Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Kennesaw, GA

If you are a pedestrian accident victim, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Kennesaw, GA, understand your rights and want to help you. Over the last 20 years, the attorneys at Lonati Law Firm have won millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Call us today for a free consultation at 678-363-3500 to learn more.

Pedestrian Accidents Causing Severe Injuries and Wrongful Death

Sadly, pedestrian accidents occur every nine minutes on average. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 4,092 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the past year. That makes an average of eleven pedestrians killed by drivers daily!

Injuries can occur while walking near traffic on sidewalks, parking lots, shoulders, crosswalks, or intersections. Nighttime visibility may also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Additionally, pedestrians typically do not wear reflective clothing, so motorists who do not pay attention may strike lawfully walking pedestrians.

A Kennesaw pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights after a pedestrian accident. You may face several obstacles after a pedestrian accident, but getting compensation from the liable party shouldn't be one of them. Lonati Law Firm is dedicated to helping injured victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Gather Evidence for Your Pedestrian Accident Case

Following the accident, your Kennesaw attorney will work with you to gather evidence for defending your Georgia accident claim. Here are some examples of evidence you may need to collect:

• Police report
• Witness statements
• The driver's insurance info (can also be found on the police report)
• Photos of vehicle damage
• Pictures of bruises and injuries
• Medical bills and doctor's report
• Expense receipts related to the accident

How Does a Kennesaw Pedestrian Accident Attorney Build Your Case?

• Collects and reviews all the evidence to build a strong case
• Evaluates any liens asserted by doctors, insurance companies, welfare benefit plans, and employers on the client's case to ensure they are getting the entire amount they deserve
• Assesses any legal issues involved, such as contributory negligence and assumption of risk
• Notifies the insurance company of the claim
• Handles insurance communications and paperwork
• Negotiates with the insurance company on your behalf
• Helps you decide whether to file a lawsuit if you cannot reach a fair settlement
• Represents you in court if the case goes to trial

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Kennesaw, you may need the assistance of an attorney who knows:

• Expertise in Georgia traffic laws that are unique to the state
• Tricks used by insurance companies
• Negotiation expertise
• Gathering medical documentation and legal paperwork
• Developing a strong case backed by evidence to prove your injury claim

In addition to obtaining compensation for our clients, we are committed to ensuring their safety and health. We work closely with our clients and medical professionals to ensure they receive the best medical treatment, legal representation, and support. We offer free consultations to Kennesaw pedestrian accident victims. Feel free to contact Lonati Law Firm at 678-363-3500 if you have questions about your accident claim.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

As a driver, you are responsible for legally yielding to pedestrians crossing the street. Pedestrians have the right of way on roads except in limited circumstances. The number of pedestrians struck by distracted, drunk, or negligent drivers continues to rise, even when pedestrians cross at crosswalks, intersections, sidewalks, or shoulders.

The driver of a pedestrian accident is often at fault, but he is far less likely to sustain a severe injury. Usually, it is the pedestrian who suffers the most serious injuries. They often suffer from concussions, broken bones, internal bleeding, and can even die due to these injuries.

A variety of factors can cause pedestrian accidents. The following are some of the most common risks and how to address them safely:

Inebriated Driving

When driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reaction times can be delayed, and the driver may not be able to keep the correct lane at all times. 

Safety Tip: When crossing the street, always be aware of cars driving erratically and wait until they have passed you safely before crossing.

Poor Visibility

It is often difficult for drivers to see nearby sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, especially at night or when the weather is bad. Many drivers fail to exercise the appropriate level of caution around pedestrian areas and fail to see pedestrians until it's too late, despite the fact that they should slow down and remain vigilant.

Safety Tip: Wear reflective clothing at night to ensure you can be seen by drivers. Be cautious when stepping into the road on foggy days or when there are other weather conditions that may impair visibility.

Speeding & Reckless Driving

Vehicles take longer to slow down or stop when traveling at a high speed. 

Safety Tip: Look in both directions several times before stepping into the road to ensure there isn't a fast-moving vehicle coming. Also, use designated crosswalks when crossing the road.

Distracted Driving

Although Georgia has a hands-free driving law, which prohibits drivers from holding cell phones while driving, this law does not always prevent drivers from becoming distracted while driving. It only takes one second for a pedestrian to get hit if a driver isn't paying attention. 

Safety Tip: Always make eye contact with a driver before you assume they will see you as a pedestrian. If a vehicle does not seem to be slowing or yielding as appropriate, wait for it to pass.

Common Injuries We've Seen from Pedestrian Accidents in Kennesaw

Even low-speed collisions can cause serious injuries to pedestrians. Simply put, the human body has no protection against a vehicle, so any contact can injure vital organs. Fatalities can easily occur in pedestrian accidents.

Despite the fact that you may not appear to have any injuries after a pedestrian accident, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. It may take a while for some injuries to show symptoms, so you must see a doctor to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. 

Pedestrian accidents often result in the following injuries:

Back Injuries

There is no doubt that back injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating. Depending on the severity of your injury, a heavy-moving object can sever your spinal cord, leading to paralysis. Major injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and even lifelong support. Doctors may be able to prescribe an injection of steroids that can reduce inflammation and relieve pain for more minor injuries.

Neck Injuries

When pedestrians are injured in accidents, it is not uncommon to see injuries to the cervical spine discs, which may result in throbbing pain or numbness on the affected side.

Broken Bones

The impact of a vehicle slamming into a pedestrian or knocking them to the ground often results in broken bones.

Brain Injuries

After an initial impact, pedestrians may strike the windshield, the hood of the vehicle, or the pavement nearby, causing head and brain injuries. 

If your head has been impacted in any way, even if it was in a minor accident, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to use tests, such as brain scans or neuropsychological exams, to diagnose brain injuries.

Pedestrian Accidents: Protecting Your Rights

Getting into an accident when you are walking along your usual route or even walking from your car to a building can completely change the course of your life. You might be walking along your familiar path one moment and facing lifelong challenges the next.

The majority of pedestrians injured in accidents require medical attention, and many require emergency care as well. Unfortunately, in addition to ambulance costs, emergency rooms, hospitals, physical therapists, surgeons, specialists, home health care, and medical equipment, the victims often cannot work while the medical bills pile up after receiving this medical care.

Medical expenses are not the only loss pedestrian accident victims suffer. Depending on your unique case, compensation may be available for the following losses as well:

Lost Wages

Medical treatment or the inability to perform your job can cause you to miss work after an injury. Unpaid medical leave can result in weeks of lost income in many instances. Medical bills and other expenses from the accident can also compound these losses.

Lost Future Earnings

Your earnings may be affected if you are disabled or impaired by a pedestrian injury and cannot return to work. In addition, if you are forced to work at a lower-paying job for the rest of your life, your earning potential may be affected.

Future Medical Care

Getting medical treatment for serious injuries can take years. To avoid incurring losses after your personal injury case has been settled, have an expert estimate the cost of future treatment.

Permanent Disability

Every aspect of your life may become more challenging if you have a disability, from household chores to personal care to recreational activities.

Our Kennesaw pedestrian accident lawyers fight to make sure that you get the maximum compensation after a serious accident.

Pain and Suffering

Severe injuries can be excruciating, and constant pain can wear one down quickly. The pain and suffering can make it difficult to move or even participate in activities. In addition, as a result of pain and suffering, many people suffer from depression and other emotional issues. 

Mental Trauma

Trauma caused by being hit by a vehicle is often associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical treatment is not only needed for physical pain but also for emotional distress caused by the trauma.

Contact Our Kennesaw Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

Getting the best results for pedestrian accident victims requires a dedicated and effective team of attorneys. We work tirelessly on all cases to ensure our clients' best interests. For a free consultation with our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Kennesaw, contact us at 678-363-3500.