Atlanta is one of the busiest cities on the East Coast, and every year the city hosts tens of thousands of visitors. Drivers in the area contend with various hazards because of traffic congestion, and pedestrians are also at risk when nearby drivers are negligent. Pedestrian accidents near downtown Atlanta worksites can be damaging and difficult to resolve, and it’s important to know what to do if you are injured in one.
Understanding the Risks of Pedestrian Accidents Near Downtown Atlanta Worksites
It is inherently dangerous for any pedestrian to walk near motor vehicle traffic, and drivers are expected to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when necessary, while pedestrians are expected to heed crossing signals and use reasonable care when navigating intersections. However, worksites can alter the flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in some areas, sometimes leading to serious accidents.
A family is currently suing the City of Atlanta because of a fatal pedestrian accident last year that they claim resulted from the city’s failure to remove a faded crosswalk. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, bicyclists and pedestrians accounted for about 8% of all suspected serious injuries from vehicle accidents statewide in 2022. Worksites in downtown Atlanta add another layer of risk to some already precarious traffic patterns.
Whenever a motor vehicle driver hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian has a high chance of suffering catastrophic or fatal injuries. All vehicle crashes in Georgia, including those involving pedestrians, are resolved based on fault, so you must prove fault for a recent accident before you can claim compensation for any damages you suffered. It’s crucial to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer right away so they can help you claim compensation.
Recovering From a Pedestrian Accident at a Downtown Atlanta Worksite
Your attorney can help you determine fault for your accident, which is likely to fall primarily on the driver who hit you. However, a contractor or construction company could share liability if they somehow contributed to causing the accident. Your attorney can gather and preserve the evidence you need to prove liability and help you resolve any disputes you encounter.
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries. The victim may face expensive medical bills and be unable to work for an extended period. They may also contend with tremendous pain and suffering. When you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer, they can accurately calculate the full scope of the damages you suffered and determine the most efficient way for you to recover compensation.
You may have grounds to file a claim with an at-fault driver’s auto insurance carrier, or you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, a construction company, or against multiple liable parties. Experienced legal counsel will be a crucial asset for your case, and the team at Hall & Lampros, LLP is confident we can help you reach a favorable outcome. Reach out to our firm right away to learn how we can assist you.
FAQs
How Do You Prove Fault for a Pedestrian Accident at a Downtown Atlanta Worksite?
Proving fault for a pedestrian accident at a downtown Atlanta worksite may require evidence such as traffic camera footage, if available, witness statements from anyone who saw the accident happen firsthand, vehicle computer data, and footage from nearby businesses’ security cameras, if any captured footage of the accident. Hire a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so they can begin gathering evidence immediately.
What Happens if a Pedestrian Accident Is Fatal in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, if a pedestrian accident is fatal, the family of the victim may have grounds to file a wrongful death suit against whoever is responsible for the fatal accident. A wrongful death claim effectively replaces the personal injury case the victim could have filed if they had survived and seeks compensation for the surviving family’s losses. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you build a wrongful death case if you have lost a family member.
What Compensation Can I Claim for a Pedestrian Accident in Atlanta?
The compensation you could claim for a pedestrian accident in Atlanta includes any economic losses you suffered, such as your medical bills and any income you are unable to earn while you recover. Additionally, you have the right to claim compensation for your pain and suffering in a personal injury case. Your pedestrian accident attorney can determine the full scope of damages you can seek from the defendant who caused your accident.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way in Georgia?
Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way in Georgia. In 1995, the state legislature amended Georgia’s crosswalk law to clearly state that drivers must “stop and stay stopped” for pedestrians. It’s illegal for any driver to drive around a pedestrian or cut them off at a crosswalk. Pedestrians also have a duty of care to cross streets safely, and they cannot attempt to cross directly in the path of an oncoming vehicle when the driver has no time to stop.
Why Should I Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to have a better chance of proving fault for your recent accident and of recovering appropriate compensation for your damages. A skilled local attorney can help you prove fault for an accident, assessing whether the nearby worksite and those managing it bear any liability, and then determine the optimal way for you to recover your damages. Hire a pedestrian accident lawyer right away after your accident so they can build your case.
Any pedestrian accident in downtown Atlanta can have devastating effects and raise complex legal questions. If you or a family member is hurt in such an accident, you must hire a pedestrian accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can help you build your case. Hall & Lampros, LLP has decades of experience handling a wide range of accident cases in the Atlanta region. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help.
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