Car accidents involving pedestrians happen almost every day in Atlanta. These accidents often cause severe injuries to the pedestrian involved, and they can result in serious financial and emotional struggles for the pedestrian’s family. When a pedestrian suffers injuries caused by the negligence of a driver, it is important to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Atlanta as soon as possible. This immediate contact will help you to protect your rights and get the financial compensation you deserve.
If you or your loved one were the victim in a pedestrian accident involving a negligent driver, the Atlanta law firm Andersen, Tate & Carr can help. We have over 30 years of experience protecting the rights of pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the state of Georgia. Our knowledgeable team will conduct a thorough investigation, ensuring all evidence is presented properly in your claim.
Call us today at (770) 822-0900 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with an Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta
Often, negligent drivers are the cause of pedestrian accidents. The negligence that leads to these accidents often occurs because a driver is distracted. Some of these distractions include using a cell phone, listening to distracting passengers, and eating or drinking while driving.
However, the driver is not always at fault. The following list shows some of the most common mistakes pedestrians can make that will put themselves at risk of being involved in a car accident.
- Crossing the street while intoxicated
- Crossing at an unmarked location (“jaywalking”)
- Not looking both ways before you cross the street
- Heading into the street without being seen by oncoming traffic
- Wearing dark clothes at night without any reflectors
- Not following traffic signals or other warning signs
Pedestrians should do their best to be responsible for their own safety when they are crossing the street. If you avoid these dangerous practices, you will be much safer.
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, however, you may still be able to recover compensation. Georgia follows a comparative negligence statute. This means if you are found 49% or less at fault for the accident, you may receive compensation lessened by your involvement in the incident.
For instance, say you crossed the road without looking both ways at night. However, the car that hit you didn’t have its headlights on. In this purely hypothetical situation, you may be found 20% at fault for the accident. If the final compensation awarded to you is $10,000, it will be lessened by 20% — meaning the final amount you receive would be $8,000.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Unfortunately, even when you are trying to be safe as a pedestrian, accidents still happen. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, you should contact the police as soon as possible to file a report. If it is possible, you should make a note of the names, addresses and contact information of anyone who witnessed the incident. Additionally, taking photographs of the accident scene will further support any case that you may need to bring against the driver.
How Much Compensation Am I Owed After a Pedestrian Accident in Atlanta?
There is no definitive way to say how much compensation you’re owed after a pedestrian accident. Every case is unique, and different factors will affect the outcome. However, the insurance company will use a basic formula to calculate a settlement offer to send to you. That settlement offer will likely be much less than what you believe you deserve. Before you accept the offer and effectively end your case, contact an experienced lawyer to determine if you deserve greater compensation.
When you contact the attorneys at Andersen, Tate & Carr, they will consider two possible categories of compensation, or damages, you may be owed. First are economic damages. These involve real monetary losses you’ve suffered, such as paying for medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, out-of-pocket expenses, and more.
Second are noneconomic damages. These are losses that aren’t tied to finances. Examples include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. Because these damages are much more subjective, your lawyer will investigate your case and speak to experts to calculate how much you are owed.
Both types of compensation will be discussed in negotiations with the other side. If a favorable agreement can’t be reached, your attorney will fight for your right to full compensation in court.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
At Andersen, Tate & Carr, we use our knowledge and experience to work hard for our clients. We demand fair and just compensation for all injuries and losses resulting from the negligence of the at-fault driver in pedestrian accident cases.
If you or someone in your family has been involved in a pedestrian accident in the Atlanta area caused by a negligent driver, call Andersen, Tate & Carr today at 770-237-9860 for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you.
For more information, see our Motor Vehicle Accidents Practice Center.
