Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Norcross, Gwinnett County
Drivers all too often fail to see and stop for crossing pedestrians. Even if the pedestrian has the right of way, a distracted or negligent driver might not stop in time. As an injured pedestrian, you or a loved one may have the right to financial compensation. With help from a Gwinnett County pedestrian accident attorney at Dermer Appel Ruder, you can protect yourself and safeguard your future.
Walking is an essential part of daily life for many people, whether for exercise, commuting, or leisure. Unfortunately, pedestrians are vulnerable to accidents involving motor vehicles, bicycles, or other hazards. Injuries from pedestrian accidents can range from minor bruises to severe head trauma or even death. You may be entitled to compensation for damages and possible losses if you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident. We investigate and gather all the facts – from canvassing the scene of the accident to securing the investigating officers’ body worn camera.
At Dermer Appel Ruder, LLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of pedestrian accidents. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Norcross can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Dermer Appel Ruder, LLC?
- Our personal injury lawyers have a combined 80 years of litigation experience, including experience working directly with insurance companies.
- Takes our clients’ needs into consideration through every step of the process, including taking a case to trial if it is necessary to secure maximum compensation.
- We do not charge any fees unless we secure full compensation on your behalf.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Injuries
Distracted driving takes thousands of lives each year. Many of these victims are people walking or jogging around neighborhoods.
Distracted drivers are highly likely to cause pedestrian accidents, especially in busy metro areas with high volumes of pedestrians. Texting and driving, chatting with passengers, eating fast food behind the wheel, drowsy driving, and drunk driving are all common reasons pedestrian fatalities and accidents happen. If every driver gave their full attention to the reasonable care of others, accidents like these wouldn’t happen.
At Dermer Appel Ruder, our Norcross, Gwinnett County pedestrian accident lawyers have also handled cases in which poorly designed crosswalks are to blame. Pedestrian injuries and fatalities can occur if a crosswalk signal in Peachtree Corners isn’t working properly or if the design of the intersection is inherently dangerous for vulnerable road users. In these cases, the city might be legally responsible for damages. It is the city’s duty to keep public spaces, sidewalks, streets, and intersections reasonably safe for users. Failure to do so could mean a personal injury lawsuit against the government.
Pedestrian accidents can happen in various ways and circumstances. Here are some of the causes of pedestrian accidents in Georgia
- Distracted driving: When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted, they may not notice pedestrians or stop in time to avoid a collision. Distracted driving has been identified as one of Georgia’s major causes of pedestrian accidents.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for the road conditions may not have enough time to react to pedestrians crossing the street. When they come across a pedestrian, they will likely have an accident and cause injuries.
- Failure to yield: Failing to give way to oncoming traffic is a major cause of road accidents. Such drivers might not see or hear the presence of people on crosswalks. It is vital to be careful not to cause harm.
- Intoxication: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are impaired and may not be able to avoid hitting pedestrians. Besides, intoxicated drivers often go at high speeds and have little control over the car. They often end up knocking down pedestrians.
- Poor road design: Roads that lack adequate pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, or lighting can increase the risk of accidents. If you have sustained injuries in an accident caused under these circumstances, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Norcross will help you seek compensation.
Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
Liability can change according to the unique circumstances surrounding your specific accident. It may be the driver who struck you, the manufacturer responsible for the driver’s bad brakes, the city that failed to repair a broken crosswalk signal, or a combination of parties. A personal injury attorney from our law firm can investigate your pedestrian accident to help you determine liability. Eyewitness interviews and police reports can help us name the appropriate defendant(s).
If you were partially at fault (e.g., for stepping out when there was a “No Walk” signal), don’t give up hope. Talk to our Norcross, Gwinnett County pedestrian accident attorneys about your case. Georgia is a comparative negligence state, meaning the courts could still award you compensation even if you were somewhat responsible for your injuries. Trust us to identify the defendant and take immediate action toward obtaining recovery regardless of who caused your injuries. Pedestrian accident victims deserve justice.
In a pedestrian accident, liability depends on who was at fault for the accident. The at-fault party may be the vehicle’s driver, the pedestrian, or a combination of both. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that your percentage of fault will reduce the damages you can recover.
At Dermer Appel Ruder, LLC, we can investigate the circumstances of your accident and determine who is liable for your injuries. We have what it takes to collect evidence and help you build a strong case. Our Norcross pedestrian accident attorneys are always ready to help you seek justice!
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Georgia
Personal injury cases involving pedestrians are unfortunately rather frequent in the state of Georgia. In 2016, 232 pedestrians died throughout the state. This was a major increase from 194 fatalities in 2015, making it the highest number in the last 10 years. Gwinnett County alone reported 13 pedestrian deaths the same year. Hundreds of other pedestrians suffered serious injuries in vehicle collisions. Broken bones, lacerations, bruises, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other catastrophic injuries are all common in pedestrian accidents. In the case of a wrongful death, the family members of the deceased are permitted to file a lawsuit.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Norcross, Gwinnett County
You can’t control the actions of negligent drivers, but you can take charge of what you do to prevent pedestrian accidents. If you wish to walk around Gwinnett County, take a few precautionary steps to minimize your odds of a serious injury:
- Wear brightly colored clothing.
- Stick to sidewalks and crosswalks.
- Stay predictable to drivers.
- Cross only when traffic signals permit you to do so.
- Watch for turning drivers.
- Never assume drivers will see you or stop.
- Look both ways before crossing, even if you have a Walk signal.
- Use a flashlight if walking at night.
- Don’t text and walk.
- Don’t walk while intoxicated.
- Don’t listen to music while walking or jogging.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents in Norcross, Gwinnett County
Sustaining injuries in a pedestrian accident can be devastating for your health and overall well-being. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to different types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and other medical treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost income: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages and future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries, such as disability, disfigurement, anxiety, and depression.
- Property damage: If your personal property, such as your clothing or electronic devices, was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, you may be entitled to punitive damages meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
At Dermer Appel Ruder, LLC, we will work tirelessly to maximize your compensation and ensure you receive the care and support you need to recover from your injuries. We have an experienced and dedicated team of Norcross pedestrian accident lawyers ready to help you.
Our Attorney Also Represent the Following Practice Areas:-
- Bicycle Accident
- Boat Accident
- Burn Injury
- Car Accident
- Construction Accident
- Dog Bite
- Foodborne Illness
- Bone Fracture
- Motorcycle Accident
- Neck Injury
- Negligent Security
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
- Pedestrian Accident
- Pharmaceutical Injury
- Catastrophic Injury
- Slip & Fall Accident
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
Let Our Norcross Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need an experienced and compassionate Norcross pedestrian accident lawyer. At Dermer Appel Ruder, LLC, we have a track record of successfully handling pedestrian accident cases and helping our clients get the compensation they deserve.
If an accident does happen, call today at (404) 892-8884 for a free legal consultation. Our law office can help you fight for fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and other damages. A Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer from our law firm has plenty of trial experience and knows how to get the most for your case. We won’t let an insurance company leave you with a low settlement offer. Serving all of Atlanta and surrounding areas. Call or email us today to get started on your pedestrian accident case.
And remember, stay safe while walking along the side of the road. Whether you are in Norcross or other parts of Georgia, the law requires that pedestrians walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, Georgia law requires that you walk on the left side of the road toward oncoming vehicle traffic and yield the traffic right. Make sure you can see approaching vehicles. If you are following these rules and are injured, you should contact an attorney.
Serving Atlanta and all surrounding areas including but not limited to Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Duluth, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners & Roswell.
