The Athens Pedestrian Accident Attorney

At The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Athens provides skilled legal representation to accident victims when they need it most. The prevalence of these incidents is alarming and can occur on sidewalks, driveways, crosswalks, and other areas where pedestrians are common. Unfortunately, these incidents happen all too often.

Call us today at (706) 760-9220 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today with our pedestrian accident lawyer in Athens.  

Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents

A staggering statistic released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated that 4,884 pedestrians were killed in accidents in 2014, equating to more than 12 people each day. Additionally, there were 65,000 pedestrian injuries reported in 2014, averaging one injury every eight minutes. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car accident on each trip.

These statistics underline the importance of taking immediate action following an accident. Documenting the scene, gathering witness information, and promptly seeking medical attention can critically impact the legal process. Awareness and education regarding pedestrian safety play a crucial role in reducing these numbers, both for pedestrians and drivers. Implementing better city planning and stringent traffic regulations can also significantly contribute to safer roads.

Effects of Speeding and Alcohol Consumption on Pedestrian Accidents

High vehicle speeds increase the likelihood of pedestrians being hit by cars, which also unfortunately increases the severity of injuries to victims. Children and the elderly are at the greatest risk for pedestrian accidents, which usually occur in urban areas at night. Drivers who do not obey the law and consume alcohol in excess contribute significantly to the number of pedestrian injuries. In fact, alcohol was reportedly involved in almost half of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2013.

Reducing speed limits in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and enforcing stricter penalties for driving under the influence can effectively decrease the frequency of these tragic incidents. Community awareness campaigns and installing speed bumps and additional traffic lights can also prove beneficial. Our firm is dedicated to advocating for safer streets by supporting legislation aimed at protecting pedestrians and securing funding for infrastructure improvements.

Cars, Cyclists & Pedestrians in Georgia

In Georgia alone, a shocking 204 pedestrians were killed in 2015, according to the Georgia Office of Highway Safety. Most of these occurred in the Atlanta metro area and other populous regions. Downtown Athens is a beautiful and pedestrian-friendly city, but the variety of people walking and biking, along with those driving cars, creates a danger for pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accident attorney Joshua W. Branch is familiar with these tragic cases and has the experience to get justice for victims and their families.

Unfortunately, hospital records indicate that only a fraction of pedestrian accidents involving injury are reported to the police. When one is a victim of these accidents, reporting to law enforcement and obtaining legal representation is crucial.

The interplay among cars, cyclists, and pedestrians requires careful navigation and mutual respect on the roads. Encouraging dialogue between community leaders, city planners, and citizens can result in comprehensive safety measures. Our firm actively participates in community forums addressing these concerns, aiming to foster safer environments for everyone.

How Athens Laws Impact Pedestrian Accident Cases

As a pedestrian accident victim in Athens, understanding local ordinances and state-specific traffic laws is crucial in pursuing legal action. Georgian law mandates that all vehicles must stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, and failure to do so places responsibility on the driver. This law aims to safeguard pedestrian rights and ensure they have a lawful space to travel. With frequent public fitting of banners and safety signs, the community reinforces the legal obligations of all drivers, further aiming to reduce accident rates.

Moreover, Athens enforces strict laws against distracted and impaired driving, which not only protect pedestrians but also ensure overall traffic safety. Our legal team is well-versed in these laws and uses them effectively in legal proceedings. Detailed knowledge of these regulations allows us to build robust strategies tailored to each client's unique situation, strengthening their position when addressing insurance companies or in courtroom trials.

Community & Law Firm’s Involvement in Safety Initiatives

At The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, we believe in being proactive members of the Athens community. We regularly engage with local organizations to promote road safety initiatives, aiming to reduce pedestrian accidents through public awareness programs. Our community ties ensure we remain updated on civic challenges and collaborate in formulating solutions that prioritize pedestrian safety.

Our firm participates in educational workshops that teach children and adults about the importance of road safety, advocating for respectful interaction between drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. We share our legal insights in these forums, emphasizing preventative measures alongside legal recourse. These initiatives are essential in forging stronger bonds within the community and demonstrating our commitment to fostering a safer Athens for all its residents.

Real-Life Cases of Real Clients

Imagine you are the following person:

“I know that I won’t have to keep doing this repo job, just two more months of working with my brother and I will have enough money saved to get back to college. Only three jobs on the schedule tonight, so it shouldn’t be too bad.

I get over to my second job, and everything is going according to plan. We are able to secure the vehicle, when unexpectedly, someone races out of the front door and tells us that we cannot take the car. I feel bad for the people that we repo, but I remind myself that they chose not to pay for their car, so it’s not theirs anymore. I am just bringing it back to its rightful owner. The person jumps in the car, and we try to discuss the situation when unexpectedly the car shoots backward, knocking me over and almost running over me. At the time, I was so in shock I didn’t know what to think, until I realized a shooting pain coming from my arm. It was broken. My head had cuts all over it, and the headaches started kicking in almost immediately. I was rushed to the hospital.

After I was released from the hospital, I was encouraged to seek legal representation due to the severity of my injuries and not wanting to take the few hundred dollars that the insurance company was offering me. I needed help.”

This brief synopsis is based on facts from an actual pedestrian accident case that our team resolved satisfactorily. The client was extremely satisfied after receiving a fair and just outcome. Aggressive litigation revealed that the defendant was intoxicated but somehow was able to evade the police with that very pertinent fact.

By sharing these experiences, we aim to educate both victims and the public about the realities of pedestrian accidents. Awareness of one's legal rights empowers individuals and communities to take action, promoting safety and justice. We encourage open discussions about pedestrian safety and regularly participate in local events to further this important cause.