Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney

In a collision between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle, the potential for serious and even fatal injuries is extremely high for the pedestrian. Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are just the beginning of what a victim could be facing after being hit by a car. It is important that you take the necessary steps to protect your interests in these matters.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while crossing the street, be sure that you seek the advice of a qualified personal injury attorney in Atlanta who understands the law and will fight to hold the negligent parties accountable for the injuries you have suffered. At the law firm of Hilley & Frieder, P.C., we help victims throughout the Atlanta area in all types of pedestrian injury accidents.

Contact our office at (404) 233-6200 now to speak with an Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney. We serve clients in Atlanta and the surrounding communities in Georgia.

Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Atlanta is not a pedestrian-friendly city. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia ranks 7th in the country for the most cyclist and pedestrian fatalities — despite ranking 47th in the country for the highest percentage of cyclist and pedestrian traffic.

The Commission also provides the following statistics regarding pedestrian injuries in the Atlanta metropolitan area:

• Atlanta saw a 53% increase in pedestrian and cyclist collisions between 2006 and 2015.
• Only 5% of trips in the Atlanta metro area involve walking or cycling.
• 77% of public transportation trips in Atlanta begin or end with walking.
• Atlanta saw a 26% increase in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities between 2006 and 2015.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

While most drivers uphold their duty to drive safely and follow all traffic laws, many motorists do not. These drivers can engage in dangerous driving behaviors that can easily lead to a collision with a pedestrian, resulting in severe injury and death.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:

• Driving under the influence: Driving while drunk or on drugs is illegal and highly dangerous. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, fine motor skills, and concentration, all of which can contribute to a collision.
• Failure to yield the right of way: Under Georgia law, drivers must yield to pedestrians who have the right of way in certain situations. However, a motorist can easily roll through a stop sign without checking for pedestrians or ignore a pedestrian trying to cross the street.
• Dangerous weather conditions: Drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior during inclement weather like snow, fog, or rain. If a motorist fails to adjust his or her speed, he or she can easily fail to see a pedestrian and collide into him or her.
• Risky left-hand turns: This is another behavior related to a pedestrian’s right of way. At an intersection, some drivers focus on navigating a left-hand turn without checking to see if a pedestrian has entered a crosswalk.
• Backing up without checking: Pedestrians walking in front of driveways, through parking lots, and across other areas where cars enter and leave may be at risk of collision. Some drivers may fail to check their rearview mirrors before backing up out of a parking space, running over pedestrians who are crossing behind them.

How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Injury Lawsuit?

You can pursue compensation for a pedestrian accident through two main pathways in Georgia: you can file a lawsuit in civil court, or you can file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Most cases begin in the insurance stage before progressing to a lawsuit; however, your Atlanta accident attorney will advise on the best course of action.

Under Georgia law, you have two years from the date of your pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is due to the statute of limitations, a rule that places a deadline on your claim to ensure your evidence remains reliable. If you fail to file by this deadline, the court will dismiss your claim.

There are two exceptions to this rule:

1. If you were under the age of 18 at the time of the injury or had an intellectual disability or mental illness that leaves you legally incompetent, you have two years from the date you turn 18 or the incompetence period ends.
2. If the at-fault driver leaves the state for a period of time during the statute of limitations after the accident and before you can serve him or her with the lawsuit papers, the court will not count his or her absence as part of your two-year deadline. The clock will restart once he or she returns to Georgia.

To retain your right to compensation and confirm your filing deadline, contact the pedestrian accident lawyers at Hilley & Frieder, P.C. as soon as possible.

Fighting for Survivors of Pedestrian Accidents

With every client we serve, we will do everything in our power to secure the medical care and financial support you need to recover from your injuries. Our experience with pedestrian accident claims has given us a clear understanding of the types of injuries that can occur and the kind of compensation needed over the short and long term.

When you hire our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers, we get to work immediately conducting our own investigation of the case. When appropriate, we will call on our broad network of accident reconstructionists and other experts to help us build the most compelling possible case on your behalf. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to secure the best possible outcome for each client.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, please contact us today. Call our Atlanta office at (404) 233-6200 or send us an email using our contact form for a swift response.