Recent statistics show that pedestrian accidents are on the rise. Part of the reason is due to more and more people driving while on cell phones and texting. Unfortunately, injuries to pedestrians can be very severe and often result in bone fractures, brain injuries, and extended hospital stays. That is where an experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney comes in.
At Monge & Associates, we have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims in Georgia. We have taken on big insurance companies and large corporations nationwide, recovering billions of dollars for our clients. Our goal is to fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Resources
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Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Possible Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Who is at Fault for a Pedestrian Accident?
Process of an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Claim
Potential Compensation Available in Your Case
Why Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Time Limitations to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Steps to Follow After a Pedestrian Accident
Speak to a Lawyer Today
Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, the path to recovery and justice can be challenging. This is where the expertise and dedication of an attorney from Monge & Associates becomes invaluable. Our attorneys are not just legal representatives; they are allies who understand the intricacies of pedestrian accident claims and are committed to advocating for your rights.
Here’s how our Atlanta pedestrian accident attorneys can support your claim:
- Personalized Case Management: Each case at Monge & Associates is treated with individualized attention. We delve deep into the specifics of your accident, ensuring every detail is meticulously evaluated to build a strong and effective legal strategy.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. Our attorneys possess the negotiation skills and legal experience to handle communications with insurers and protect your rights throughout the process.
- Gathering and Analyzing Evidence: In pedestrian accident cases, the right evidence is crucial. Our lawyers can gather and analyze all relevant evidence, from accident reports to medical records, to establish a solid foundation for your claim.
- Legal Expertise in Court Proceedings: If your case goes to court, Monge & Associates can represent your side of the story. We are prepared to present your case compellingly and professionally, ensuring that your voice is heard and your interests are protected.
- Emotional Support and Advice: Beyond legal assistance, we offer emotional support and practical advice. Understanding the emotional toll of pedestrian accidents, our firm can provide a source of stability and reassurance throughout your legal journey.
What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta?
Pedestrian accidents often happen when drivers are not paying attention or looking out for pedestrians on the road. This sometimes happens at intersections when a car is making a turn and the vehicle’s tires jump the curve, causing severe injuries to pedestrians waiting to cross the street. A report by the Governors Highway Safety Association indicates that pedestrian deaths decreased by 5.4% in 2023 after hitting a 40-year high in 2022. Even so, at least 321 pedestrians were killed in collisions in Georgia, with another 2,284 pedestrians suffering injuries in crashes across the state.
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Atlanta include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Drunk driving
- Disregarding traffic signals; and
- Reckless driving
Our pedestrian and car accident lawyer in Atlanta will thoroughly investigate your case to identify the exact cause of your accident and build a strong case to hold the responsible party accountable.
Possible Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which can be life-altering or even life-threatening. The lack of protection for pedestrians means that the injuries sustained are often more severe than those in other types of vehicle accidents. These injuries can have profound implications on the victim’s quality of life, both in the short and long term.
- Broken bones, scrapes, and bruises, while seemingly less severe, can lead to significant pain, reduced mobility, and a lengthy recovery process.
- Head and brain injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are particularly concerning. They can result in long-term cognitive impairment, personality changes, and physical limitations.
- Internal injuries, including internal bleeding and organ damage, are often not immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Back, neck, and spinal injuries are among the most severe consequences of pedestrian accidents. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and in severe cases, paralysis.
The impact of these injuries extends beyond the physical symptoms; they can also lead to significant lifestyle changes, emotional distress, and financial burdens due to ongoing medical care and lost wages. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to seek medical attention—and, once you have addressed your medical needs, contact an attorney who can pursue legal action on your behalf.
Who Is at Fault For a Pedestrian Accident?
In Atlanta, we have many streets and intersections, and most are controlled by stop signs, stoplights, and crosswalks. If you are crossing an intersection as a pedestrian, you have the right away under Georgia law.
Georgia law imposes a duty on both motorists and pedestrians to exercise due care when they are out and about. However, drivers must take all reasonable means to prevent hitting a pedestrian, even when the pedestrian is jaywalking.
Determining fault in a pedestrian accident requires a thorough investigation and examination of the evidence. While each case is unique, the at-fault party is typically the one who acted negligently or violated traffic laws, causing harm to the pedestrian.
What Is the Process of an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Georgia’s tort-based insurance system holds the at-fault party responsible for damages in a road accident. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta, you have the right to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance or pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault party in court.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, the liable party could include drivers, government entities, or property owners. To recover compensation in your claim, you must prove the fault of the defendant by presenting evidence of negligent or reckless actions that led to the accident. This process often requires meticulous gathering and presentation of evidence; during this time, the expertise of an Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer is invaluable.
Generally, the elements of a successful negligence claim are that:
- The at-fault party owed you or the victim a duty of care,
- A breach of said duty occurred,
- The accident and subsequent injuries were directly caused by said breach, and
- The victim was injured and suffered damages
Your legal team is responsible for finding evidence that supports your claim. Depending on the nature of your specific case, our attorneys may attempt to collect:
- Video evidence of the collision
- Expert witness testimony
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Drug and alcohol test results for the liable motorist
- Physical evidence from the crash scene
You can trust that our team will invest considerable time and energy into your case. We fight tirelessly to secure the maximum amount of compensation for injury victims in Atlanta.
Potential Compensation Available in Your Case
The scope of compensation in pedestrian accident cases is broad, covering both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include tangible losses such as hospital bills, lost wages, property damage, and costs associated with disability accommodations. These are quantifiable and are generally easier to calculate.
Compensation for loss of income also falls under this category, providing financial relief for victims who have had to take time off work due to their injuries or are unable to return to their previous employment. In cases of long-term or permanent disabilities, compensation may also cover future medical care, including surgeries, therapies, and rehabilitation. This ensures that the victim can continue to receive necessary medical attention without worrying about the financial implications.
Non-economic damages encompass intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Although these are harder to quantify, non-economic are equally important. The Atlanta pedestrian accident at Monge & Associates can help identify all potential areas of compensation and determine the value of your settlement.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Cases
After a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The liable insurance companies may attempt to undervalue or deny your claim, leaving you burdened with medical bills and other expenses. Our experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident attorneys understand the tactics used by insurance adjusters and will protect your rights. We will handle all communications with the liable insurance companies, gather and prepare the complex paperwork, and negotiate a fair settlement to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You can count on our attorneys to:
- Explain the legal jargon of your case
- Handle interactions with the insurance company
- Help you understand the damages in your case
- Fight to secure the maximum settlement available
- Represent you in court, if needed
Our attorneys are fully confident in the validity of the cases our firm chooses to take on. As a result, we take cases on a contingency fee basis. Until we secure a favorable settlement or award on your behalf, you don’t owe us a single cent for our services. We are only paid when we successfully recover compensation for you.
Time Limitations to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim
We encourage you to contact our pedestrian accident attorney in Atlanta as soon as you are physically recovered enough to do so after a crash. People’s memories of a collision fade quickly and it can be challenging for your attorney to secure vital crash evidence after days or weeks have passed by. Additionally, Georgia has what’s called a “statute of limitations” that sets time limits on how long you have to file an injury lawsuit in the state. In most cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit against the liable party. As soon as possible, contact our experienced legal team so we can explain your options and help you seek justice.
Steps to Follow After a Pedestrian Accident
The immediate actions taken after a pedestrian accident are crucial in protecting your legal rights and supporting your claim. If you are conscious and able to act, taking the following steps can make a significant difference in your case:
- Seeking Medical Assistance: Seeking medical assistance is vital, even if the injuries seem minor. Some injuries, particularly internal and brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately but can have severe long-term effects if not treated promptly. Documenting your injuries through medical records is also vital for your claim, so make sure to go to the hospital as soon as possible.
- Gathering Information: This includes collecting details from the responsible party, such as their name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information. Witness statements can provide invaluable insights into the accident, so gathering contact information from anyone who witnessed the event is essential.
- Taking Photographs and Videos: Photographic and video evidence of the accident scene, including the positioning of vehicles, traffic signals, and any road hazards, can significantly strengthen your claim. These photographs and videos provide a visual account of the accident circumstances, supporting your version of events.
- Calling the Police: Contacting the police ensures that an official report is filed, which is a critical component of your legal claim. A police report provides an objective account of the accident and can be used as evidence in your future insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Contacting an Attorney: Finally, consulting with a qualified Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney is a crucial step. Monge & Associates offers free consultations, providing an opportunity to understand your legal options without any financial commitment. If we take on your case, we commit to fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Call to Find Out How Much Your Winning Pedestrian Accident Case is Worth
If you are wondering about the potential value of your pedestrian accident case, don’t hesitate to reach out to our pedestrian and truck accident attorney in Atlanta. We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case and provide an estimate of its worth. Take the first step towards justice for your pedestrian accident by contacting Monge & Associates today at 888-653-0605 for a free consultation. We are here to fight for you and ensure your voice is heard.