Rome Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians can become the victims of a vehicle accident while they are walking or jogging along the roadside, standing in a crosswalk, or while simply walking on a sidewalk. Since pedestrian accidents typically involve being hit by a vehicle, the resulting injuries are often serious, catastrophic, or deadly. Civil suits that involve accidents between pedestrians and vehicles are considered to be personal injury cases. For this type of claim, the injured party must prove the vehicle driver was negligent and liable for the accident in order to recover compensation for any pain, suffering, financial losses, medical treatments, or lost wages.
A Rome pedestrian accident lawyer could help you obtain witness statements and police reports, guide you through the legal process, and ensure all filing deadlines are met and all required documents are submitted. An experienced personal injury attorney should know what to file and when to file it, how to negotiate with insurance companies and other involved parties and how to handle your claim correctly.
Typical Pedestrian Accident Injuries
A vehicle colliding with someone walking on or near the street can result in catastrophic injuries for the pedestrian involved, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Blindness
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Temporary or permanent disability
The medical expenses that may arise from a pedestrian accident can be massive and financially devastating. However, a personal injury lawsuit handled by a knowledgeable Rome pedestrian accident lawyer could help ease the stress and lessen the burdens of filing a lawsuit to recover for losses.
Rules and Laws for Pedestrians
Georgia law puts the responsibility for avoiding an accident on both the pedestrian and driver of a vehicle. If there is a sidewalk, a pedestrian must run or walk on the sidewalk, and if a crosswalk is available, a pedestrian must cross the street within a crosswalk. Pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the road. Crossing a road where there is no marked crosswalk is legal as long as the pedestrian yields to traffic.
A pedestrian must obey the control device that signals when to stop or cross the street. If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle while crossing while the red “no crossing” sign was lit, that pedestrian would most likely be unable to hold the driver liable for an accident.
If there is no sidewalk, Rome pedestrian accident lawyers would recommend that pedestrians run or walk on the shoulder of the roadway as far away from the road edge as possible. On a two-lane road, a pedestrian should run or facing oncoming traffic.
Rules and Laws for Drivers
As a rule, all cars must stop if pedestrians are using a crosswalk. Georgia drivers must use care to avoid hitting a pedestrian on the road and must warn pedestrians of their proximity by sounding the car horn when necessary.
Speaking to a Rome Pedestrian Accident Attorney
A knowledgeable Rome pedestrian accident lawyer could assist you in proving liability, filing the right documents, gathering needed information, and taking the frustration out of the legal process. Processing a personal injury claim can be a daunting task, so if you are pedestrian that has been injured, you may benefit from the seasoned advice of professional legal counsel. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.
