Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to accidents. They are not protected by any vehicle, safety equipment, or other safeguard. If they are hit by a car, even one at low speed, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. One person’s negligent acts could leave a pedestrian in the hospital, dealing with substantial medical bills, and potentially even out of work, which only adds to financial and emotional difficulties.
If you were struck by a reckless or careless driver while you were walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street, let our dedicated injury attorneys help you fight for the compensation you deserve. An experienced Flowery Branch pedestrian accident lawyer could assess your case and help you understand your legal options for holding the at-fault party accountable.
Georgia Statutes § 40-6-90 outlines pedestrian rights and responsibilities under state law. A pedestrian is anyone traveling on foot, whether jogging, walking, standing, or running. Those who use motorized scooters or wheelchairs as assistance devices are usually considered pedestrians as well.
Laws that specifically protect pedestrians require that motorists:
While pedestrians have many special rights and protections, they also have certain responsibilities. Pedestrians are obligated to obey all traffic signals and signs, just like motor vehicles. This is especially true of crosswalks but applies to many other areas of the law as well.
These rights and responsibilities laid out under state law are intended to protect pedestrians from harm. Unfortunately, some collisions are inevitable, and a pedestrian could face serious harm when this happens. Anyone who was injured by a motorist in Flowery Branch should get in touch with a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as they are able to learn about their options for restitution.
Pedestrians are not entitled to the right of way in every situation. Motorists are required to exercise due caution around all pedestrians—even if they are where they should not be—but ultimately, the right of way may belong to the driver. For example, if a pedestrian suddenly steps off of a curb into the roadway, this may violate the driver’s right of way.
However, it is more common for a driver to be at fault and violate a pedestrian’s right of way. Drivers can be distracted or disregard a pedestrian’s right of way for any number of reasons. This can result in considerable harm to the pedestrian. A seasoned Flowery Branch pedestrian accident attorney could help an individual understand who had the right of way in their collision and whether they could be entitled to compensation.
The injuries a pedestrian may face are quite severe. Their body is not protected in any way and will receive the full force of any impact. The resulting injuries can be long-lasting, permanent, or even fatal.
Common injuries in a pedestrian accident might include:
These types of injuries can be incredibly costly to treat, and recovery can be lengthy. They can even rob a person of their ability to live a normal life ever again. A compassionate local attorney could help a pedestrian accident victim seek restitution for these losses through a civil claim.
You deserve to know what compensation is available in your pedestrian accident case. Whether a person failed to yield to you in a crosswalk or crashed onto a sidewalk, you could be owed for your injuries.
Let an experienced Flowery Branch pedestrian accident lawyer take the lead in pursuing the payments you need to make things right. Set up a free consultation at Smith Hulsey to get started.
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