Smyrna Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Smyrna, GA

If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle while walking in Smyrna, GA, you need a trusted legal advocate. At Ross Moore Law, our experienced team is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. A Smyrna pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, and having the right support makes all the difference. Contact a dedicated pedestrian accident attorney in Smyrna today to protect your future.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Smyrna, Georgia

Smyrna, Georgia, is a thriving community where pedestrians enjoy vibrant downtown streets, beautiful parks, and residential neighborhoods. However, with the increasing number of vehicles on the road and more people walking to get around, pedestrian accidents have become a serious concern. At Ross Moore Law, we understand how devastating these accidents can be and are here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

Several common causes lead to pedestrian accidents in Smyrna. Understanding these causes can help you stay aware and take extra caution while walking near roadways:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or adjust their navigation system can easily fail to see pedestrians, leading to dangerous collisions.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it more difficult to stop for pedestrians crossing the road.
• Failure to yield: Many drivers do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, as required by Georgia law, which can cause serious injuries.
• Poor visibility: Weather conditions like rain or fog, as well as poorly lit streets at night, can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
• Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, which can lead to tragic accidents.
• Left-hand turns: Drivers making left-hand turns at intersections may focus on oncoming traffic instead of looking out for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Backing up without checking: Drivers in parking lots or driveways may not see pedestrians behind them when backing up.

Understanding these common causes can help you stay alert and take preventive measures, but if you are injured in a pedestrian accident, Ross Moore Law is here to fight for your rights.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Smyrna, GA

If you are struck by a vehicle in Smyrna, the aftermath can be overwhelming. It’s natural to feel shaken, but taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.

Call 911 and Report the Accident to the Police

Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement. A police report will document key details about the accident, such as who was involved, what happened, and witness statements. This report is an important piece of evidence when building your pedestrian accident claim.

Gather Evidence at the Scene If You Can

If you’re physically able, gather evidence at the scene. Take photos of the accident location, your injuries, the vehicle that struck you, and any visible road hazards. These images can help show exactly how the accident occurred. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information so your lawyer can reach out later for statements.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Pedestrians often suffer severe injuries in collisions. You should seek medical care immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and internal injuries might not be immediately obvious. Seeing a doctor protects your health and legal rights. Medical records will be crucial for your pedestrian injury case.

Do Not Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Company

After a pedestrian accident in Smyrna, GA, don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company without a lawyer. Their goal is to protect their interests, not yours. They might try to get you to say something that could hurt your claim or offer a quick settlement that’s far less than what you deserve. To protect your rights, let an experienced Smyrna pedestrian accident lawyer handle all communication with the insurance company.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Law Firm

Contact a Smyrna personal injury lawyer at Ross Moore Law. Our team understands the challenges you face after a pedestrian accident and can handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.

How a Smyrna Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a pedestrian accident, you may feel unsure about your rights and the next steps to take. At Ross Moore Law, we are dedicated to guiding you through the process, every step of the way. Here’s how a Smyrna pedestrian accident attorney can help you.

Building a Strong Case

A Smyrna pedestrian accident attorney can build a strong case on your behalf. This involves thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering police reports, witness statements, photos, and medical records, and working with experts to reconstruct the scene if needed. We leave no stone unturned in making sure the facts of your accident are clear and compelling.

Settlement Negotiation

We handle negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters often try to offer quick settlements that don’t cover the full extent of your injuries and losses. Our experienced Smyrna pedestrian accident lawyers know how to counter these tactics and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. We will deal directly with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.

Lawsuit Representation

Third, if necessary, we are prepared to represent you in a lawsuit. While many pedestrian accident cases are resolved through negotiation, some require going to court to achieve a fair result. Ross Moore Law is experienced in litigation and ready to advocate fiercely for you in front of a judge and jury if needed.

What Compensation Can Injured Pedestrians Recover?

Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with life-altering injuries and emotional trauma. You have the right to seek justice for your losses. Our Smyrna pedestrian accident lawyers will carefully assess your case to determine the full range of damages available. We’ll fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Medical Expenses

One key area of compensation is for your medical expenses. Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, all of which require extensive medical care. Our law firm will fight to recover the cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need.

Lost Wages

Another important aspect is lost wages. Many pedestrians injured in an accident are unable to work for weeks, months, or even longer. If your injuries prevent you from earning an income, you have the right to recover compensation for your lost wages. In some cases, if you are unable to return to your previous job or your earning capacity has been permanently reduced, you can also demand damages for your loss of future earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages address the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. Pedestrian accidents can be traumatic, leaving victims with lasting anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These non-economic damages can be significant.

Punitive Damages

In certain cases, you may also be eligible to seek punitive damages. Georgia law allows for punitive damages when the driver’s actions were especially reckless or intentional, such as in drunk driving cases. Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver and send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in our community.

Georgia Pedestrian Laws

Pedestrian laws in Georgia require drivers to exercise caution, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections, and obey traffic signals. Pedestrians must also follow the rules and should not step into traffic suddenly.

When Pedestrians Have the Right of Way

Pedestrians in Georgia have the right of way at both marked and unmarked crosswalks, as well as at intersections. State law requires that drivers stop and remain stopped for pedestrians who are crossing within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the same half of the roadway as the vehicle or is approaching and within one lane of that half of the roadway.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians using sidewalks or crossing at driveway entrances. If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross, other drivers are not allowed to pass that stopped vehicle, as doing so can endanger someone you may not see.

When Pedestrians Do Not Have the Right of Way

Pedestrians do not always have the right of way. When crossing outside of marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks at intersections, pedestrians must yield to vehicles unless they have already safely entered the roadway. People walking should not cross diagonally at intersections unless specifically permitted.

Additionally, pedestrians are prohibited from suddenly leaving a curb or safe place and entering the path of a vehicle that is too close for the driver to yield safely.

Drivers’ Responsibility to Avoid Injuring Pedestrians

Drivers in Georgia have a fundamental legal duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians, especially in areas where people are likely to walk, such as crosswalks, intersections, and near schools or parks.

This means slowing down and being prepared to stop when approaching crosswalks, looking for pedestrians before turning or backing up, and never blocking crosswalks while waiting to turn. The law requires drivers to remain alert and attentive.

Frequently Asked Questions