What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident and How Sarah Flack Law Can Help
Atlanta’s busy streets can be dangerous for pedestrians. With heavy traffic and distracted drivers, accidents happen more often than they should. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the injuries can be serious, leading to high medical costs, lost wages, and long recovery periods.
Sarah Flack Law helps injured pedestrians recover compensation for their losses. If a driver was careless, they should be held responsible. Pedestrians have rights, and legal action can help victims get the financial support they need to move forward.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident, safety should be the first priority. If possible, move to a safe location, but do not leave the scene. Call 911 right away so police and medical professionals can respond. A police report can be valuable evidence when filing a claim.
Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries take time to appear, and a medical report will document the harm caused by the accident.
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, street conditions, and visible injuries. Witness statements can also be useful, so collect contact information from anyone who saw what happened.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Many pedestrian accidents happen because of driver negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers who text, eat, or adjust their GPS may not see a pedestrian until it is too late.
- Speeding and Failure to Yield – Some drivers ignore speed limits or fail to stop at crosswalks, which increases the risk of collisions.
- Poor Visibility – Accidents are more likely at night or in bad weather when drivers have trouble seeing pedestrians.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and poor judgment.
In some cases, dangerous road conditions contribute to an accident. Poor lighting, missing crosswalk signs, or broken sidewalks can put pedestrians at risk. If a city or property owner failed to fix these hazards, they could share responsibility for the accident.
What Georgia Law Says About Pedestrian Rights
Georgia law gives pedestrians important protections, especially at crosswalks. Drivers must stop for pedestrians crossing the street in marked or unmarked crosswalks. If a driver fails to yield and causes an accident, they can be held responsible for the victim’s injuries.
However, pedestrians also have rules to follow. Jaywalking, or crossing outside a designated crosswalk, can affect liability in an accident. If a pedestrian crosses in the middle of the street without a signal or steps into traffic without giving a driver enough time to stop, they may share some responsibility.
Even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still recover compensation. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means an injured pedestrian can recover damages as long as they were less than 50% responsible for the accident. If the court determines they were partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.
Understanding pedestrian rights is important when filing a claim. Sarah Flack Law helps injured pedestrians prove their case and fight for fair compensation, even when liability is disputed.
How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help in the Aftermath
Pedestrian accident cases can be complex, especially when insurance companies try to reduce payouts. A pedestrian accident attorney can handle the legal process and fight for fair compensation.
Sarah Flack Law conducts detailed investigations to determine who is responsible. This may involve reviewing police reports, gathering video evidence, and speaking with witnesses. When liability is disputed, accident reconstruction experts may be consulted.
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than a case is worth. Sarah Flack handles all communication with insurers, which prevents them from using statements against the victim. If an insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, the case can be taken to court.
What Compensation Can Pedestrian Accident Victims Recover?
Pedestrian accident victims may face long recovery times, high medical costs, and financial stress. Compensation can help cover the following:
- Medical Expenses – This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages – If injuries prevent a victim from working, they may be entitled to lost income.
- Pain and Suffering – Serious injuries can cause physical pain and emotional trauma. Compensation may cover anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.
- Disability and Long-Term Care – Some accidents result in permanent disabilities, requiring long-term medical care and assistance.
- Wrongful Death – If a pedestrian does not survive the accident, their family may file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs and lost financial support.
Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the severity of injuries and their impact on the victim’s life. Sarah Flack Law fights to recover full and fair compensation for injured pedestrians.
Why Sarah Flack Law is the Top Choice
Choosing the right attorney makes a difference in the outcome of a case. Sarah Flack brings extensive experience to personal injury claims and has successfully represented many accident victims in Atlanta.
As a former prosecutor, Sarah Flack has a strong understanding of Georgia’s legal system and knows how to build strong cases against negligent drivers. She has also won a case before the Georgia Supreme Court, demonstrating her ability to handle complex legal matters.
Unlike larger firms where clients are passed to case managers, Sarah Flack provides direct, hands-on representation. Clients receive personalized legal strategies designed to achieve the best possible results.
Take Action Today – Call Sarah Flack Law for a Free Consultation
Legal deadlines apply to pedestrian accident claims, so it is important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear over time, and waiting too long could affect the outcome of a case.
Sarah Flack Law offers consultations to discuss legal options and determine the best course of action. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Sarah Flack Law today to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
