Pedestrian Accidents, Atlanta, GA
Did you know that Atlanta ranks among the Top 10 urban areas in the country in terms of walkability? While pedestrians in this city can get to work, to restaurants, and take care of the necessities of daily living without having a vehicle, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to do so. Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Atlanta, and a person vs. vehicle accident can be nothing short of devastating.
Areas like downtown Atlanta, Buckhead Village, Midtown, Highlands and Five Points might be considered “walkable,” but not everyone understands or observes the rules of the road that govern stoplights and right-of-way at crosswalks. The experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at The Stein Firm are dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured throughout Atlanta and the state of Georgia. If you’ve suffered an injury, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Danger for Atlanta Pedestrians
In 2020, there were 279 pedestrian fatalities in Georgia, an 18% increase from 2019 to figures and a staggering 73% increase since 2014. Unless some drastic changes are made, the state expects those figures to continue climbing each year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in six crash fatalities in 2020 were pedestrians. In the same year, there were 104,000 emergency department visits by pedestrians treated for non-fatal crash-related injuries.
While anyone can be involved in one of these tragedies, older adults and young children have higher rates of pedestrian deaths than other age groups. The most recent Dangerous by Design report reveals that an average of 18 people per day lose their lives while walking. And every southern state, including Georgia, is on the list of the most dangerous ones for pedestrians.
Types and Causes of Pedestrian Accidents and Injuries
Anytime there are vehicles and pedestrians in close proximity, there is a heightened risk of a serious accident. Some of the most common types of pedestrian accidents include:
Intersection Accidents
This type of accident occurs in an intersection when a driver runs a red light into the path of a pedestrian.
Passing Accidents
These accidents can happen when a vehicle, like a bus, is stopped on the side of the road to allow pedestrians to cross. If the negligent driver isn’t paying attention, they can hit the pedestrians.
Dart-Out Accidents
These accidents happen when a pedestrian suddenly darts into the road, and the driver doesn’t have time to stop.
Vehicle Merge and Turn Accidents
This type of accident occurs when a driver is intent on merging into traffic or turning but doesn’t see pedestrians until it’s too late.
Back-Up Accidents
These accidents happen when a driver backs their vehicle into a pedestrian, often in a parking lot.
Distracted driving is the most common cause of pedestrian collisions when pedestrians are clearly visible, but the driver isn’t paying attention. Other common causes of these accidents include:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Intoxication
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Mechanical failure
Georgia Laws Impacting Pedestrian Accident Cases
According to Georgia law, pedestrians must follow all traffic control devices unless directed to do otherwise by a law enforcement officer. They must also use sidewalks unless there isn’t one available.
Drivers at intersections should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians if there are no traffic control devices, they are at a stop sign, or a traffic control device dictates it. Drivers behind a vehicle stopped for pedestrians must also stop their vehicle.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations refers to how long you have to file a personal injury claim. In Georgia, this is two years from the date of the accident. But you don’t want to wait this long to pursue your case.
Shared Fault
In Georgia, even if you were partially at fault for an accident, you can still file a pedestrian accident claim. Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your potential award or settlement will be reduced based on your responsibility as long as the other party was more than 50% at fault.
A common tactic among insurance companies is trying to shift blame. Never admit fault, and only discuss your case with your personal injury attorney.
Recovering Damages After an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident
A serious pedestrian accident can be physically, financially, and emotionally devastating. If you can prove negligence, you have the right to request full and fair damages. Compensable damages for a pedestrian accident claim in Georgia can include:
Medical Expenses
These include costs related to your injuries, such as medical bills, surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, medications, and other treatment.
Lost Wages
If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to claim compensation for your lost wages, and even future earning potential if you are unable to return to your regular employment.
Pain and Suffering
You can include pain and suffering to compensate for lasting damages in the form of emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you’ve lost a loved one due to a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to compensate for tangible and intangible losses related to the accident.
How a Georgia Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you are likely facing some challenging circumstances. A knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney can offer you peace of mind during this difficult time as they help you pursue maximum compensation from all responsible parties. Starting with a free case evaluation, your lawyer will help you understand your options and develop a strategy to help you protect your rights.
A Georgia personal injury attorney with years of experience and in-depth local knowledge is equipped to take on your insurance company and knows how to handle any tactics used to undervalue or undermine your case.
At The Stein Firm, we take your injuries seriously and want to ensure you have the best chance at a full physical and financial recovery. We are accessible to clients, so we are always available to answer your questions. If you want a strong ally in your corner, you can’t go wrong with our law firm.
Contact our Atlanta, GA Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
At The Stein Firm, we can offer you experienced representation if you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are standing by to help you pursue maximum compensation through a pedestrian accident claim.
We have extensive experience advising accident victims and handling complex cases. Our lawyers are effective negotiators who can advocate for you in settlement talks or in the courtroom. Call us today at 770-961-1700 to schedule a free initial consultation.
