Marietta Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian injuries from motor vehicles are unfortunately becoming a more frequent occurrence in this day and age when communities are moving back into urban settings. Whether it is being hit by a careless bus driver on a crosswalk or by a texting driver along the road shoulder or by a distracted motorcyclist in a parking lot, pedestrian accidents from motor vehicles can happen in all sorts of ways. When it does happen, these impacts often cause terrible injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain impacts, spinal fractures and wrongful death, all of which can wreak havoc in your life and often extract a very terrible toll on your loved ones.

According to the CDC, a fatal pedestrian accident occurs on average once every 1.5 hours. Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately quite common in Georgia, particularly in urban areas at nighttime. When one occurs, seeking representation from an experienced attorney who has your best interests at heart can be the key to recovering full compensation. If you have been injured as a pedestrian by a vehicle, the attorneys at Jackel & Phillips can help you to understand what you need to do next.

Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents

Drivers must exercise the utmost caution while driving around pedestrians. Staying alert, sober, using turn signals at all times, and never texting while driving are all responsibilities of the driver. Here are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.

• Driver Negligence
• Distracted Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Speeding
• Driver Fatigue
• Ignoring Stop Signs and Crosswalks
• Running Red Lights

However, the driver is not always to blame for a pedestrian accident. For example, unmarked crosswalks and drunk pedestrians can also lead to accidents. Call Jackel & Phillips and we will help you sort these types of complex “fault” issues.

Where do pedestrian accidents usually occur?

Common places for pedestrian accidents to occur include sidewalks, parking lots, cross walks, and construction sites. Most occur at non-intersection areas in urban settings during the evening and nighttime. Children and the elderly are the most frequent victims, and alcohol is involved approximately 50 percent of the time.

What should I do if I am involved or witness a pedestrian accident?

1. Remain Calm and Get Out of “Harm’s Way”…

Once the shock of being involved in a pedestrian accident calms, if at all possible, your first priority is safety. That means getting yourself out of the street or the path of oncoming vehicles. If your injuries are not too severe, you will probably be full of anger to what just happened. Try to stay calm and not direct any rage towards the driver. It just won’t help. Breathe deeply and do your best to control your emotions (albeit that will be difficult). When police arrive on the scene, your calmness will be appreciated and certainly law enforcement will look upon you with greater sympathy (which is important because you want the police to be on your side).

2. Do Not Let the Driver/Witnesses Leave if at All Possible….

Even if you don’t feel any injuries at the moment, be aware that very serious injuries may come to light with the passage of just a couple of hours. Don’t make decisions while you are still in the state of shock from what just happened. Adrenaline may very well mask serious physical harm. In light of this fact, you should calmly ask the driver to please stay while you wait for the police to arrive. If there are witnesses, calmly ask them to stay, too.

3. Document the Scene…

Cell phones are a wonderful tool to document what just happened, so use them! While you should not make a “big production” about it, you (or those who are with you) should calmly take photos/videos of the scene and vehicle(s) involved if reasonably possible. Try to include a photo of the car’s license plate, or at least note its make and color. Keep in mind that if the driver does not have insurance, you may be covered by your own UM (Uninsured Motorist) policy, even though you weren’t driving, but you need proof of what happened.

4. Call the Police…

Law enforcement plays a very important role in documenting what happened and determining criminal citations (which is very important if the driver was violating traffic laws at the time of the accident). DO NOT be guilted into thinking that we should skip the police because its no “big deal” or that the driver should not get “in trouble”. If injuries come to light afterwards, and so often they do in these situations, then it’s simply TOO late to call the police after everyone has left. Call the Police and Wait for them to arrive!

How Jackel & Phillips Can Help

If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in Marietta or anywhere in Georgia, please contact us today for a free consultation. We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Our firm charges a reasonable percentage of the recovery if we win the case or obtain a settlement. If there is no recovery, you will not owe us attorney fees. If we represent you in a pedestrian accident case, we will also advance all court costs and other expenses necessary to pursue the case. If you have been injured as a pedestrian, whether it be by a vehicle or motorcycle in Georgia, we want to help you get the justice you deserve. At Jackel & Phillips, we have an impressive track record of recovery for both verdicts and settlements, because we are passionate about fighting for the victim. Naturally, we are ready to put our skill, dedication to the law and our experience to work for you. Please contact the firm of Jackel & Phillips today.