Atlanta Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents account for a significant percentage of total injury-causing traffic incidents in Georgia and the United States at-large.  According to a recent study conducted by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) in Georgia, pedestrian traffic deaths comprised 13.5 percent of total traffic fatalities in the state, with 193 pedestrians killed in motor vehicle collisions in 2015 alone.  The OHS has recognized that the problem stems from a range of factors — both driver-related and policy-related — that include fundamental issues such as urban growth and development projects not adequately considering pedestrian traffic.

At Ponton Law, our Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney is a zealous and effective advocate for injured victims and their families. With extensive experience fighting on behalf of people—not big insurance companies—our legal team knows how to get results. If you or someone you care about was hurt in a pedestrian crash, professional support is available. Call our Atlanta law office today to set up a free consultation with a top-rated Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer.

Pedestrian Safety Remains a Serious Issue in Georgia 

Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable when it comes to motor vehicle collisions, as there is no material or safety mechanism through which the impact forces can be minimized.  A pedestrian victim must bear the full force of the collision, thus exposing them to serious risks of life-altering injury.  As such, drivers must be especially careful to ensure that they do not breach their duty of reasonable care when operating their vehicles on roadways with pedestrian traffic.

Pedestrian Accidents Often Lead to Severe or Catastrophic Injuries

Pedestrians are inherently exposed. With limited protection, pedestrians may suffer severe or even catastrophic injuries in a collision. We are qualified to handle all types of pedestrian accident cases. No matter the severity of your trauma, our Atlanta personal injury lawyer is ready to fight for your rights. The most common pedestrian accident injuries include: 

• Lacerations; 
• Scarring; 
• Sprains and strains; 
• Broken bones; 
• Torn ligaments; 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); 
• Amputations; and 
• Spinal cord damage. 

A Negligent Driver Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia 

Georgia is an at-fault motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. This standard applies to the full range of crashes—including pedestrian accidents. In a large portion of pedestrian accidents that occur in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, the blame primarily rests with the driver.  Common acts of driver-related negligence include, but are not necessarily limited, to:

• Distracted driving.
• Driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Excessive speeding around pedestrians.
• Failure to properly maintain vehicle (leading to mechanical failure).
• Failure to yield to pedestrian right-of-way.
• And more.

As an injured pedestrian, however, you may find that the driver is not exclusively at-fault for your injuries — other parties could also be held liable for contributing to your injuries.  This is beneficial from a strategic perspective, too, particularly in scenarios where the defendant-driver does not have adequate insurance coverage.  Bringing in other defendants will enable you to recover a portion of your damages for parties who are financially solvent and have sufficient insurance coverage.

Third Parties May Also Be Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia

Drivers are not the only party that can be held at fault for a pedestrian collision. Indeed, any party that bears fault for a pedestrian crash can be held legally responsible for the victim’s injuries.

Third-Party Negligence

In many pedestrian accident cases, a third-party may be held liable.  Potentially liable third-parties include, but are not necessarily limited, to the:

• Vehicle manufacturer.
• Owner/possessor of property on which the accident occurred.
• Individual or entity responsible for maintaining adjacent property that relates to safe roadway conditions (i.e., tree inspectors, lighting repairmen, etc.).
• Other pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers that create an unsafe roadway environment for pedestrians.
• Third-party liquor-seller who supplied the driver with alcohol.
• And more.

For example, if you are injured by a driver in a public crosswalk, you may be entitled to sue and recover damages from the City for failing to maintain the crosswalk in a reasonably safe condition for pedestrians — particularly if you can show that there were dangerous conditions of property, such as inadequate lighting or faulty signals.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Pedestrian Accident?

You have a limited amount of time to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for a pedestrian injury is two years from the date of the crash. You do not want to fall behind the insurance company in the claims process. Consult with a top Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after a serious crash. 

We Help Injured Pedestrians Maximize their Financial Compensation

If you or your loved one was hurt in a pedestrian crash, it is imperative that you get access to every dollar of financial compensation that you need to pay your bills and support the people in your life. Even when liability is clear, the big insurance companies will try to settle claims for the lowest amount of compensation possible. Our Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney goes above and beyond to help victims maximize their settlement or verdict. Recovery may be available for: 

• Emergency medical treatment; 
• Hospital bills; 
• Other health care costs; 
• Lost wages; 
• Loss of earning power; 
• Pain and suffering;
• Scarring or disfigurement; 
• Disability or impairment; and
• Wrongful death. 

How Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer James T. Ponton Can Help

Attorney James Ponton formerly worked as insurance defense counsel in personal injury litigation prior to switching sides in 2008.  For nearly a decade now, Attorney James Ponton has represented the injured in motor vehicle accidents and pedestrian accident litigation, helping plaintiffs to obtain the compensation that they deserve. 

We provide proactive, results-focused support. When you call our Atlanta office, you will have a chance to speak to an Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer who can: 

• Listen to your story, answer questions, and explain the personal injury claims process;
• Initiate a comprehensive investigation of your pedestrian collision; 
• Handle the legal paperwork and any correspondence from insurance adjusters; and
• Take whatever action is needed to get justice and the maximum possible compensation. 

With experience as both a plaintiff-side litigator and as defense counsel, he is well-equipped to effectively navigate the challenges that you are likely to encounter on the road to a favorable resolution.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Here at Ponton Law, our track record speaks for itself.  Attorney James Ponton has been selected four times by his legal peers as a Georgia Rising Star, and has helped clients obtain millions in compensation over the years.

Are you a pedestrian who was injured due to the fault of another?  Georgia law may entitle you to compensation for your injuries.  Call (404) 418-8501 to connect with an experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney today.  During your free initial consultation, we will assess your injury claims and help you determine whether and how to move forward with litigation. We represent injured pedestrians in Atlanta and throughout North Georgia, including in Fulton County, Cobb County, and DeKalb County.