404-636-4900 At Deming Parker, we bring over half a century of legal experience to the forefront, championing the rights of those who have found themselves the victims of unfortunate incidents. And with thousands of nationwide fatalities each year, pedestrian accidents are often a common consult in the Columbus community.
When these accidents happen due to the negligence of others, whether they are drivers or property owners, it’s essential to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of legal proceedings and fight for your rightful compensation.
Columbus Pedestrian Accident Lawyers: Over 50 Years of Experience in Georgia
Our team of personal injury lawyers is committed to thorough investigation, smart negotiation, and constant support to help our clients get the compensation they need to cover their expenses. Here’s how we can assist in your pedestrian accident case:
- Comprehensive case evaluation: Thoroughly reviewing the details of your accident to develop a tailored legal strategy.
- Liability assessment: Determining who is at fault, whether it’s a distracted driver, a municipality for poor road maintenance, or other entities.
- Insurance negotiations: Skillfully negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
- Legal representation: Providing robust legal representation in court, if necessary, to advocate for your rights and interests.
No matter the size of your case, we are here to help you find the justice you deserve. Our track record in personal injury cases exemplifies our determined efforts to make a positive difference for our clients.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern across the United States, with pedestrians accounting for an alarming 17% of all traffic-related fatalities. This statistic, shared by the National Safety Council, shows us the disproportionate risk faced by those who navigate our streets on foot. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving: The prevalence of smartphones has led to an increase in drivers distracted by calls, texts, and apps, significantly impairing their ability to notice pedestrians.
- Speeding: Higher vehicle speeds reduce the driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.
- Failure to yield at crosswalks: Many accidents occur when drivers ignore crosswalks or traffic signals designed to protect pedestrians.
- Poor visibility: Accidents are more likely to happen at night or in poor weather conditions when visibility is reduced.
- Alcohol and drug impairment: Impaired judgment and slower reaction times in both drivers and pedestrians can lead to accidents.
- Infrastructure issues: Lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Dealing With Injuries Due to the Negligence of Reckless Drivers
With decades of experience, we have seen how pedestrian accidents often result in more severe injuries than other types of traffic accidents – such as car collisions – due to the lack of protection afforded. Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no barrier to shield them from the impact, leading to a higher likelihood of catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
In Georgia, specific codes and laws, such as O.C.G.A § 40-6-91, which mandates that drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, play a crucial role in determining liability in these accidents. We are committed to thoroughly investigating all the evidence to establish the context of the accident and bring the negligent party to justice.
Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia?
The state’s laws, including comparative negligence rules, allow for the allocation of fault among all involved parties, which can significantly impact the outcome of a claim.
Possible Liable Parties:
- Drivers: If a driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield, leads to an accident, they can be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries.
- Pedestrians: In some cases, pedestrians themselves may contribute to the accident, for example, by jaywalking or entering a street while distracted.
- Municipalities: Local governments may be liable if poor road design, inadequate signage, or lack of proper pedestrian infrastructure contributed to the accident.
- Third parties: Other entities, such as construction companies or property owners, may be responsible if their actions created hazardous conditions leading to the accident.
Our legal team is adept at investigating pedestrian accidents, identifying all liable parties, and advocating for our clients’ rights to compensation.
What Compensation Can You Obtain?
Our firm has a strong track record, including securing millionaire settlements for our clients, proving our commitment to navigating the legal process effectively for the benefit of those we represent. Even when each case is unique, these are the types of compensation you can expect:
Medical Expenses
Victims of pedestrian accidents can claim compensation for all medical expenses related to their injuries. This includes immediate costs such as emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays, as well as long-term expenses like rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any necessary future medical treatments.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries have forced you to take time away from work, you’re entitled to recover lost wages. Furthermore, if your ability to earn a living has been compromised, either temporarily or permanently, Georgia law allows for compensation that reflects this loss of earning capacity, ensuring you’re not financially disadvantaged by the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident. The state recognizes the non-economic impact of pedestrian accidents, allowing victims to seek damages for the suffering they’ve experienced, which, while harder to quantify, is no less significant.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or demonstrated a willful disregard for safety, Georgia law permits the pursuit of punitive damages. These are intended not just to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Wrongful Death
For families who have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, the law provides the right to seek wrongful death compensation. This includes the lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, medical expenses related to the fatal injury, funeral and burial costs, and compensation for the loss of companionship and emotional support.
You Deserve Justice and Compensation: Let Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help With Your Case in Columbus
You have the inherent right to seek compensation for injuries and losses resulting from a pedestrian accident. And our team is committed to ensuring that you receive the comprehensive legal support you need to navigate a successful personal injury claim.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Columbus, contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in securing the justice and compensation you deserve. You owe us nothing unless we secure a victory in your case.
