Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you are in a pedestrian accident, you should hire an excellent Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer, like us. We will be able to assist you get the compensation you deserve.
We work to resolve the case for as much money as fast as possible. At our firm we exist for one reason: to make lives better for injured people. We help people injured in Atlanta pedestrian crashes.
“Love this firm”
“Sarah and Alex was very polite they have good communication skills keeping us well informed step by step they really took care of us and I will be using them in the future Thank you Weatherby Law firm for the great experience and good service”
LATRICIA
How can a pedestrian accident attorney help me?
When we receive notice of a pedestrian accident case, our first step is to view the scene at the earliest opportunity. Pedestrian accidents are fact-intensive, and the type of street, intersection, markings, speed limits, and traffic density are all factors. We send letters to the at-fault driver to preserve evidence. We diligently search for evidence, like witnesses and videos.
Here are some things to know about our work with pedestrian auto-accident cases.
Pedestrian accidents are different
When a pedestrian and a car collide, it usually means a serious injury. Fractures, neck or back injuries, and fatalities regularly occur in a pedestrian case. There are also very unique protections afforded pedestrians. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured pedestrians. We can help you.
We have a proven track record
We have handled numerous pedestrian accident cases. In one case, the insurer tried to offer $250,000. We were hired, and we recovered over $2,000,000 for the pedestrian.
We have accolades (just not the ones you pay for)
We have been recognized as Super Lawyers. We have a 10/10 AVVO rating. We are listed as one of the Best Firms in America by US News & World Report.
What to do after a pedestrian accident?
A pedestrian accident is scary, and it can be tough to know what to do. Here is a guideline about what to do when you are in a pedestrian accident.
First, check on everyone at the scene. A lot of times pedestrian accidents can be serious, with broken bones, neck or back injuries, torn ligaments, or death. The most important thing to do is check on yourself and the other folks involved in the accident. If you can assist in any way, do it.
Second, call the police. A pedestrian accident needs to be reported to the police. Even if you think you’re fine, there is simply too big of a risk to you as a pedestrian not to call the police.
Third, preserve as much evidence as you can. Take photographs. Now, with cell phones, you can document the scene easily. You should speak with any witnesses around, and get their contact information (full name, address, email address, and phone number). A lot of times witnesses will leave a scene shortly after the accident occurred because they have somewhere to be. That is why it is very important to get witness contact information immediately.
Fourth, cooperate with the investigating officer. Tell the police officer what happened. It is important to be truthful. We have a saying at our firm: we can deal with the facts no matter what they are, but we can’t deal with make-believe. We need the truth to get to the bottom of the case.
Fifth, seek medical treatment. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to get checked out by a doctor. You could have unseen or unfelt injuries when you’re involved in a violent impact with a vehicle. Take the time and see the doctor.
Sixth, call your insurer. For both the pedestrian and the other driver, it is very important to contact your insurer immediately. Most insurance policies have requirements that they be notified “immediately” or “as soon as is practicable.” If you fail to notify your insurer, you may lose benefits under your policy.
Seventh, research and find a good attorney. A pedestrian case is fact-intensive, deals with unique laws, and often serious injuries. A pedestrian accident needs an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer.
Who is at fault in a pedestrian accident?
Georgia has statutes that, generally speaking, give pedestrians the right of way. One of these statutes states “The driver of a vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway within a crosswalk….” Notice that this language in this statute is not permissive like “may” or “should.” The language is an order, the driver “shall stop.” Another statute says “Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway….” This rule again says the driver “shall” avoid colliding with a pedestrian.
But, don’t go jumping out into the roadway just yet. There are exceptions to nearly every rule, including these. Georgia law requires pedestrians to exercise ordinary care while walking. This means a person walking has to act reasonably and watch for their safety. There are statutory duties as well. These include the general duty to use a crosswalk, not dart into traffic, and not to cross traffic diagonally. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-92.
An injured pedestrian in Georgia can recover if they are less than 50% at fault. We can help an injured pedestrian obtain the justice they deserve.
How much compensation is there for a pedestrian accident?
To have a successful personal injury claim (regardless of whether it is a brain injury, trailer wreck, bike accident, spine injury, or fatal accident case) requires three things: (1) liability (that it is someone else’s fault); (2) damages as a result of the accident (in a personal injury case this means, bodily injury, lost wages, and medical expenses; and (3) causation (that the accident and not some unrelated issue caused the damages).
Generally speaking, in a case that was clearly the other side’s fault (in legal terms a case of “clear liability”), then the more severe the injuries, the larger the recovery. An injured pedestrian will be looking to recover: medical bills + lost wages + pain & suffering.
Is there a time limit for a pedestrian accident?
In general, the time limit is 2 years from the date of the accident. The time can be shortened or lengthened significantly depending on the facts. Therefore, you need to hire an experienced, pedestrian accident attorney like us.
Contact an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
We will fight to pursue the maximum compensation available under the law for our clients.