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Being hit by a vehicle while walking or running on Sandy Springs roads is one of the scariest and most dangerous experiences. As a pedestrian, there is nothing to protect you if a car veers of the road and collides with your body, so serious injuries are common. But you should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence, and our Sandy Springs pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand the cost of a pedestrian accident to the victims and their families. Our goal is to get you full compensation for the damages you have suffered, as we’ve done for countless clients over the past 20 plus years. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a FREE, no-obligation consultation today.
Pedestrian Accidents Are Usually Serious
When someone is hit by a motor vehicle while walking, they are almost always seriously hurt. Pedestrian accidents often happen suddenly and tragically, resulting from a distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent driver. Unlike auto accidents where both parties are at least surrounded by a metal vehicle, a pedestrian does not have protection during a collision.
Pedestrian accidents are not rare, either. According to pedestrian safety stats from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 5,977 pedestrians killed in auto accidents in 2017. That amounts to about one pedestrian death every 88 minutes in the United States. In the same year, an estimated 137,000 pedestrians were injured and treated in emergency rooms for crash-related injuries.
In Georgia, if you did not cause the accident, you have a right to seek compensation for your damages from the person who did cause the pedestrian accident. Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer today to begin building your case and determining your full damages.
How Fault Works in a Sandy Springs Pedestrian Accident
In Sandy Springs, everyone on the road has a duty to exercise ordinary care and act in a way that does not harm others. When a driver causes a pedestrian accident, they have breached their legal duty and are likely liable for the costs.
Determining who was at fault for a pedestrian accident is sometimes complicated. Although drivers are often at fault, it’s not always the case. A pedestrian can be found responsible if they were not following Georgia’s pedestrian laws. It usually takes research from an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to know who was negligent in the accident.
Georgia Pedestrian Laws
According to Georgia Code § 40-6-93, every driver in Georgia must “exercise due care” so they do not crash with a pedestrian on the road. This includes honking their horn to warn the pedestrian, if necessary, and being cautious if they come upon anyone who seems impaired, confused, or to be a child.
Drivers should also stop and allow pedestrians to cross the road when they are in a crosswalk and “upon the half of the roadway” or within a lane of the half of the road where the driver is traveling or turning.
Pedestrians also have legal duties while traveling on Georgia roads. For example, pedestrians must:
- Obey any traffic-control device instructions that are applicable to them
- Follow pedestrian control signals
- Not suddenly leave a curb and run or walk into a vehicle’s path
- Yield the right of way to vehicles when on a roadway, in most situations and
- Not walk or be on a roadway or should of a roadway when under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the point where they are a hazard
As you can see, pedestrian laws can be complicated, and there are exceptions to many statutes that apply to specific situations. To make sure you know your rights and how they fit into your accident, speak with a Sandy Springs pedestrian accident lawyer today.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can involve:
- Left-hand turns
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Distracted or impaired drivers or pedestrians
- Using electronics, such as earbuds
- Buys streets and/or
- Elderly walkers or children
Nearly half of pedestrian deaths in the United States happen because of alcohol consumption. If someone is drinking and driving, they are more likely to swerve or fail to see someone walking on Sandy Springs road. A driver under the influence can easily lead to a pedestrian accident.
No matter how your accident happened, you may be entitled to financial recovery if you were not at fault. To get to the bottom of the reason behind your accident, talk to an attorney who can help you investigate the facts and gather evidence to support your case.
What to Do if Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident in Sandy Springs
If you were injured as a pedestrian in Sandy Springs, it’s important to compile as much information as you can. If you suffered serious injuries during the collision, which is common, it’s imperative that you first get medical attention. Your injuries can worsen quickly, and your well-being is the number one priority.
If you are well enough to stay at the scene, here are some things you can do to begin building your case.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone else saw you get hit, talk to them and ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can be very helpful in a pedestrian accident case, and getting contact information will make it easier for your lawyer to reach out to these people.
Get the Driver’s Information
Hopefully, the driver who hit you pulled over right afterward. If they are at the scene, get their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license number and
- License plate number
It’s also good to jot down or take a picture of the driver’s license plate and the details of their vehicle. If you are in an unfortunate hit-and-run circumstance where the driver flees the scene, try to get their license plate number before they leave. Also, try to note anything you can about their appearance or their vehicle.
Call the Police
Definitely contact the Sandy Springs police department to report the accident. Police officers will likely come to the scene and create an accident report. This is important for showing that the accident happened.
Take Pictures
If you have a phone or camera on you, take pictures of the scene where you were hit, your injuries, and any other damage from the crash. These pictures can be used to support your claim.
You’ll also want to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. They can help you with all of the above and more.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Free Today
If you were injured as a pedestrian in Sandy Springs, don’t wait to get legal help. Our lawyers are ready to help, and we will not charge you a fee unless we win you money—so there is no risk to you. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today and we’ll get started with a FREE consultation.
