Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians do not benefit from seatbelts, airbags, or steel car frames in the event of an accident. This means they are especially vulnerable to severe, even fatal, injuries. While all states have laws on the books that specify pedestrians’ rights and attempt to reduce injuries and fatalities, pedestrian accidents are still an all-too-common tragedy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that a pedestrian fatality occurs somewhere in the United States every 75 minutes. Additionally, pedestrians are 150 percent more likely (on a per-trip basis) than vehicle occupants to be killed in a traffic collision. Unfortunately, Georgia is no exception to this alarming reality. Another recent study of pedestrian safety by Smart Growth America ranked Georgia nationally as the 9th most dangerous state for pedestrians. But if you’ve been injured because of a careless or otherwise negligent driver in Georgia, you should know that you could be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. At Butler Kahn, we’re committed to helping people in your position get the money and justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Roswell, GA, pedestrian accident lawyer and find out what we can do for you.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Roswell, GA?
Most pedestrian accidents are caused by some form of driver negligence. Common contributing factors in Roswell pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving – When drivers are absorbed in cellphones or other distractions, they are more likely to overlook nearby pedestrians and cause devastating collisions.
- Driver impairment – Drivers who are intoxicated or severely tired tend to struggle with depth perception, reaction time, and good judgment, all of which are essential for safe driving around pedestrians.
- Speeding – When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for conditions, they have less room for error and are more likely to cause high-speed collisions with catastrophic results.
- Failure to yield – Drivers and pedestrians must yield the right of way to one another in certain circumstances. When drivers fail to yield to pedestrians on marked or unmarked crosswalks, the results can be devastating for those on foot.
- Driving errors – Common driving errors such as disobeying traffic signals, failing to signal before turning, and going the wrong way down a one-way street can all contribute to serious pedestrian collisions.
Can Pedestrian Accidents Be Prevented?
While some pedestrian collisions are genuine accidents, many others are entirely preventable. They are often caused by a combination of urban design that favors vehicle traffic over foot traffic and negligence on the part of motorists. Drivers can do their part in preventing pedestrian accidents by practicing safe driving behaviors, including:
- Never speeding
- Slowing down when pedestrians are present
- Yielding the right of way to pedestrians in designated crosswalks
- Making eye contact with pedestrians to let them know they’re seen
- Following all posted traffic signs
- Never getting behind the wheel while intoxicated
- Never texting while driving
Moreover, those who have been hurt in pedestrian accidents can help make our roads safer by holding negligent motorists responsible for the collisions and injuries they’ve caused.
What Should I Do If I Am Hit?
If you’ve been hit by a negligent motorist in Roswell, GA, you could be left with painful, life-altering injuries. Your top priority should be to seek prompt medical care as soon as possible. Once you’ve done so, you can protect your legal rights by taking the following steps:
- Exchange contact information with the driver
- Gather evidence from the scene by taking photographs and collecting witness statements
- Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as you can while your memory is still fresh
- Keep medical bills, expense receipts, pay stubs, and other documentation of your crash-related expenses in a single, organized file
- Avoid discussing the accident with others or posting about it online without first speaking with a knowledgeable attorney
How Soon After My Pedestrian Accident Should I Contact a Lawyer?
If you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in Roswell, GA, state law gives you two years from the date of the accident to do so. However, it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer immediately. Waiting can make collecting evidence and building your case much more difficult. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries and extensive losses, making matters complicated and time-consuming. When you’re still healing from severe trauma, the last thing you need is the added stress of trying to collect evidence, build your case, and get a fair deal out of the insurance company. The Roswell, GA pedestrian accident lawyers of Butler Kahn have the knowledge and resources to handle every aspect of your claim. The sooner we get started, the more time we will have to investigate the incident and negotiate with insurers. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help in a free initial consultation.
What Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
Many pedestrian accident cases involve catastrophic injuries, expensive medical bills, and considerable related expenses. As a result, the value of a given pedestrian accident claim can be significant. Depending upon the circumstances, you could be entitled to compensation for:
- Accident-related medical expenses, including the cost of surgeries and other procedures, ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and prescription medications
- Out-of-pocket costs, such as mileage expenses for medical appointments
- Lost wages from missed hours or days at work
- The projected loss in your future earning capacity
- The intangible cost of the pain and suffering you endured due to the crash
Contact a Roswell, GA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent motorist or unsafe road design or repair, you could be owed compensation. Let the Butler Kahn help you pursue it. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs to demand justice and accountability from the person who hurt you. Contact us today to get started.
