Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Decatur, GA
When a car strikes a pedestrian, even if the driver is going slow, the person afoot often suffers grievous injuries. Broken bones, a concussion, and even painful “road rash” when your skin scrapes along the pavement are all common pedestrian accident injuries. Your recovery may be long and painful, with no certainty that you’ll regain your full abilities.
You deserve justice and compensation for the money you’ve spent on medical care and rehabilitative therapy after the accident. The legal team at The Turnbull Firm can help you get it. A Decatur, GA, pedestrian accident lawyer fights to ensure that your interests are protected and you receive fair compensation after the accident. Call us today for a free consultation.
What Does A Decatur Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do?
Pedestrian accident lawyers represent victims who were struck by a car or bicycle or who fell because the path or walking surface was fundamentally unsafe. They prepare a case against the at-fault party, be it the vehicle’s driver, bike rider, or a municipality responsible, to ensure that pedestrian spaces are safe for walking (free of trip hazards, have adequate lighting or handrails for stairs and ramps).
Your attorney can gather evidence proving fault on the part of the other party (the defendant) and calculate the value of your losses, both out-of-pocket and intangible (like pain and suffering). Then, they demand fair compensation from the defendant or their insurance company. The legal process can include negotiations for a settlement or a trial in civil court. The goal is to make restitution to the victim (called the plaintiff) for their losses from an accident they didn’t cause.
Comprehensive Legal Representation
Our firm handles hundreds of personal injury claims each year. We have deep knowledge of relevant Georgia and Delaware laws that apply in your case and the skills to apply them in your favor. Our team has comprehensive experience properly valuing pedestrian accident claims, focusing on making sure you receive every penny you’re entitled to.
We take care of your claim from start to finish, beginning with investigating the incident and filing all necessary legal documents to pursue your compensation. We can also communicate with the defendant and their insurance company for you so that you can recover in peace. At each step in the process, we discuss your options, what we can do to advance your claim, and the possible outcomes of each decision so you have plenty of information to make the right choices for your case.
Getting The Compensation You Deserve After A Pedestrian Accident
Whether you were hit by a car, truck, or bike, you have the right to demand that the at-fault party compensate you for your losses. Trust The Turnbull Firm to fight for your rights and represent your interests in the legal system. We have decades of combined experience and vast resources to help victims like you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled Decatur pedestrian accident lawyer.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
A Decatur pedestrian accident lawyer knows that pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in urban and suburban areas alike, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is essential for both prevention and awareness. If you have been injured, call The Turnbull Firm to find out your legal options.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. This occurs when drivers divert their attention from the road to focus on activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. The proliferation of smartphones has exacerbated this issue, as many drivers engage in texting or using social media while behind the wheel.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is responsible for more than 3,000 accidents each year, many of which involve pedestrians. When a driver is distracted, they are less likely to notice pedestrians crossing the street, walking on the sidewalk, or standing at intersections. This lack of attention increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in busy urban environments where pedestrian traffic is high.
Failure To Yield The Right Of Way
Failure to yield the right of way is another common cause of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians typically have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections, but some drivers fail to stop or slow down, putting pedestrians at risk. This often happens when drivers are in a hurry, are not paying close attention, or are unfamiliar with local traffic laws.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that many pedestrian accidents occur at intersections, where drivers may not see pedestrians due to blind spots or poor visibility. In some cases, drivers may be aware of the pedestrian but choose to ignore the rules of the road, leading to tragic consequences. Many of the clients each Decatur pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm have represented victims who were injured in failure to yield pedestrian accidents.
Speeding
Speeding significantly increases the severity and likelihood of pedestrian accidents. When a vehicle is traveling at high speeds, the driver has less time to react to unexpected situations, such as a pedestrian stepping into the road. Furthermore, the impact of a collision at higher speeds is much more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that the risk of death for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle increases dramatically as vehicle speed increases. For instance, at 20 mph, the risk of fatal injury to a pedestrian is about 10%, but at 40 mph, that risk jumps to around 80%. Speeding is especially dangerous in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as school zones, residential neighborhoods, and downtown areas.
Alcohol And Drug Impairment
Impairment by alcohol or drugs is a significant factor in many pedestrian accidents, affecting both drivers and pedestrians. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all traffic crashes resulting in pedestrian deaths involve alcohol, either on the part of the driver or the pedestrian.
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced coordination, making them more likely to cause an accident. Similarly, pedestrians who are impaired may make unsafe decisions, such as crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, walking into traffic, or misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles. Efforts to reduce alcohol and drug-impaired driving and walking are crucial in preventing pedestrian accidents.
Call Our Office For Legal Assistance
If you have been injured because of a negligent driver, a Decatur pedestrian accident lawyer can help you get the damages you deserve for the losses you have suffered. Call The Turnbull Firm for a free case evaluation to learn more.
