Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Roswell, GA
A top pedestrian accident lawyer that is based in the Roswell, Georgia area understands the devastating consequences of a pedestrian accident. With so many vehicles on the road, pedestrians and drivers often have to share many spaces together. As a result, the likelihood of an accident occurring is high. Pedestrians who are struck by reckless or inattentive drivers can rely on legal services provided by a top lawyer like one from Hernan Law Firm. Explore your legal options if you have been hurt in a recent accident today. In fact, one of the biggest reasons why pedestrian accidents happen, is because of cars being reckless on the road. An example of this is how cars are not yielding to pedestrians, when pedestrians are allowed to cross the street, via the walk sign, people at a store being careless in the parking lot, at the gas station, cars being in a hurry and late to work, and more. In other words, people are careless on the road, and there are many times where an accident is not the person’s fault, who was a victim of someone else’s actions. Car accidents can cause serious injuries to pedestrians as well, such as broken bones, to concussions, and even death, if the impact and point of impact are severe enough.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Roswell, GA
Hernan Law Firm provides legal services to clients for a multitude of practice areas, including auto and pedestrian accidents. For over twenty years, they have achieved millions in settlement amounts for their clients. If you have been injured in an accident and have experienced extensive losses, they can help you recover your deserved compensation. There is only limited time to file a claim and gather the evidence necessary to prepare a winning case outcome. To learn more about how they can help you, contact them by scheduling a confidential case evaluation.
Seeking Proper Medical Attention Is of Paramount Importance
Absolutely all legal aspects of your situation can wait until you’ve received any urgent medical attention that you may require. If you have yet to be physically assessed by a physician in the wake of your accident, please go get checked out immediately. If you do not perceive that you have been seriously injured, know that you may be in shock and/or may not be able to feel the extent of any internal injuries.
Additionally, you should know that you will likely not have any grounds upon which to sue the individual that struck you unless you have been injured by their actions. Therefore, documenting the full extent of your injuries as soon as possible will help our firm’s Roswell, GA pedestrian accident lawyer team build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Why Pedestrian Accident Victims Need to Seek Legal Guidance Quickly
The law only allows injury victims a certain window of time within which they may sue those who have harmed them. If you wait to explore your legal options, this window of time may close. If that happens, you will be unable to hold those responsible accountable for the harm you’ve suffered and you’ll lose your right to pursue otherwise rightful compensation.
If you have not already scheduled a risk-free consultation with a Roswell, GA pedestrian accident lawyer at Hernan Law Firm, please do so now. Allowing any more time to pass before you clarify your rights and options under the law may bar you from seeking rightful damages.
When Pedestrian Accidents Result in Loss of Life
If you have recently lost a loved one due to a pedestrian accident, please connect with the experienced Georgia legal team at Hernan Law Firm today to explore your options as a surviving loved one. It is entirely possible and understandable that pursuing legal action is the last thing on your mind, as all your energies are being taken up by your grief. Know that you need not feel “ready” to pursue legal action in order to explore your options. Scheduling a risk-free consultation with our Roswell, GA pedestrian accident lawyer will simply empower you to make informed decisions once you are ready to move forward—or not—with legal action.
There is no amount of compensation that can properly address the loss that you have suffered. However, pursuing any and all compensation to which you are owed will help to ensure that your family isn’t burdened by costs associated with your loss. Depending on the circumstances of the accident that led to your loved one’s fatal injuries, pursuing a wrongful death claim may also allow you to achieve a measure of justice and peace that you would not otherwise be able to access.
Again, you need not be ready to move forward with a lawsuit in order to benefit from a risk-free consultation. Schedule a session with the Hernan Law Firm today to learn more about your rights and options so that you can act on them within the timeframe allowed by law, if and when you are ready to do so. Moreover, what is also important about getting justice for a pedestrian accident, is that families will often not just be satisfied with getting compensation for the death of a loved one. However, there is a strong and rightful belief that the person who caused the pedestrian accident needs to understand the consequences of their actions as well. In other words, accountability is essential, where the person responsible for the death should not only face consequences like charges, but they should also understand that emotional trauma for the family is devastating to them as well.
Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios
There are a variety of pedestrian accident scenarios. They often occur due to negligence, with drivers speeding in areas where pedestrians are common or are not paying attention to their surroundings. Also, pedestrians who are struck by vehicles often suffer major injuries like broken bones and internal bleeding, depending on the speed at impact. However, even minor accidents can result in serious injuries that can take weeks to recover from. Moreover, what some people forget about pedestrian accidents, is that even if an injury does not appear to be severe, there can be long lasting effects of various injuries that can grow over time, if they are not assessed properly. An example of this, would be broken ribs that are so severe, that some restrict the lungs, and they grow worse over time. Then there are long term effects of pedestrian injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, which can go unseen and slowly cause neck injury that lasts for years, and more. These are some of the long term consequences that could happen, when it comes to pedestrian accidents.
Some of the scenarios that a pedestrian accident lawyer based in Roswell, GA may handle includes:
- Drunk driving. Drunk driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Every year over a hundred pedestrians are struck by drunk drivers.
- Bicycle accidents. Pedestrian accidents can also involve smaller vehicles. If you were hurt by a ride on a bicycle or motorcycle, you can take legal action against them.
- Hit and run. Pedestrians are frequently involved in hit and run accidents. A hit and run can happen if a driver fails to notice that they struck a pedestrian on the road or if they panic after knowingly hitting a pedestrian and flee the accident scene.
- Speeding. Drivers who drive excessively over the posted speed limit can lose control of their car or fail to brake on time, accidentally striking a pedestrian.
- Street racing. Street racing is an increasingly dangerous and common occurrence in many cities and suburbs. Drivers can strike a pedestrian if they lose control of their vehicle or attempt to do wild turns.
- Failure to stop. Busy intersections are one of the most common areas where pedestrian accidents occur. Drivers who are careless can strike a pedestrian if they fail to yield or see a traffic light or stop sign.
Why You Should Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Prove Fault
A reputable pedestrian accident lawyer in Roswell, GA can help you prove who was at fault in your accident. To sue for damages, you need to prove that the driver was at fault. This typically requires negligence on the driver’s behalf. Negligence requires that you prove the driver actually had a duty of care for others, that the driver did not exercise their duty of care and that this violation caused your injuries. You also must prove that your injuries caused you financial and other damage. A lawyer, such as those at the Hernan Law Firm, can help you prove these four elements.
Walk You Through the Case
Your pedestrian accident lawyer in Roswell, GA will walk you through all the steps in your case. Then, when the case is ongoing, these professionals will let you know where you are in the process. While you concern yourself with getting medical treatment or mourning a loved one, your attorney takes away your legal stress by carefully guiding you in what you need to do next because these cases are subject to statutes of limitation and some actions need to be taken right away.
In addition, your lawsuit and other document filings must occur within specific time periods. When you are injured, time passes quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on recovering the financial losses the accident caused you.
Advise You on Your Legal Rights
Your pedestrian accident lawyer in Roswell, GA should immediately advise you about your legal rights. During your consultation, a reputable lawyer will also review your case and tell you whether it is strong and likely to pay out damages. You will also learn about any additional documentation or evidence that you may need to prove your case. Then, your legal counsel will go over possible damages or awards you may be eligible for.
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
If you are in a pedestrian accident, you will likely be contacted by the driver’s insurance company. This company is a for-profit company whose job is to make money. These institutions may offer you a settlement if you give up your right to sue. This is not in your best interest.
A reputable law firm, e.g., Hernan Law Firm, will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Your pedestrian accident attorney in Roswell, GA will file a lawsuit and argue your case in court if the insurance company will not provide adequate compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, impairments and lost income.
4 FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents
A lawyer at Hernan Law Firm PC can help answer any questions regarding your rights should you be hit by a vehicle, but it may be helpful to have some knowledge in advance to help you decide what to do. Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers to consider.
1. What Should I Do If I’m Hit?
Being hit by a car can be an incredibly traumatic experience, and your priority should be to take care of yourself. Seek out medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries are not immediately apparent, it is important to check for problems that may not be visible on the surface. Not only does this help make sure you are safe and taken care of, but it also gives you proper documentation of any injuries that occurred as a result of the accident.
2. What If My Child or Loved One Is Hit?
If a child or an adult family member has been seriously injured or killed in an accident, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Roswell, GA may be able to help you file a claim on their behalf. Laws often provide special protections for children, who are recognized as not always acting in a predictable way around roads. Drivers have a responsibility to watch for children on the road, and this means that you may be entitled to compensation even if your child was not following pedestrian rules on the road.
3. How Soon Do I Need to Contact a Lawyer
Once your medical needs have been taken care of you should seek out a pedestrian accident lawyer in Roswell, GA quickly. While you technically have months or even years to bring a case against those who injured you or your loved one, the sooner you get started, the more likely you will be to receive compensation. This is because the evidence will still be fresh and it will be easier to prove what happened.
4. Can Pedestrians Be At Fault in an Accident?
While pedestrians are known to have the “right of way” on the road, there are some cases where a pedestrian may be considered at fault in an accident. These situations generally involve adults who act erratically or recklessly around roads, taking actions that a driver may not have been able to predict. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Roswell, GA can help you determine whether your case is likely to succeed in court or not. If you are uncertain about your situation, speaking to a professional at Hernan Law Firm PC can be a good idea.
5. What Are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Pedestrians often suffer a serious bodily injury during accidents with motor vehicles. Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles are protected by airbags, safety belts, and crash aversion technology. Pedestrians remain exposed to the total force of the impact during an accident involving a motor vehicle.
Pedestrians often sustain serious bodily injuries during accidents involving motor vehicles. A pedestrian may suffer fractured bones due to being run over by a vehicle’s tires. Also, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries are common during motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians.
Leg and knee injuries are also commonly suffered by pedestrians. These injuries may cause internal bleeding and torn ligaments. Lastly, nerve damage and severe lacerations may cause paralysis and even death in some pedestrians.
Accidents in which pedestrians are injured often leave the pedestrian seriously injured. Fatalities also occur due to motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians. The pedestrian is vulnerable to all the consequences of the impact and has no protection from steel and glass that may injure him or her.
6. How Is Evidence Gathered For A Pedestrian Accident Case?
A pedestrian accident lawyer can gather the evidence necessary to prove the facts of your case and establish the liability of the at-fault driver. An experienced personal injury attorney can conduct discovery, hold depositions, and request medical records and bills. These tools enable your attorney to gather the evidence he or she needs to build a case against the defendant.
Witness statements, surveillance videos, and photographs of the accident scene can also be used as evidence in your case. Most of these pieces of evidence can be subpoenaed by a personal injury attorney. Retaining a personal injury attorney who has handled personal injury cases before will enable you to prove liability and obtain the monetary compensation you deserve.
7. What Is The Potential Value Of My Case?
It is impossible to predict what a case will be worth at the outset. A skilled personal injury lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case and apply relevant laws to those facts. Some of the most important factors that contribute to the value of your case are your medical records and medical bills.
Medical records and medical bills establish the costs of your treatment that you needed to recover from your injuries. You can claim these costs as economic damages in your case and recover them from the liable party. Also, any future medical costs associated with your medical treatment are also recoverable as part of your pedestrian accident case.
If you missed time from work you can claim lost wages, lost future earnings, and lost earning capacity. If you missed out on a promotion or a raise due to your injuries you can factor this into the total damages amount of your pedestrian accident claim.
If you are seeking a pedestrian accident attorney in Roswell, Georgia contact us today to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case.
Don’t assume you’re at fault
If you’ve had a run-in with a car while you were on foot, don’t automatically assume you caused the accident. Issues of pedestrian rights of way are not always obvious and may even seem illogical to you.
The best way to handle the incident is to first contact a lawyer knowledgeable about pedestrian law like the Hernan Law Firm. It’s best not to contact your insurance company first or to talk with an insurance agent of the owner of the vehicle that hit you. After all, their job is to pay the least amount possible. You, on the other hand, deserve to be justly compensated for your injury.
This advice applies to Uber, Lyft, etc. vehicles and drivers as well as non-professional drivers.
Start with our no-cost consultation
We are pleased to offer you a no-cost consultation about your accident. This can be done by phone or Zoom. In the upper right hand corner of every web page here is a button that says ‘Schedule a free consultation.’ Click that button and you will be taken to our contact page where you will find an email form you can fill out and submit to us to get started. You’ll also find phone numbers you can call if you prefer at the top of every page.
During your no-cost consultation you’ll be talking with one of our team members. They will listen carefully to your story of how you got injured and they will answer your questions.
Our founder, Attorney Jamie Hernan, has spent over twenty years learning about getting the best compensation for clients who have suffered injury while being pedestrians and developing the strategies necessary to help protect your rights.
Why you want a local attorney
Laws governing pedestrian accidents vary state by state and even community by community in some cases. When you work with a local attorney like pedestrian accident lawyer Roswell, GA you are working with a lawyer who has invaluable local knowledge and experience. They understand how law enforcement approaches such incidents and how the courts tread accidents like yours because they work with these professionals every week. They are familiar with local customs and attitudes, both of which means you’ll be getting exactly the kind of help you not only need, but also deserve.
Make sure you work with someone who knows the ins and outs of your community as well as has a deep understanding of state law.
7 Tips for Staying Safe as a Pedestrian
Whether you take a walk every day or rarely, it is vital to know how to be a safe pedestrian. In 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration, over 6,200 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, and about 76,000 pedestrians were injured. These numbers are in the United States alone.
1. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Just as it is unsafe to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is unsafe to walk when under the influence; you need to have a sharp mind to remain as safe as possible.
2. Ensure That You Are Visible
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Roswell, GA, will advise you to do everything you can to increase your visibility. Making yourself as visible as possible will help ensure your safety as a pedestrian. Wear bright colors like neon orange during the day. At night, wear light colors and, better yet, clothing and shoes integrated with reflective material. It also helps to carry a flashlight or have a bright light attached to your person.
3. Learn and Obey All Traffic Laws
Automobile drivers must learn and obey all traffic laws, which is also valid for pedestrians. Pedestrians have their own rules to understand and follow to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. You can find all of the laws and many helpful tips online.
4. Walk On Sidewalks Whenever Possible
Walking even on the edge of a road can be dangerous. Drivers often concentrate on things other than watching for pedestrians, and it is easy not to notice you until it is too late. A Hernan Law Firm PC lawyer can assist you if you find yourself in an accident.
5. Look In All Directions for Vehicles
Most likely, you will have to cross a street or an intersection during a walk. Look in every direction for oncoming vehicles. You must also be aware of turning vehicles.
6. Only Cross at Designated Locations
Sometimes streets are not marked with designated crossing locations. Use them whenever available. However, if they are not, make sure you have a good view of oncoming vehicles and be mindful even as you are crossing.
7. Make Eye Contact With Drivers
Whenever possible, if you need to cross the street, even at a designated location, try to make eye contact with the stopped vehicle’s driver. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Roswell, GA, acknowledges that this practice can help ensure that the driver sees you, making your navigation much safer.
Why Exploring Your Legal Options Is Worth Your Time
Pedestrian accidents are often catastrophic. Even if your accident can be more accurately be described as “serious,” it is critically important to connect with a Roswell, GA pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm to clarify your rights as a pedestrian accident victim and to explore your options available under the law. Being struck while traveling on foot is never an inconsequential event. In addition to your physical injuries, you may experience emotional trauma for some time to come. Holding those responsible for causing you harm accountable can both bring you a measure of closure and better ensure that any financial consequences stemming from your accident do not impact your family’s budget.
Legal Assistance is Available
When you have a lawyer at your side to assist you with your claims, the process can be much easier to navigate. If an issue were to occur, they can help you find ways to resolve them or suggest an alternate plan. Consult with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer that Roswell, GA residents depend on for personalized legal assistance.
