Every year, negligent motorists cause thousands of accidents in Georgia. Unfortunately, when a careless driver strikes a person on foot, the pedestrian may sustain debilitating or even permanent injuries requiring significant medical care.
After being hit by a car, it is important to work with a seasoned attorney to protect both your short-term and long-term interests. Whether your best course of action is litigation in civil court or private settlement negotiations, consult an Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer at the Gunn Law Group. Our team can passionately advocate on your behalf and tirelessly purse the restitution you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Crashes
There are many forms of irresponsible behavior by drivers that could cause injuries to other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. However, pedestrian accidents are particularly common at intersections and in urban areas, often under the following circumstances:
- A driver approaches an intersection while speeding
- A driver does not look for pedestrians in a crosswalk before turning
- A driver enters or exits a parking area too quickly
- A driver loses focus on the road
- A driver is impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications
Pedestrian Injuries in Atlanta Traffic Crashes
Unfortunately, even pedestrian accidents that occur at relatively low speeds can cause catastrophic harm to impacted pedestrians. It is not uncommon for people caught up in incidents like this to sustain soft tissue injuries and bone fractures that require months of medical treatment and rehabilitative care. Serious accidents can cause permanent harm in the form of spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain damage, internal organ trauma, and even loss of limb.
Through a comprehensive civil claim, a skilled attorney in the area could help pursue compensation for every past and future effect stemming from a pedestrian’s injuries. This could include both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost work income, physical pain, personal property damage, lost consortium, and emotional/psychological trauma.
How Fault Works in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Holding someone else legally accountable for damages after a pedestrian accident generally requires proving legal negligence. In other words, an injured pedestrian in Atlanta and their lawyer must provide sufficient evidence to show that their accident and all subsequent losses stemmed directly from the defendant’s failure to abide by a duty of care. Motorists have a duty to act reasonably to avoid causing serious collisions.
It is also crucial for injured victims to prove that they were not at fault for causing or exacerbating their own accident-related damages. Official Code of Georgia §§51-11-7 and 51-12-33 allow courts to restrict the value of damage awards or even bar recovery altogether depending on the percentage of total fault the court assigns to a plaintiff. Support from a knowledgeable lawyer is often essential to building a strong case that addresses these concerns after a pedestrian wreck in Atlanta.
Reach Out to an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Help
Any automobile accident that involves a pedestrian can have dire or fatal consequences. Successfully recovering compensation from this kind of incident is far from a simple endeavor, especially for someone healing from serious injuries.
Seek help from a seasoned attorney at the Gunn Law Group who can support you throughout the legal process. An Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm could be a steadfast ally from start to finish of your case. Call today to schedule a consultation and get the dedicated help you need.