Pedestrian Accidents In Georgia
In Atlanta, pedestrians who need to cross the road have protections in place. Crosswalk rules are simple enough, you automatically have the right of way. At intersections, you have the right of way provided you get a walking signal. If no traffic lights are present or they’re not working, the rules of the crosswalk apply. If a car stops to give you the right of way or allow you to pass, all cars behind them must wait as well.
Pedestrians are expected to stay on the sidewalk if one is accessible. If there is no sidewalk present, you should walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic. This will help you notice any potential dangers further in advance. At The Ransom Firm, we fiercely defend pedestrians who have been injured while walking through the greater Atlanta area. Just because there are protections set in place does not mean that your safety is guaranteed. Road safety is a shared duty, and not all do their part.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
While there are a variety of answers to that question, here are the most common reasons:
- Distracted driving: While part of a driver’s shared duty is staying focused on the road, there are plenty of distractions available (phones, passengers, pets, food).
- Speeding: Some take speed limits as a light suggestion, giving them less time to react to a passenger near their vehicle and increasing the likelihood of a severe injury.
- Failure to yield: Just because you have the right of way doesn’t mean a driver will give it to you.
- Impaired driving: Quick reflexes and defensive driving often lose the battle to alcohol or substance use.
What Types Of Pedestrian Injuries Are There?
You can face minor injuries, but given the size and speed of vehicles (even bicycles), the risk of severe injuries can be significant. Minor injuries include bruises, cuts and abrasions. More moderate injuries tend to involve broken bones and lacerations. The more common major pedestrian accident injuries are:
Traumatic brain injuries: Symptoms include cognitive issues, sleep disturbances, personality changes, difficulties with balance, sensitivity to light and more.
Spinal cord injuries: Partial or total paralysis is possible, depending on the site of the injury.
Even minor injuries can disrupt your life. When you’re injured as a pedestrian, it can put you out of work, cause tension in your personal relationships and carry that change far into your future, especially if paralysis is involved.
What Should I Do After An Accident?
Medical attention is the most important priority if you have been injured as a pedestrian. Even if the injury feels minor enough to you, it can still be worth it to speak to a medical professional. It is understandable if you just want to move on with your day, but a doctor will likely have a more educated perspective on how the accident impacted your body.
Once medical attention is on the way:
- Document the scene: Taking photos and/or videos of the accident scene can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to capture the immediate aftermath.
- Gather witness information: If anyone saw your accident, they may have a valuable outside perspective on it. Having their name and phone number can help, as well as getting their statements.
- Report the accident to the police: A police report starts an official paper trail, which can be helpful while speaking to your insurance.
It is common for pedestrians to be in a state of shock after an accident. It is understandable if time has passed since the accident and you’re worried that not enough evidence was collected. At The Ransom Firm, we work with pedestrians and fight for their cause.
Legal Rights And Options For Pedestrians
If someone else’s negligence leads to your injury, you have the right to seek compensation. When you file a pedestrian accident injury claim, you can make the case for the following compensation:
- Medical bills: Hospital visits, medication refills, any ongoing care or treatment needed.
- Lost wages: If your injuries keep you from returning to work, your loss of income can put significant financial stress on you.
- Pain and suffering: Pedestrian injuries can change nearly every aspect of your life, physically and emotionally.
- Punitive damages: If whoever hit you was excessively negligent and irresponsible, you can seek compensation for that as well.
At The Ransom Firm, we know that a lot of questions come up around compensation. The exact cost of recovery is unknown, and when a claim starts, there are often disputes about the appropriate amount. If you were in a pedestrian accident, you’ve already been through a lot. If the compensation you accepted comes up short, and you still need financial help, it brings even more stress into the equation.
Role Of A Pedestrian Accident Attorney
From the initial accident onward, your life continues to change, and new stresses may come up every day. If you want to pursue justice, getting in touch with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with pedestrian accident cases can be invaluable. Here’s why:
- Legal knowledge: On the path to justice, the pedestrian accident attorneys who know about personal injury laws, and who can learn, understand and utilize new information tend to have the upper hand.
- Handling insurance companies: Insurance companies are a business first, never assume your best interests come first for them. They are notorious for lowball settlements and other tactics that a lawyer is often more equipped to deal with.
- Advocating for fair compensation: Your life has changed, and you deserve a lawyer who is willing to fight for your financial recovery inside and outside of the courtroom.
At The Ransom Firm, we know the stress that a pedestrian accident can bring. If you or your loved one has been involved in one, you deserve a support system that works hard for you. You can reach out to us through our contact form or by calling us at 404-882-3198.