Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Right of Way & Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are all too common in Atlanta. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were 1,499 pedestrian accidents in 2018-2019 in Fulton County alone with an additional 72 accidents that resulted in serious injuries and 70 fatal accidents. Rules of the road dictate that pedestrians have the right of way on the sidewalks and crossing streets, as long as they are following all traffic laws regarding when and where they do so.
Motorists and bicyclists often fail to yield right of way to pedestrians who fairly deserve it, however, which often results in catastrophic accidents and injuries. For example, if a pedestrian is at a street corner and legally begins to cross, but a motorist is distracted and turns right without noticing the pedestrian as they leave the curb, the driver should be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries since they were following the law at the time of the accident.
Who Is at Fault for a Pedestrian Accident in Atlanta?
More often than not a motorist is found at fault for a pedestrian accident. In fact, the most common cause of accidents on the road today is distracted driving. According to Georgia’s Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, in 2019, 56% of motor vehicle crashes had at least one confirmed or suspected distracted driver. That is not to say that a pedestrian cannot be at fault for an accident.
A pedestrian can be at fault for an accident if they fail to follow proper traffic laws. For example, in the state of Georgia pedestrians are required to yield the right of way to vehicles outside of crosswalk areas. Unlike some states, it is legal for pedestrians to cross the street outside of designated crosswalk areas as long as the pedestrian yields the right of way to moving vehicles. If a pedestrian fails to yield the right of way outside of a crosswalk, they could be responsible for the accident.
The GA Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Cases
Like for other personal injury cases, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. The statute of limitations is a state law that imposes a time limit on an injury victim’s right to file a personal injury claim. If you attempt to file a claim outside of this two-year time period, you will most like be unable to do so except in specific situations. An Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm can answer any questions you have about the statute of limitations during a free consultation.
Fighting for Compensation
When you’ve been injured while walking on a sidewalk or crossing a street, don’t hesitate to consult with an Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney and learn whether or not you have a personal injury case. If you had the right of way, your lawyer could help you file a claim and fight for adequate compensation from the liable party.
Many pedestrian accidents are catastrophic and could result in permanent damage that requires ongoing medical care, and therefore ongoing compensation, so get aggressive legal counsel immediately. Call our offices right away or fill out our free online evaluation form to get started!
Retain A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer In Atlanta
The Kalka Law Group can skillfully investigate your accident and establish liability in court so that you can obtain compensation from the motorist or cyclist who caused your injuries. Broken bones, brain injury and spine injuries are common in pedestrian accidents, as is wrongful death, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you or a loved one has been a victim of such an accident.
You could maximize your compensation with the representation of an experienced lawyer from our firm. Contact The Kalka Law Group to schedule a free consultation today.
