What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot, in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or along a roadway is struck by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other moving object. Because pedestrians have no physical protection in a crash, these accidents often result in serious or even life-threatening injuries.
In Kennesaw, GA, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common on busy roads, at intersections, and near shopping centers, schools, and neighborhoods. If you or a loved one has been injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation with the help of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney at Van Sant Law.
Georgia Pedestrian Laws
Understanding Georgia’s pedestrian laws is crucial when determining who is at fault in an accident. Some of the most important rules include:
- Right-of-Way in Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
- Obeying Traffic Control Signals: Pedestrians must follow “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals at intersections.
- Crossing Outside Crosswalks: Pedestrians crossing outside of a designated crosswalk must yield to vehicles unless the driver is violating traffic laws.
- Walking on Roadways: When sidewalks are not available, pedestrians must walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic.
If a driver ignores these laws and strikes a pedestrian, they may be found liable for negligence. However, even pedestrians can be held partially responsible if they fail to follow traffic signals or laws. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Kennesaw often happen because of driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or adjusting GPS while driving.
- Speeding: Drivers going too fast have less time to react to pedestrians crossing the street.
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring crosswalks or stop signs.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug use severely impairs judgment and reaction times.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents often happen at night or in poorly lit areas.
- Left-Hand Turns: Many drivers fail to check for pedestrians while turning at intersections.
Pedestrians may also be injured due to hazardous property conditions, such as broken sidewalks, construction zones, or poorly maintained parking lots.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be held responsible, including:
- The Driver: The most common liable party when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian.
- Employers: If the driver was working at the time of the crash (e.g., delivery or commercial drivers), their employer may share liability.
- Government Entities: In cases involving dangerous road designs, lack of signage, or poorly maintained crosswalks.
- Property Owners: If the accident occurred on private property due to unsafe conditions.
Our Kennesaw pedestrian accident attorney from Van Sant Law can investigate your case, gather evidence, and identify all potentially responsible parties to maximize your compensation.
Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrian accident victims often suffer devastating injuries that require long-term medical care. If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity for the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: For injuries that affect mobility, independence, or quality of life.
At Van Sant Law, we fight aggressively to ensure injured pedestrians in Kennesaw receive the maximum compensation available under Georgia law.
Contact a Kennesaw Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Kennesaw, GA, don’t face the insurance companies alone. At Van Sant Law, we are dedicated to protecting injured pedestrians and their families. We provide compassionate guidance, aggressive representation, and a proven track record of results.
