Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Marietta, Georgia
Pedestrians have no protection when struck by a vehicle, often resulting in severe injuries, emotional distress, and overwhelming medical expenses. If you or a loved one was injured while walking in Marietta, GA, you have the legal right to seek compensation. A dedicated Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer at Ross Moore Law can help you through every step of the process.
At Ross Moore Law, we represent pedestrian accident victims in Cobb County and the greater Atlanta area, helping them hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact us today for a free case review!
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Cobb County
While some pedestrian accidents happen due to poor weather or visibility, most are caused by driver negligence. Busy intersections, distracted driving, and high-speed roads increase the risk, especially in areas with limited crosswalks or sidewalks.
Below are some leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Marietta and Cobb County.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio often fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or crossing the street.
- Speeding: Speeding drivers have less time to react and need more distance to stop, increasing the chance of hitting someone.
- Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian crashes happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way at crosswalks or intersections.
- Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to make dangerous decisions and miss seeing pedestrians.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disobeying traffic signals is a major cause of intersection accidents involving pedestrians.
- Poor Lighting or Low Visibility: Accidents often occur at night when drivers fail to see pedestrians crossing dimly lit roads.
- Left-Hand Turns: Drivers making left turns at intersections sometimes focus on oncoming cars and forget to check for pedestrians.
- Backing Up Accidents: Pedestrians can be hit in parking lots or driveways by drivers who don’t see them when reversing.
Identifying the cause of your accident is an important first step in building a strong legal case. At Ross Moore Law, we investigate every detail to determine what happened and who is at fault.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Marietta, GA
The moments after a pedestrian accident can be confusing and overwhelming. Taking the right steps can help protect your health and legal rights.
Report the Accident to the Police
Always call 911 and report the accident. Police officers from the Marietta Police Department or the Cobb County Police will create an official report. This report will contain important details like the time, location, names of those involved, and initial observations about what happened. The police report can be critical evidence when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, try to collect as much evidence as you can while still at the scene. Take photos of the vehicle that hit you, your injuries, any crosswalks or traffic signals, and the overall environment. If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Eyewitness accounts can support your version of events later.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if you feel okay at first, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical attention not only helps ensure your safety but also creates a record linking your injuries to the accident, which will be vital in your case.
Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Before speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, contact a qualified Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims or pressure victims into accepting low settlements. An attorney at Ross Moore Law can deal with the insurance company for you, advise you of your rights, and help you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under Georgia law.
A Marietta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Fights for Your Rights
After a pedestrian accident, the legal process can seem overwhelming. Insurance companies are focused on their bottom line, not your well-being. A skilled Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer from Ross Moore Law will protect your rights and guide you through the claims process so you don’t have to face it alone.
Building a Strong Case
One of the most important roles of your attorney is to gather evidence and build a solid case. At Ross Moore Law, we start by securing traffic camera footage (if available), speaking to witnesses, and obtaining the police report. We also collect medical records and work with experts when needed to document the extent of your injuries. The stronger the evidence, the more power we have to negotiate a fair settlement or win your case in court.
Negotiating a Settlement
Most pedestrian accident cases are resolved through settlements with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, insurance adjusters often try to offer low settlements that don’t fully cover your losses. Our legal team understands insurance adjusters’ tactics and will negotiate for the maximum compensation.
Representing You in a Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court. At Ross Moore Law, we have the experience and skill to represent you in front of a judge or jury. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean you’ll automatically go to trial. It shows the insurance company you’re serious and may lead to a better settlement offer.
What Compensation Can Pedestrian Accident Victims Claim?
If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Marietta, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. The amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, how the accident happened, and the impact it’s had on your life. A Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer from Ross Moore Law will carefully evaluate your case and fight for maximum compensation.
Medical Expenses
Injured pedestrians can seek compensation for current and future medical expenses. This may include:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment (crutches, braces, etc.)
Lost Wages and Lost Future Income
You can recover compensation for lost wages due to missed work. You can also claim damages for loss of future income if your injuries affect your long-term employment. We work with financial experts to calculate the impact on your earning ability.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages are just as important, even though they don’t come with receipts. Commonly called “pain and suffering,” these damages account for the impact the accident has had on your life. They may include:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
At Ross Moore Law, we understand how to explain and prove these damages to insurance companies and juries, helping them see the full impact the accident has had on you.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These are awarded in situations where the driver’s actions were especially reckless, such as drunk driving, racing, or fleeing the scene of the accident.
Georgia caps punitive damages at $250,000 in most personal injury cases. However, this limit doesn’t apply to DUI accidents.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is an unimaginable tragedy. A wrongful death lawsuit allows families to hold the responsible driver accountable. Compensation in a wrongful death case can cover funeral expenses, loss of income, medical bills before death, and the loss of companionship and support.
Our attorneys are here to support families during this difficult time.
Georgia Pedestrian Laws and Fault for Accidents
Georgia has pedestrian safety laws designed to protect people walking on or near roads. One of the most important rules is that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. If a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk or even approaching it closely from the curb, drivers should stop and let them pass safely.
However, pedestrians also have responsibilities under Georgia law. For example, pedestrians should not suddenly step off the curb into the path of a moving vehicle, especially if the car is so close that the driver wouldn’t have time to stop. Pedestrians are also required to use crosswalks where available and obey traffic signals, just like drivers do.
In pedestrian accident claims, who had the right of way can play a big role in determining fault. If the pedestrian followed the rules and the driver failed to yield, the driver is likely at fault. But if the pedestrian didn’t follow traffic laws, they could be found partially responsible.
Even so, under Georgia’s comparative negligence law, injured pedestrians may still recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault. A Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer from Ross Moore Law can help gather the facts and apply the law to your unique situation.
FAQs for Injured Pedestrians
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Marietta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
You don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees when hiring a Marietta pedestrian accident attorney at Ross Moore Law. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Georgia?
In most cases, you have two years from a pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation. Some situations can affect the time limit, such as if the victim is under 18. It’s best to speak with a Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
What Damages Can You Seek in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
In a pedestrian accident lawsuit, you may be able to recover several types of damages. Economic damages compensate you for financial losses. These can include medical expenses for hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy, as well as lost wages if your injuries kept you from working. If your ability to work in the future is affected, you can also seek compensation for loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages are harder to put a price on. You can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life.
If the driver was especially reckless, such as driving drunk, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish their behavior. A Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer can help calculate your total damages and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
You don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees when hiring a Marietta pedestrian accident attorney at Ross Moore Law. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover.
In most cases, you have two years from a pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation. Some situations can affect the time limit, such as if the victim is under 18. It’s best to speak with a Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
In a pedestrian accident lawsuit, you may be able to recover several types of damages. Economic damages compensate you for financial losses. These can include medical expenses for hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy, as well as lost wages if your injuries kept you from working. If your ability to work in the future is affected, you can also seek compensation for loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages are harder to put a price on. You can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life.
If the driver was especially reckless, such as driving drunk, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish their behavior. A Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer can help calculate your total damages and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact a Marietta Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Marietta, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Ross Moore Law, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or ongoing pain, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.
Evidence disappears quickly, and deadlines can pass before you know it. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation by calling 404-445-8122 or using our online form.
