivers must pay attention to signs and signals to know when to yield.
• Impaired drivers — When drivers are drunk or using drugs, they may not notice pedestrians in time or at all. Their slowed reaction time can make safely coming to a stop difficult.

Increasing pedestrian safety means pedestrians and motorists need to each do their part. Drivers must yield to crossing pedestrians, be aware of their surroundings, and drive safely. Pedestrians should wear visible clothing, not assume drivers see them, and only cross when legal and safe.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Both drivers and pedestrians can contribute to pedestrian accidents. However, pedestrians tend to suffer more severe and even fatal injuries. Some of the most common pedestrian injuries include the following:

You don’t have to suffer severe injuries in a pedestrian accident to recover financial compensation. If you were injured in a pedestrian crash due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to pay for your financial and emotional damages. A pedestrian injury attorney can demand that the at-fault party be held responsible.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

Your priority should be your safety. Get to a safe spot if you can and check yourself for injuries. Once you’ve done that, you should follow these steps:

• Call the police — You should ask for police and emergency services to be sent to the accident scene even if you don’t have serious injuries. They can document the crash and make sure you’re safe.
• See a doctor — If you aren’t taken to the emergency room, you still need to see a doctor as soon as possible. You may have more severe injuries than you think, or you could have problems later. It’s best to get anything documented and connected to the accident.
• Gather evidence — You’ll need evidence like photos of the scene, contact information from the driver, and the police report. You can also use your medical records, bills for your treatment, and paychecks with missed work to show damages.
• Talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer — An attorney can make sure you stay informed and in control of the process. Insurance companies aren’t there to help you. Having legal representation can make a huge difference in your case while you focus on healing.

What if the Negligent Driver Leaves the Scene of the Accident?

Georgia has serious consequences for hit-and-run drivers. Unfortunately, drivers often flee the scene of collisions involving pedestrians. If this happens, you should try to write down as much evidence as you can about the vehicle and the driver. This includes the license plate number and the car’s make, model, and color. This information can help the police find the driver.

You should still call the police to the scene so they can also document any relevant information. If they are able to find the negligent driver, you may be able to pursue a pedestrian accident claim and even criminal charges.

Liability in Georgia Pedestrian Accidents

There is normally a negligent party involved in a pedestrian crash. If you file a pedestrian accident claim for your injuries, you’ll have to prove the at-fault party is liable. That’s when the evidence you and your attorney gather is helpful. You can prove pedestrian accident liability by showing the driver was negligent, such as by speeding, texting, or not yielding.

A Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate your case and determine who is liable for your injuries. They can then help you pursue a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance. If they can’t negotiate a fair settlement, they can take your case to court and prove the driver’s liability. If you have questions about who is liable for your pedestrian accident injuries, reach out to our personal injury lawyers today.

Compensation Available in Georgia Pedestrian Accident Claims

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident that someone else caused, you could be able to seek damages through a personal injury case. You may be able to collect compensation after a pedestrian car accident for the following:

Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, and they can help you file a pedestrian accident case. It’s best to act quickly, though. You likely only have two years to file a lawsuit in Georgia. A knowledgeable lawyer can review your rights and help you pursue the compensation you may be owed.

Talk to Our Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Georgia Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in a pedestrian crash, we’re here to help. Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC is a personal injury law firm dedicated to helping accident victims in Georgia. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. So if we don’t win, you don’t pay.

You may be able to recover damages for your pain and suffering after being hit by a negligent driver. Call or contact us online today to discuss your legal options with one of our compassionate pedestrian accident attorneys.