Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

The pedestrian injury legal team at Shane Smith Law provides responsive and caring legal services for victims of pedestrian car wrecks, hit-and-run pedestrian crashes, and crosswalk accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Georgia, we can provide the legal advice you need and refer you to medical specialists who can help you with your physical recovery from your injuries.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

The sad fact is that most pedestrian could be prevented if either the driver or the pedestrian took safety precautions. Some common types of pedestrian accidents in Georgia include:

1. A pedestrian crosses the road outside of a cross walk: Drivers expect pedestrians to cross in cross walks; they may not think to watch out for pedestrians at other locations.  When a pedestrian unexpectedly crosses the road, the driver may have to slam on their brakes.
2. A driver backs over a child from a driveway or parking space: Backover accidents commonly occur when the driver of a large vehicle doesn't see a small child in his blind spot.  The driver puts the car in reverse and backs over the child. These accidents are often fatal.
3. Road design errors make it hard for a pedestrian to be seen: If roads are poorly designed or poorly lit, drivers may not see pedestrians until it is too late to stop.  In some Atlanta suburbs a lack of sidewalks and crosswalks puts pedestrians at risk.
4. A pedestrian is struck by a speeding driver: Many Atlanta pedestrian accidents involve drivers travelling at high speeds. A driver who is speeding has less time to process the presence of a pedestrian and requires more stopping distance. A speeding driver appears to have come out of nowhere. The pedestrian may have done everything he was supposed to, but one cannot plan for drivers who are breaking the law.
5. Drunk driving accidents: About one-third of Georgia pedestrian accidents involve a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drunk pedestrians also contribute to pedestrian accidents.
6. Low visibility: Bad weather, glaring sun, and night can reduce visibility.  A driver who does not see a pedestrian will not stop.

Some lesser expected causes behind pedestrian accidents include the following:

1. Poor conditions on the sidewalk or curb—If a city or property owner fails to properly maintain a strip of sidewalk or curb, pedestrians may slip, trip, or fall as a result of any dangerous conditions, and those owners may be held liable for their negligent maintenance.
2. Falling objects—If an object falls from a window, roof, or awning, it may land on top of a pedestrian who is walking underneath. This can cause serious injury, especially if the object is heavy or large.
3. Construction accidents—At times, construction crews may fail to properly mark off construction zones or may not take all the necessary precautions to keep pedestrians safe. As a result, pedestrians may be injured by construction vehicles, unstable ground or materials, power tools, or more.
4. Open manhole covers—Pedestrians fall into open manhole covers several times a year, more often than you may think. If utility companies leave manhole covers open, off-kilter, or damaged without any warnings, they should be held liable for any resulting pedestrian injuries.
5. Distracted walking—People all too often use a handheld mobile device to text, message, or browse the internet while they walk down the street. Such distracted pedestrians may injure themselves or others in the process.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. It is important to remain calm and take the appropriate steps following the incident to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

Here are some steps you should take after a pedestrian accident:

1. Seek medical attention: Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical attention can make it more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
2. Call the police: Contact the police and file a report of the accident. The police report can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
3. Document the scene: Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your personal property and the surrounding area. This can also serve as valuable evidence in your case.
4. Get contact information: Obtain the contact information of the driver involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses to the accident.
5. Contact a pedestrian accident attorney: It is important to contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Shane Smith Law, our Atlanta pedestrian accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims get the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Even if the situation involves partial fault—you stepped into a crosswalk without looking for cars, or hazardous conditions—the car spun out on ice and hit you on the sidewalk, you may be eligible to receive damages for your injuries. You may have been told that you don't have a case, or that many lawyers won't take pedestrian injury cases. These cases aren’t always easy, but Shane Smith will take on the challenge to protect your rights.

He understands that a pedestrian accident can cause serious injuries, including:

1. Fractures: Fractures (or broken bones) are the most commonly sustained Atlanta pedestrian accident injury.  Pedestrian accidents rarely cause clean, easily healed fractures; instead, pedestrian accident fractures often involve crushed bones and may require extensive hospitalization - even surgery. Sometimes limbs are so damaged that they must be amputated. These fractures are very painful and victims may be unable to work for an extended period of time. Even after the injury has healed, the victim may still require physical therapy or rehabilitation.
2. Brain Injuries: Brain injury is likely to occur if a pedestrian's head a car or the road. Brain injury can also occur if the body is suddenly jolted or thrown. Sometimes brain injury is mild and the damage heals with rest, but often pedestrian accidents result in permanent brain damage and lifelong disability.  The cost of treating a brain injury may be well over a million dollars.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries: Signals from the brain to the rest of the body and carries signals to the body from the brain. A pedestrian accident can leave the spinal cord crushed, torn, severed or otherwise damaged. Depending on the severity of the damage, such injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis. Many spinal cord injuries are permanent.

Other serious injuries can include:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Bruises
• Internal injuries
• Amputations

Most of these injuries are costly and can be life altering. Victims of pedestrian accidents are often left with life-long disability, chronic pain and expensive medical bills. And, the sad fact is many of these injuries could have been avoided. We understand that an accident can disrupt your life and leave you feeling vulnerable. As your attorney, Shane Smith will make sure you understand all of your options and give you the power to make the important decisions in your case.

Factors That Impact the Severity of a Pedestrian Injuries

The severity of injuries in a pedestrian accident often depends on several factors, such as:

• Angle of the impact
• Speed of the car
• The part of the body that first makes contact with the car
• The height and center of gravity of the pedestrian
• The size and design of the vehicle

Typically, a collision between a pedestrian and the front of the car has three separate impacts if the pedestrian is an adult. First, the bumper of the car often hits the lower leg or knee region. Second, the pedestrian is usually thrown onto the hood and windshield area of the car and is at risk for head and upper body injuries. Finally, the pedestrian is usually has an impact with the ground as they bounce off the hood or over the top of a car.

The most typical injuries in adult pedestrian accidents include musculoskeletal injuries such as leg fractures and tears in knee ligaments, as well as head and neck trauma, including traumatic brain injury. Children are more likely to suffer head and neck injuries than adults because of the differences in their centers of gravity and the position of the impact on their bodies.

Determining Fault in Pedestrian Accidents

Many times, drivers are at fault in pedestrian accidents. Common reasons a driver was at fault include:

• Running red lights or ignoring other traffic signals
• Failing to obey pedestrian right-of-way rules in crosswalks
• Driving while texting or otherwise distracted
• Driving while intoxicated

However, sometimes, the pedestrian is actually the one at fault in the accident. Common reasons pedestrians cause accidents include:

• Jaywalking (crossing without a crosswalk)
• Crossing when there is a Do Not Walk signal
• Walking along freeways or other roads that prohibit pedestrian traffic
• Walking while intoxicated

In many situations, both the driver and pedestrian may have contributed to the accident. In those cases, the pedestrian can usually recover as long as the driver is found to be more at fault.

Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced lawyer. At Shane Smith Law, our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to help you navigate the complex legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Here are some reasons why you need a pedestrian accident lawyer:

1. Protect your rights: Insurance companies and at-fault parties may try to minimize your claim or deny liability. A lawyer can protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.
2. Investigate the accident: A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene, collect evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong case.
3. Determine liability: Pedestrian accidents can involve multiple parties, including drivers, pedestrians, and even government entities. A lawyer can help determine who is liable for your injuries and losses.
4. Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies may offer a low settlement amount that does not fully compensate you for your damages. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement.
5. Take your case to court: If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can take your case to court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.

Don't wait to seek legal help after a pedestrian accident. Contact Shane Smith Law today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Do not wait to get advice if you were harmed in a pedestrian accident and are considering taking legal action. Call (980) 246-2656 or contact us online to get started.