Cumming Pedestrian Accident Lawyer 

Fighting For Pedestrian Accident Victims in Georgia

At The Matthews Law Firm, LLC, we represent clients in Forsyth County and others in Northern Georgia who have been unfortunately involved in pedestrian accidents. Our attorney, Anthony Matthews, is a renowned personal injury lawyer who has helped numerous people secure the compensation they deserve after sustaining injuries while walking in cities, throughout their neighborhoods, and in other locations. Find out how he and our office’s supporting staff can serve you by reaching out today. We would gladly set up a free consultation to discuss your case, the compensation available, and the next steps for working with our firm. 

For a pedestrian accident attorney in Cumming, call (470) 570-2531 or contact us online. 

What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

As the name implies, pedestrian accidents involve pedestrians and motor vehicles or other types of transportation. The results of these collisions are often severe. A car or truck striking someone crossing the road or walking on the sidewalk can lead to injuries that range from cuts, bruises, and broken bones to head trauma and spinal cord damage. Some accidents can even result in death. 

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Taking the right steps following a pedestrian accident protects your health and legal rights. Here are the recommended actions to take immediately after an accident:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure all injuries are documented and treated.
• Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police to report the incident. The official police report will be a critical piece of evidence in your case. Provide the officers with all necessary information and ensure that they document the incident accurately.
• Gather Evidence: If you are able, collect evidence at the scene. This includes taking photos of the accident location, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses and note any details about the vehicle involved, like license plate number, make, and model.
• Do Not Admit Fault: It is important to avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Make sure to stick to the facts when speaking to the police and others involved in the accident.

Common Pedestrian Accident Causes

How do pedestrian accidents happen? Negligence causes many. When drivers, bicyclists, and others fail to exercise care and caution, their actions can seriously affect innocent people. 

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving: When drivers are not paying attention to the road, they are more likely to hit pedestrians. This includes drivers texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, and engaging in other distracting behaviors while behind the wheel.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, which can cause them to collide with and injure pedestrians. 
• Speeding: When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to pedestrians and other hazards on the road. This can result in serious accidents and catastrophic injuries.
• Failure to yield: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. When drivers fail to do so, they can be held liable for the harm they cause.
• Failure to stop at red lights or stop signs: A driver who runs a red light or stop sign can easily injure a pedestrian.
• Poor road conditions: Inadequate road maintenance or bad design can lead to pedestrian accidents. In these cases, the government entity responsible for the road may be liable.

Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries often occur when a pedestrian's head hits the pavement or the vehicle. These injuries can vary from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are another serious outcome, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. These injuries demand extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, significantly impacting the victim's quality of life.
• Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are very frequent in pedestrian accidents, affecting legs, arms, ribs, and hips. Recovery can be lengthy and often requires surgeries, physical therapy, and significant time off work.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, like organ damage and internal bleeding, are dangerous because they are not immediately visible. Prompt medical attention is necessary to address these life-threatening conditions.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, like sprains and strains, are common. While they might seem less severe, they can cause significant pain and limit mobility.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can also lead to psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

The Damages You Can Recover

The damages you can recover by making a personal injury claim or filing a lawsuit will be specific to the circumstances of your case. They may include medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, therapies, and medication. They may also include lost wages, property damage, and the pain and suffering you experienced. To get a clear idea of the damages you could seek, consult our accident attorney.