Pedestrian Injury Attorneys in Atlanta, GA

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in a car accident, as they have no protection of any kind. Those in the vehicle are surrounded by a steel and glass “cage” and have the protection afforded by seat belts and airbags. Since drivers are charged with watching out for vulnerable pedestrians, an accident involving a pedestrian usually finds the driver at fault.

 

If you suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta, you need a law firm on your side that can help you collect the compensation you deserve

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Pedestrian Accidents by the Numbers

The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 7,668 pedestrians died in traffic and non-traffic accidents in 2019. “Non-traffic” accidents are those that occur in parking lots, driveways, and other types of private property. The vast majority of pedestrian accidents occur in urban settings and the open road versus intersections. About 80 percent of pedestrian accidents occur after dark. The New York Times reports that in 2022 pedestrian accidents are up, largely due to reckless and distracted drivers.

What Types of Injuries Are Sustained by Pedestrians Following a Pedestrian Injury Accident?

Because of the vulnerability of pedestrians, they are likely to suffer severe, even catastrophic injuries when hit by a vehicle. The lower body usually comes into contact with the vehicle first, meaning many pedestrians will experience trauma to the lower limbs, ligaments, and muscles, including pelvis fractures, lacerations, and broken bones.

If the face, neck, or head of the pedestrian strike the hood or windshield of the vehicle, or the hard pavement there could be severe injuries such as shoulder displacement, injuries to the vertebrae, neck injuries, jaw fractures, skull damage, concussions, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, facial disfigurement due to scarring from glass shards.

The arms, wrists, and hands are the third most likely area of pedestrian injury following being hit by a vehicle. According to NCBI, pedestrians are almost twice as likely to have a head injury than an injury to their chest or abdomen.

What Are the Most Common Factors Associated with Pedestrian Injury Accidents?

There are as many causes of pedestrian accidents as there are automobile accidents. Distracted driving has quickly moved up as the primary cause of all accidents involving a vehicle. Drivers may be paying more attention to their phones than driving or could be eating, changing car controls, turning around to check on the children in the back seat, talking to a passenger, or simply daydreaming. Any of these distracted driving behaviors can result in a driver failing to see a pedestrian. Other causes of pedestrian injury accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Weaving in and out of traffic on city streets
  • Backing out of parking spaces without looking for pedestrians
  • Turning without looking for pedestrians
  • Failure to yield
  • Running a stop sign or stoplight
  • Driver fatigue

Driver impairment

What Should You Do Immediately Following Your Pedestrian Injury Accident?

If you have been hit by a car, your injuries may be so severe that you are unable to do anything at all, other than receive medical treatment—and receiving medical treatment is certainly what you should do, even if you think you are not hurt that badly. Many injuries manifest hours or even days after the accident, after the adrenaline rush you received during the accident has faded.

If you are physically able, do the following after your pedestrian injury accident:

  • Call 911
  • Obtain witness contact information
  • Take photos of the scene of the accident with your cell phone, including the license plate of the car that hit you
  • Once you are home, write down everything you can remember about your accident—no detail is too small and could be extremely helpful for your attorney
  • Start a file for medical receipts
  • Contact an experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney as quickly as possible
  • If the vehicle that hit you leaves the scene of the accident, write down every detail you can remember about the vehicle and the driver (if you saw him or her). This information could be crucial in finding the person who hit you and holding him or her responsible.

What is the Statute of Limitations Following an Atlanta, Georgia Pedestrian Injury Accident?

The statutes of limitations govern the amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim. Each state sets its own statutes of limitations, ranging from one year to more than ten. In the state of Georgia, you have two years following the date of your accident to file a claim for damages. There are very few exceptions to this rule; it is advisable that you contact an Atlanta, Georgia pedestrian injury attorney as quickly as possible to avoid exceeding your window of opportunity.

Why Should You Hire an Attorney Following Your Pedestrian Injury Accident?

Hiring an attorney following your pedestrian accident should be one of the first things you do, as it can make a significant difference in your future. An experienced attorney can help determine fault for your accident by using testimony, medical exams, evidence collected at the scene, and witness statements. A pedestrian accident attorney is experienced in determining damages, particularly the ones that are harder to put an amount on, like pain and suffering.

Your attorney negotiates with the insurance company, allowing you the time you need to heal. If you have been offered a settlement but feel you deserve more—you are likely right. A knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney has a firm grasp on the most crucial aspects of your claim, including when to settle and when to go to court. Do not wait—to ensure the protection of your rights and your future, contact an experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney. 

Contact Our Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

For years, the Kim Law Team has helped injured Atlanta pedestrian accident victims. Pedestrian accidents in Atlanta often have life-changing consequences. As such, injured pedestrians need a law firm on their side that can help them obtain the money they need to put their lives back together again.

If you suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta, we can help you pursue maximum compensation. Our law firm offers FREE initial consultations and reviews, so you can get the answers you need – when you need them. Call 404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form. Just call and JUST WIN.

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