Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Marietta, GA
Many residents in Marietta relish the opportunity to stroll along the picturesque paths of Sope Creek Trail, the natural beauty of McFarland Nature Park, or the serene landscapes of Smith-Gilbert Gardens. The pedestrian perspective offers an unparalleled view of the city’s charms.
The city is so beautiful that many residents conduct their daily errands on foot, walk from business to business, stop for a coffee, admire the architecture, or take in a community event.
While the advantages of walking around Marietta are abundant, there are certain risks, with one of the most concerning being the potential for pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles. Tragically, such incidents occur in Marietta, Georgia, and their consequences can be devastating.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, consider seeking the guidance of a Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer to guide you through the legal complexities and pursue rightful compensation.
A Marietta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer You Can Trust
We are The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., founded by attorney Darl Champion in 2014.
We have a history of success, recovering over $150 million for our injured clients. Our team of pedestrian lawyers in Georgia is highly experienced and well-versed in the state’s accident laws, ensuring your case is handled skillfully.
Our achievements in pedestrian injury cases speak for themselves. One of our proudest moments was securing a $725,000 personal injury settlement for a client who suffered severe injuries on the property of a local business.
In another case, our dedicated slip-and-fall lawyers obtained a $700,000 settlement from the City of Atlanta for a Delta employee injured outside the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport terminal.
One of our clients, “MR,” suffered a severe injury in a fall at a grocery store in Griffin, Georgia. MR contacted us immediately after the incident, prompting us to act swiftly.
MR had slipped on water at the grocery store, resulting in a fractured femur and a broken wrist that required extensive surgery. Recognizing the situation’s urgency, Darl Champion personally visited MR in the hospital the day after the accident to begin advocating for justice.
We filed a lawsuit against the grocery store and discovered that the water on the floor was caused by a leaking cooler operated by a contractor hired by the store. As a result, we included the contractor in the lawsuit.
Despite initial low settlement offers from the defendants, our unwavering determination and thorough preparation during the discovery phase resulted in a significantly improved offer. Ultimately, we secured a $525,000 settlement for MR, reflecting the severity of his injuries and their impact on his life.
These cases demonstrate our unwavering commitment to achieving justice and fair compensation for our clients, even in challenging situations. They also underscore the importance of retaining an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case.
Our office is conveniently located at 445 Franklin Gateway SE, Suite 100, in Marietta, close to local landmarks like Chattahoochee Plantation and Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins, making it easy for you to schedule a consultation.
With our extensive experience, a proven track record of successful cases, and a convenient location, we are the best choice to handle your claim.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Marietta, GA?
Pedestrian accidents can result from various factors, but the major contributors include:
- Distracted Driving: Motorists using mobile phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distractions are less likely to notice pedestrians and react in time to prevent accidents.
- Speeding: Higher vehicle speeds reduce a driver’s ability to stop quickly, increasing the severity of pedestrian accidents when they occur.
- Failure to Yield: Motorists not yielding the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, and designated crossing areas can lead to collisions.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment impairs a driver’s judgment, reflexes, and ability to perceive pedestrians, often resulting in accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Low visibility due to adverse weather conditions, inadequate lighting, or obstructed sightlines can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and vice versa.
- Jaywalking: Pedestrians crossing roads outside designated crosswalks or ignoring traffic signals increase the risk of accidents, especially if drivers are not expecting them.
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, aggressive overtaking, and road rage can create hazardous pedestrian situations.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Pedestrians not following traffic signals, signs, or crossing laws can put themselves at risk.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Poorly designed or maintained roads, lack of crosswalks, and absence of pedestrian-friendly features can make it dangerous for pedestrians to navigate.
- Driver Fatigue: Fatigued drivers are less alert and responsive, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.
- Inadequate Education and Awareness: Lack of awareness among drivers and pedestrians about road safety and respecting each other’s rights can lead to accidents.
- Age and Mobility: Children, elderly individuals, and people with mobility impairments may face higher risks due to reduced visibility, slower movement, or difficulty crossing roads.
- Time of Day: A higher percentage of pedestrian accidents occur during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced.
Focusing efforts on educating drivers about road safety, enforcing traffic laws, improving infrastructure, and promoting responsible behavior by all road users reduces pedestrian accidents.
What Are the Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or life-threatening.
The most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians often suffer fractures and breaks in the arms, legs, hips, and pelvis due to the impact of a vehicle or the ground.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: This category includes sprains, strains, contusions, and bruises, which can vary in severity but are generally less severe than fractures.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even minor head injuries can have long-term effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A pedestrian accident can result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Internal Injuries: The force of impact can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or ruptured blood vessels, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, vehicle parts, or debris can cause cuts and deep lacerations, which may require stitches or surgery.
- Road Rash: Sliding along the road surface can lead to friction burns and abrasions, commonly known as road rash. These injuries can be painful and may require skin grafts.
- Psychological Trauma: Being involved in a pedestrian accident can lead to psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
- Amputations: In severe cases, pedestrian accidents can result in the loss of limbs, particularly if a pedestrian is pinned or trapped under a vehicle.
- Fatal Injuries: Tragically, some pedestrian accidents result in fatalities due to the severity of the injuries sustained.
The specific injuries and their severity can vary widely depending on factors like the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, the age and health of the pedestrian, and whether the pedestrian was wearing protective gear.
Seeking medical attention is necessary for evaluating and treating any injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident, even if they initially appear minor, as some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. You’ll need this information to prove your damages.
Can a Pedestrian in Georgia File a Claim Against a Driver if They Were Hit Outside of a Crosswalk?
Pedestrians in Georgia can generally file a claim against a driver if they were hit outside of a crosswalk. Georgia law recognizes that pedestrians have certain rights and protections, even when they are not within a designated crosswalk.
The outcome depends on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Here are some points to consider:
- Duty of Care: Drivers in Georgia must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on the roadway, regardless of whether the pedestrian is within a crosswalk. Pedestrians also must exercise ordinary care for their safety.
- Comparative Negligence: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that even if a pedestrian was outside a crosswalk, they may still recover damages if the driver’s negligence was a significant factor in causing the accident.
- It’s another story if the pedestrian’s negligence contributed to the accident. Their recovery may be reduced in proportion to their level of fault. If the pedestrian is 50% or more at fault, they may not be eligible for any compensation.
- Exceptions: In certain situations, pedestrians must use a crosswalk. For example, if a crosswalk is nearby and it is reasonably practical for the pedestrian to use it, failure to do so may stop them from recovering damages.
- Driver’s Liability Insurance: If the driver is at fault for the accident, their liability insurance may cover the pedestrian’s injuries and damages. Georgia law requires drivers to carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage caused by their negligence.
Each pedestrian accident case is unique, and the outcome varies based on the specific facts and applicable laws. Seeking legal advice is crucial to determine your rights and options if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Georgia.
What Can a Marietta Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Do to Help Me?
A personal injury lawyer can assist a pedestrian who was hit by a car in several ways:
- Legal Counsel and Evaluation: A personal injury lawyer will evaluate the circumstances of the accident, including the extent of your injuries, the driver’s negligence, and other relevant factors. They will provide legal advice on the merits of your case and your potential for recovering damages.
- Investigation: Lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, which may include gathering evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, surveillance footage, and medical records. This investigation helps establish liability and strengthen your case.
- Determining Liability: Lawyers will assess who is at fault for the accident. In some cases, multiple parties, such as the driver, the pedestrian, or other entities responsible for road maintenance or traffic control, may share liability.
- Calculating Damages: Personal injury lawyers will help you determine the full extent of your damages. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other economic and non-economic losses.
- Negotiation: Lawyers will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement on your behalf. They will handle all communication with the insurance company and work to maximize your compensation.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They will present evidence, argue your case, and advocate for your rights during trial.
- Professional Witnesses: Personal injury lawyers may consult with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts, to provide testimony supporting your claims and strengthening your case.
- Legal Strategy: Lawyers will develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific case, considering the unique circumstances and challenges involved in pedestrian accidents.
- Filing Deadlines: They will ensure that all necessary legal documents are filed within the statute of limitations, the legally prescribed time limit for bringing a personal injury claim.
- Client Support: A personal injury lawyer will provide emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options at every stage.
- Settlement Negotiations: If a settlement offer is made, your lawyer will help you evaluate it and negotiate for a more favorable outcome if necessary.
- Appeals (if applicable): In the event of an unfavorable verdict, your lawyer may advise you on whether to pursue an appeal.
A personal injury lawyer’s role is to protect your rights, help you navigate the legal process, and work diligently to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from a pedestrian accident.
We Want You to Receive Justice
At The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., we’re more than just legal advocates – we’re your dedicated partners on the road to justice. We’re here to answer your questions, champion your rights, and vigorously fight for every ounce of justice you’re entitled to.
Don’t allow a negligent driver to slip through the cracks, and certainly don’t settle for anything less than what you rightfully deserve. Connect with our Marietta personal injury attorneys today at (404) 948-3734, and let’s set up your complimentary consultation, marking that crucial first stride toward the compensation you’re owed. Your journey to justice begins now.