Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Gainesville, GA

Pedestrian accidents can result in catastrophic injuries because pedestrians have very little protection when they are struck by a motor vehicle. An experienced Gainesville pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to explain the legal options that are available to an injured pedestrian after an accident.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At Pleasant Law, PLLC, we advocate on behalf of injured people throughout Georgia. When considering injury claims, attorney Thomas Pleasant reviews police accident reports, medical records, and other available evidence.

Pleasant Law, PLLC, handles serious accident cases involving significant harm and serious, long-term effects on a person’s health and normal activities. We work with accident victims in Gainesville and all of Hall County who wish to learn more about their legal rights after a pedestrian accident.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Gainesville

Frequently, Gainesville pedestrian accidents occur when drivers are inattentive to people walking near roadways. Collisions happen at intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, and busy corridors where pedestrians and vehicles are using the same space.

A distracted driver, a driver who is speeding, or a driver making a quick turn might fail to see a pedestrian entering the roadway.

Georgia law mandates drivers to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91. However, pedestrian crashes still happen across the state. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports 310 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in Georgia in 2023. In high-traffic areas of Gainesville, the risk of a pedestrian crash may increase when drivers fail to exercise caution.

Evidence That May Be Used After a Pedestrian Accident

Evidence such as a police report or photographs may be obtained in an investigation of a pedestrian accident. A police report may show how the accident occurred and may contain information about the scene of the accident, statements by the driver and witnesses, and the officer’s observations.

Photos of the road, crosswalk, traffic signals, and damage to the vehicle may provide more information about how the accident occurred. Video surveillance from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have footage of the accident. Additionally, medical records may be obtained to show the treatment required to help a person recover from injuries suffered in the accident.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Often Occur in Gainesville

Pedestrian accidents in Gainesville are likely to occur at places where vehicles and pedestrians frequently come in contact. Thoroughfares like Jesse Jewell Parkway, Browns Bridge Road, and Dawsonville Highway have consistent traffic flow through Gainesville and may increase the likelihood of a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle. Foot traffic around the downtown Gainesville square, local parks, schools, and shopping areas is also consistent.

Drivers may enter an intersection or back out of a parking lot and not see someone crossing in the street. Poor lighting, visual obstructions from parked cars, and high traffic volume also present more of a risk when a driver fails to be vigilant for pedestrians.

FAQs

Can a Pedestrian Still Have a Claim if They Were Not in a Crosswalk?

A pedestrian might have a claim even if he or she was not hit in a marked crosswalk. In some situations, investigators may examine whether both the driver and the pedestrian contributed to the circumstances of the accident. Investigators consider the speeds of the vehicles, sightlines, traffic signals, and whether the driver was distracted.

Crash scene evidence and witness statements may help demonstrate that a driver should have acted differently under the circumstances.

Who May Be Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining who is at fault for a pedestrian accident may depend on the circumstances that led to the crash and how each person was behaving. If a driver caused a crash by failing to yield, being distracted, or running a stoplight, they may be liable for any injuries. Pedestrians are also expected to abide by traffic signals and crosswalk regulations while navigating streets. Accident reports, witness testimony, and traffic camera video may be examined to determine fault.

How Dangerous Are Pedestrian Accidents in the United States?

Pedestrian accidents can result in serious or fatal injuries as pedestrians have little protection when hit by a car or truck. In the United States, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This statistic highlights the ongoing safety concerns for pedestrians on roadways across the country. Injuries in a pedestrian accident may necessitate significant medical treatment and prolonged recovery time, depending on the specific details of the collision.

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?

Pedestrians do not always have the right of way in all situations. Traffic controls and signals, crosswalk markings, and road conditions may determine when a pedestrian can cross a street. Drivers should typically expect to yield the right of way and be on the lookout for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Pedestrians should follow traffic signals and cross at a designated crossing when one is available to avoid a collision.

Do Pedestrian Accident Cases Usually Involve Insurance Claims?

Pedestrian accidents often start with an insurance claim. Your car insurance may cover the injuries your vehicle causes to a pedestrian in an accident. This may happen through a claim process where an insurance adjuster reviews the accident report, medical records, and evidence about the circumstances of the crash. Coverage and policy limits can differ. These factors may play a role in what happens with a pedestrian injury claim after a crash.

Contact a Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents often cause injuries that can change a person’s life by threatening their health, mobility, and ability to do everyday tasks. A pedestrian who has been struck by a vehicle can have concerns about medical treatment, time off work, and many other questions, including what legal options may be available. In some cases, it may help to have an understanding of Georgia law as it applies to pedestrian accidents.

At Pleasant Law, PLLC, our personal injury lawyer team represent individuals in Gainesville and throughout Hall County who have questions about their rights following a pedestrian accident. Speaking with an attorney may help injured pedestrians better understand the legal issues that may arise after a serious collision. Schedule a consultation to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer today.