According to a report from CBS 46, a pedestrian was killed in an accident in Atlanta. The crash, which occurred in the far southwest corner of the city, is still under an active investigation by the Atlanta Police Department. The driver remained at the scene of the crash and was cooperative with law enforcement. Our deepest condolences are with the victim and her family.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents remain a serious safety problem in Atlanta, Georgia, and throughout the United States. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that 6,205 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle collisions in 2019 alone. Here, our Atlanta car accident lawyers explain the most important things to know about pedestrian accident claims in Georgia.
Georgia Law: Drivers Must Watch Out for the Safety of Pedestrians
Motorists have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. Among other things, this obligation includes a duty to look out for the health and well-being of pedestrians who are in or near the road. Under Georgia law (Georgia Code § 40-6-93), drivers must do the following three things:
- Exercise a duty of care to avoid striking a pedestrian on or near roadways;
- Give warnings via the car’s horn when appropriate and necessary; and
- Take additional precautions to protect children and anyone obviously incapacitated or otherwise vulnerable.
Georgia is an At-Fault, Comparative Negligence State
In Georgia, traffic accident claims, including pedestrian collisions, are fault-based legal cases. The party deemed responsible for causing the accident through negligence is liable for the damages. As Georgia uses comparative fault rules for pedestrian collisions, two or more parties may be found liable for the same crash. Injured pedestrians need to protect themselves from an unjust finding of fault. Being unfairly blamed for your own pedestrian crash could take money out of your settlement.
Injured Pedestrians Deserve Full Financial Compensation
Were you involved in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta? If so, you need money to pay your bills and provide for your loved ones. Georgia allows injured pedestrians to recover for economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver. Sadly, insurance companies often make the claims process hard on injured victims. At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers are strong advocates for justice. We help injured pedestrians and their families maximize their financial recovery. You may be eligible to get compensation for:
- Emergency room care;
- Other hospital/medical bills;
- Physical therapy and related services;
- Loss of current and future wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Permanent disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a close relative.
Call Our Atlanta, GA Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Guidance
At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Atlanta car accident lawyers have the professional expertise to represent pedestrians. If you or your loved one was harmed in a pedestrian crash, we will protect your rights and help you secure full financial compensation. Give us a call now at (404) 529-3476 or connect with us online for a free review of your case. We represent injured pedestrians in Atlanta and throughout the wider region in North Georgia.