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Were you injured in Lawrenceville, GA or its surroundings? Our lawyers can help you recover from your losses. We have decades of combined experience handling local personal injury cases.
Having a local Pedestrian Accident Lawyer with experience with and knowledge of the actual value of your case is vital to ensuring you receive the most compensation possible for your injuries.
Our award-winning personal injury lawyers know the best way to go up against insurance companies because we used to work with them and use that experience to help you win.
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Pedestrian accidents are becoming prevalent in Snellville and throughout Georgia. It is reported that nearly a third of all fatal traffic accidents involve pedestrians. These accidents can alter a person’s life. It will also impact their families.
If you or a loved one are involved or injured in a pedestrian accident, you must speak to Spaulding Injury Law. Our Snellville pedestrian accident lawyer can help you review your legal options.
Liable Parties for Pedestrian Accidents
While many pedestrian accidents happen in crosswalks, some happen outside of them. Georgia allows pedestrians to cross the road without using a crosswalk. The one caveat is they must yield the right of way to approaching vehicles. This can sometimes lead to liability disputes if an accident occurs. Often, juries will say that the pedestrian caused or contributed to the collision when it happens outside of a crosswalk.
However, under state law, drivers have a duty to avoid pedestrians. They may also stay alert for children or pedestrians who may be intoxicated or confused when entering the roadway. In certain areas, a driver might not have the capacity to see or avoid pedestrians trying to cross. In these instances, the driver might not be liable. Other situations can also absolve drivers of liability.
Accidents outside of crosswalks are confusing and traumatic. A Snellville lawyer will evaluate your accident and gather evidence. This will be presented to the insurance company or jury to work towards a favorable settlement. Call Spaulding Injury Law as soon as you can to get started.
Liability During Intersection Accidents
When a pedestrian accident happens in a crosswalk, liability changes slightly. The intersection is controlled by traffic lights, which tell pedestrians and drivers when they can go or stop. Pedestrians have the right to cross when the traffic light says “walk.” While this is a great way to direct traffic, it does not always work that way. Pedestrians with disabilities and the elderly can have difficulty crossing with the “walk” signal since they may need more time or assistance. A driver may have a green light, while a pedestrian is still crossing. This does not give the driver permission to enter the crosswalk.
Some intersections do not have traffic control devices. In these instances, pedestrians have the right of way when on crosswalks. It doesn’t matter if the crosswalk is marked or not. However, pedestrians cannot enter the crosswalk when it is unreasonable for a vehicle to yield. These nuances can have a significant impact on liability. You must be honest and provide details to your Snellville pedestrian accident attorney during an initial consultation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The most common cause of pedestrian accidents is driver error. Motorists must obey traffic laws and help protect pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists from harm. When an entity breaches its duty and causes injuries, they are responsible for paying for losses. A negligent driver may cause a Snellville pedestrian accident due to the following:
- Speeding: speed limits are in place to keep everyone safe. When a vehicle travels too fast for conditions or over the speed of limit, stopping and avoiding pedestrians is more challenging. This may also make pedestrian injuries catastrophic. It can also result in death.
- Distracted driving: texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, and speaking to passengers are the most prevalent distractions. However, anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road is a dangerous distraction.
- Driving under the influence: drinking will alter a person’s reaction time. Driving requires a person’s full attention. With a slower reaction time and a fuzzy head, it is easy not to notice pedestrians crossing the street.
- Left-hand turns: one of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians is where cars make left turns. Even with traffic signals and right of way, turning drivers can be reckless. They may only be paying attention to oncoming traffic instead of pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Backup accidents can happen in parking lots or when pedestrians walk past a driveway. The driver backing up might not notice the person. These accidents are usually low-speed but can still cause devastating consequences.
- Failure to obey the law: running red lights, rolling through intersections, and failing to yield are ways a driver can ignore the law and cause an accident. Motorists should follow all laws and share the road with others.
Pedestrian accidents can happen in other ways. Discuss the details of your accident with our Snellville pedestrian accident attorney. We will determine the cause and who is responsible for the collision.
Recoverable Damages for Snellville Pedestrian Accidents
When a negligent person causes injury to a pedestrian, they could be liable for injuries and losses. The injury victim may receive monetary damages that cover economic and noneconomic losses. You could qualify for compensation for:
- Medical bills: these losses will take up a significant portion of your injury claim. The worse your injuries are, the more medical treatment and bills you incur. Some conditions require ongoing medical care. You must recover compensation that covers current and future losses.
- Loss of income: injuries could be so debilitating that they prevent you from working. You will likely take time off work to rest and attend follow-up appointments. Keep track of all the days you missed and your pay stubs. If a permanent condition prevents you from working, you need an award that covers your future lost income.
- Mental anguish: the emotional turmoil from a pedestrian accident can alter your life. Some victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression after these accidents. You may recover compensation for mental anguish and other noneconomic losses.
Other forms of compensation are also available depending on the circumstances of your accident. Get an evaluation from a Snellville pedestrian accident lawyer immediately.
You Are Our Top Priority After an Accident
The Snellville pedestrian accident attorney from Spaulding Injury Law helps victims rebuild their lives after an accident. If the crash is fatal, we will help surviving families recover compensation and get justice for losing their loved ones. While we cannot bring them back, we will work diligently to obtain payment for your losses. Speak to our Snellville pedestrian accident lawyer during an initial consultation.
Visit Our Pedestrian Accident Office in Snellville, GA
We help victims inside the Gwinnett County Area and our firm is conveniently located near Snellville. We have an office in Lawrenceville at 223 Scenic Hwy S #202 Lawrenceville, GA