Pedestrian accidents happen frequently, and they can be devastating. Unfortunately, Georgia has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. If you or a loved one experienced a crash, contact a Carrollton pedestrian accident lawyer at Moffitt Law, LLC.
Why Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
The aftermath of an accident is often unfamiliar. You have many responsibilities at once. Our lawyers can help you through the claims process from the beginning.
What Are the Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
According to the CDC, the biggest risk factors in pedestrian accidents are:
- Speed
- Vehicle size
- Location
- Alcohol
Other injury risk factors include the victim’s age, access to safe transportation and the built environment.
Road and commercial space design
Many pedestrian accidents happen on roads with speed limits of 45–55 miles per hour. This may relate to street and space design.
The Journal of Transport and Land Use studied the 60 roads with the most pedestrian deaths between 2001-2016.
All of them were multilane roads with adjacent retail and commercial space. Additionally, over 75% had 30 miles per hour speed limits or higher. You may benefit from working with a Carrollton pedestrian accident lawyer at Moffitt Law, LLC, after your accident if you have questions regarding road design.
Vehicle size
It stands to reason that the larger the vehicle, the more serious the pedestrian’s injuries. An SUV has more weight than a compact car. Additionally, research suggests that SUV drivers may have blind spots that car drivers do not.
Alcohol
Nearly half of the crashes resulting in a pedestrian death in 2021 involved alcohol. Almost 20% of the accidents involved a driver with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit, while 30% involved a pedestrian with a high BAC.
Other factors
Some ethnic groups have higher pedestrian injury rates. Researchers find that many ethnic groups have disparities in their built environment and access to safe transportation.
Older adults are statistically at higher risk for pedestrian injury. Many walk for health, but crossing signals might not accommodate a senior’s slower pace. Older people may be less likely to walk a long distance to a crosswalk. People are also more susceptible to injury at advanced ages.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
You can take steps after an accident to preserve your rights. If you require a Carrollton pedestrian accident lawyer at Moffitt Law, LLC, these steps can help with your claim.
Seek medical treatment
It’s wise to have a doctor check you, even if you don’t notice any immediate symptoms. The adrenaline rush of an accident can mask pain, while some problems may appear days or weeks later.
Follow the doctor’s treatment instructions. The benefits are twofold: First, you may improve your recovery time; second, it demonstrates responsibility in an accident claim.
Document the scene
Take photos and videos if you are able. Note information such as:
- Injuries
- Road and traffic conditions
- Witness contact information
- Insurance company communication
Obtain a copy of the police report if possible.
Exchange information with involved parties
Get the names, phone numbers and VINs of all drivers and pedestrians. The insurance company and your Carrollton pedestrian accident lawyer at Moffitt Law, LLC, can use this information.
How Many Years Do You Have To File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
You have two years to file a lawsuit in Georgia, which begins on the day of the accident. Two years may seem lengthy, but the process can take a while. Your Carrollton pedestrian accident lawyer at Moffitt Law, LLC, will need to investigate the crash, determine the extent of your losses and acquire evidence to support your case.
If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you have two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a lawsuit.
Filing a suit is separate from filing an insurance claim. Insurers require notification within a matter of weeks or days.
How Do You Prove a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
While it may seem obvious that you need compensation, it doesn’t happen automatically. You must prove the driver was negligent.
A Moffitt Law, LLC, Carrollton pedestrian accident lawyer proves negligence in four points:
- Duty of care: Drivers must act with reasonable caution toward pedestrians.
- Breached duty: The driver failed to meet that standard of care.
- Causation: You must prove the driver’s breach of duty caused your injuries and losses.
- Damages: These are court-ordered compensation for losses.
Proving negligence can seem daunting, but your pedestrian accident lawyer in Carrollton at Moffitt Law, LLC can help.
How Can Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Carrollton Help?
Preparing a legal case after your or a loved one’s accident is probably the last thing on your mind. You must focus on recovery and managing your losses. Fortunately, the personal injury team at Moffitt Law, LLC, can assist you with your claim.
We are a local firm committed to pursuing success and will advocate for you. Whether you need help with the insurance company or in the courtroom, we will use our knowledge of Georgia law to benefit your case.
Call Moffitt Law, LLC, Today
Trust Moffitt Law, LLC, when you need a Carrollton pedestrian accident lawyer. We provide a free consultation, so don’t hesitate — we can answer your questions and guide you through the claims process. Make the most of your time and call us today.