Ringgold Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If a pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle on a sidewalk, in a city crosswalk, or simply while walking through a parking lot, they may face a serious risk of injury. At times, drivers are inattentive to the presence of pedestrians and fail to sufficiently look in the direction their car is traveling, thus causing a preventable collision.
Before filing a claim, you may want to speak with a Ringgold pedestrian accident lawyer who could help you with your claim. They can work with you to determine your options and your best course of action. Speak with a capable personal injury attorney today and know that you are in good hands.
Factors That May Contribute to Negligent Driving
What some may call preventable accidents can occur from a variety of factors including:
- Failing to pay attention
- Failing to observe the speed limit
- Driving under the influence
- Violating traffic laws
- Neglecting to stop at intersections
- Disobeying stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians
Collisions between cars and pedestrians can have serious, and potentially lethal, consequences. Identifying each source of insurance that may apply can be an important step in the legal process which makes seeking legal counsel from a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer in Ringgold a vital part of the process.
How Driver Negligence Can Affect Pedestrian Accidents
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents regularly occur because of negligence. Failing to remain vigilant while driving can often lead to irrational decisions and a lack of awareness. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many pedestrian fatalities occurred at non-intersections as opposed to intersections. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91, the driver of a vehicle must stop to allow a pedestrian to safely proceed through a crosswalk. This legislation is widespread and drivers typically are aware of the regulation. However, this does not exclude the possibility of an accident in a crosswalk.
Determining the cause of a collision can play a key role in determining who was responsible. In many cases, drivers are the cause of pedestrian accidents because they disobey safety laws or act carelessly. In other cases, motorists make a mistake and behave in a way that no other prudent driver would act. This negligence can lead to liability for losses caused by a collision.
When a plaintiff is seeking damages for a pedestrian accident, modified comparative fault may be applied. An injured person could recover compensation from a party who is demonstrated to hold more fault, but the percentage of damages available may be reduced. It is important to note that someone who is injured may not be able to recover damages if his or her share of fault for the accident meets or exceeds 50 percent of fault.
The Filing Deadline in Ringgold
A statute of limitations is a state law that sets a time limit on how long a plaintiff can file a lawsuit in civil court. In Georgia, an injury claim must typically be filed by anyone who was hurt in an accident within two years. The time limit starts on the date of the accident.
If the statute of limitations deadline has passed, but the plaintiff decides to pursue a lawsuit in court anyways, the defendant may point out the passage of the deadline in a motion to dismiss, and the court may grant the dismissal. To avoid missing important deadlines, consult a Ringgold pedestrian accident lawyer.
Reaching Out to a Ringgold Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Insurance companies for automobiles have extensive experience in evaluating personal injury claims from pedestrian accidents. This may lead them to aggressively offer the lowest settlement possible.
For a person that has suffered debilitating injuries, this compensation may not cover all the damages. However, an injury claim spearheaded by a resourceful and knowledgeable Ringgold pedestrian accident lawyer may increase a person’s chance in receiving a fair valued settlement. To learn more, call today.
