Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta
Understanding how pedestrian accidents occur in Atlanta, GA, is the first step toward recovering compensation for your injuries after an incident. This information can help you determine all the liable parties, potentially leading to more compensation. Ted A Greve & Associates PA can evaluate your case and advise you on the best path to take to get the money you deserve. Call or contact us online today.
Rising Trends: Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Increasing
Today, more people are walking to restaurants and other places around Atlanta than ever before. However, that doesn’t mean Atlanta is a particularly walkable city. It’s still car-centric, meaning the increased number of pedestrians must maneuver through hectic roads and intersections.
Additionally, devices like smartphones and built-in GPS and entertainment systems in cars increase the number of drivers who aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving leads to over 3,000 deaths annually.
Key Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta
The leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Atlanta are:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Failure to yield
OCGA 40-6-93 states that drivers must exercise due caution near pedestrians, such as by not speeding or distracted driving. Additionally, OCGA 40-6-91 states that motorists must yield to pedestrians in the roadway.
Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents and Their Impact
Some of the most common injuries sustained by pedestrians are:
- Traumatic brain injuries that can lead to permanent physical and cognitive impairment
- Broken bones that require months of physical therapy or surgery
- Lacerations that require stitches and may result in permanent scarring
- Spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis
Legal Steps After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian is hit by a car in Atlanta, there are a few key steps they should take to protect their legal right to compensation.
Immediate Actions to Take Following a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians should take the following immediate steps after an accident:
- Seek medical treatment
- Collect evidence from the accident scene, such as photographs, if they’re able
- Gather witness names and contact information
In the longer term, injured parties should also:
- Follow up with their medical treatment
- Keep all medical bills
- Write down the details of the incident in a journal for future reference
- Avoid making a statement to insurance adjusters
- Consult a pedestrian accident lawyer in Atlanta
The Importance of Gathering Evidence and Witness Statements
Gathering accident scene evidence and witness statements is crucial for a pedestrian accident claim because it can corroborate your version of events. It will be harder for the driver to say you were somehow at fault if you have supporting evidence showing that the driver was the one who caused the accident.
How a Skilled Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Can Help
Hiring an experienced pedestrian accident attorney is one of the best ways to improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve after an accident.
Assessing Your Case: How Lawyers Determine Liability and Fault
One of the key roles lawyers play is determining liability and fault. Your lawyer will investigate the incident and gather evidence to determine if any additional parties were at fault for the incident. If there are more liable parties, that could mean more compensation for you.
Fighting for Fair Compensation: Economic, Non-Economic, and Punitive Damages
Your attorney will calculate the economic, non-economic, and punitive damages sought through your personal injury lawsuit:
- Economic Damages – Compensation for your tangible losses, such as medical bills and lost wages.
- Non-Economic Damages – Compensation for your intangible losses, such as pain and suffering.
- Punitive Damages – Additional money sought to punish the liable party if their actions were particularly reckless.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: What to Expect
Your Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer will negotiate with the liable party’s insurance company on your behalf. Insurance companies always try to reduce the compensation they need to pay, so it’s essential to have an experienced attorney fighting for your rights.
Statute of Limitations in Georgia Pedestrian Accident Claims
Understanding the deadline for filing a lawsuit under Georgia’s personal injury statute of limitations is essential for recovering the compensation you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim in Georgia
Under the statute of limitations law found in OCGA 9-3-33, injured pedestrians have two years to file lawsuits against those who harmed them. Failure to file a lawsuit within this period could result in the courts barring them from recovering compensation.
Navigating Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Laws in Pedestrian Accidents
Under OCGA 51-12-33, injured parties in the state can only recover compensation if they are less than 50 percent at fault for the accident that harmed them. Additionally, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you are 30 percent at fault, you could only recover 70 percent of the compensation you’re owed.
This comparative negligence rule is why it’s so important to speak to an attorney of your own before providing a statement to opposing counsel or an insurance adjuster. The other party will try to get you to admit fault so they can use that against you.
Choosing the Right Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Atlanta
Choosing the right lawyer after a pedestrian accident injury is crucial for your legal case and your right to pursue compensation.
What to Look for in an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When searching for a lawyer after being hit by a car as a pedestrian, you should look for one who:
- Has good client ratings on Google, AVVO, and other attorney rating sites
- Provides client testimonials on their website
- Handles the particular type of case you need assistance with
- Is willing to answer your questions and be available when you need them
- Prioritizes your best interest
Free Consultation: Your First Step Toward Justice
If you were struck by a car in Atlanta, Georgia, contact Ted A Greve & Associates PA for a free consultation with one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys. During your consultation, we’ll review your case, explain your legal options for seeking compensation, and answer any questions you have about the process.
Our Commitment: Why Choose Us as Your Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Reasons to choose Ted A Greve & Associates PA include:
- Our commitment to seeking the maximum compensation available for each client
- Our readiness to go to trial if necessary – we aren’t looking to make quick settlements
- Our decades of experience handling pedestrian accident cases throughout Atlanta, Georgia
Don’t delay. Call Dr. Ted and his team at Ted A Greve & Associates PA for your free consultation about how we can help if someone hit you while you were walking.
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