Rossville, Georgia And Chattanooga, Tennessee Pedestrian Accident Lawyers 

While many cities in the United States have made changes to be more pedestrian-friendly, this change hasn’t reached most cities near the Georgia-Tennessee border. To be a pedestrian here is still a big risk, as existing infrastructure was meant to accommodate cars and drivers. Sadly, pedestrian accidents are an all too common occurrence.

If you were seriously hurt in a pedestrian accident in Rossville, Chattanooga or the surrounding cities, contact our attorneys at Harriss and Hartman Law Firm, P.C., to learn how they can help. With more than a combined century of legal experience, our pedestrian accident lawyers have a strong track record of success advocating for those injured by the negligence of others.

Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So Common?

Often, pedestrian accidents are the result of driver errors or negligence. Here are some frequent causes and scenarios:

• Distracted driving: When drivers aren’t paying full attention to the road – perhaps texting or using a phone – they may not see pedestrians crossing the street.
• Inadequate infrastructure: In many cities, pedestrians are forced to walk on the side of the road because either there are no sidewalks or the ones that are there aren’t big enough to accommodate all foot traffic. Pedestrians may also have to cross at intersections with missing crosswalks, broken crossing signals or poorly timed lights.
• Speeding: Drivers going over the speed limit may not have enough time to stop for someone walking across the road.
• Failure to yield: Some drivers fail to stop at crosswalks or ignore traffic signals, leading to dangerous situations for pedestrians.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can severely impair a driver’s ability to react to pedestrians.
• Failure to keep a lookout: Many drivers fail to scan the road ahead when making a turn or preparing to pull into or out of traffic. Accidents are also common in parking lots, where drivers don’t check for pedestrians before backing up or turning around a row of cars.

Both Georgia and Tennessee are considered fault states when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. That means that the costs of the accident must be paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. When they take your case, our attorneys will conduct a prompt, thorough and independent investigation into the cause of your accident and build a case against the negligent driver who struck you.

What Rights Do Pedestrians Have In Georgia And Tennessee?

As a pedestrian, you have the right to safety on the roads of Georgia and Tennessee, which includes the right to use crosswalks, sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure without fear of harm. You also have the right to expect that drivers will obey traffic laws and exercise reasonable care to avoid causing accidents and severe injuries.

Pedestrians also have the right to seek compensation for injuries or damages incurred because of a driver’s negligence or recklessness. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact that pedestrian accident injuries can have on victims and their families. They will safeguard your rights and fight for fair compensation.

What Should You Do Immediately Following A Pedestrian Accident?

After a pedestrian accident, injured parties should take the following immediate steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you do not feel hurt, some injuries might not be apparent.
• Contact law enforcement: File a police report to document the incident.
• Collect evidence: Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to vehicles or property.
• Exchange information: Get the contact details of the driver, witnesses and other involved parties.
• Consult with pedestrian accident attorneys: It is crucial to work with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights and the best steps to take for pursuing legal action.

These steps will help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, whether pursuing a wrongful death claim or a personal injury claim.

Do You Still Have A Pedestrian Accident Claim If You Were Partially At Fault?

In Georgia and Tennessee, pursuing a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident is possible, even if you were partially at fault. These states follow comparative fault rules, but the degree of responsibility varies slightly between them.

• Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can recover damages if you are not more than 49% at fault. You may lose your right to compensation if your fault exceeds that percentage.
• Tennessee operates under a similar modified comparative fault rule, but your fault percentage cannot exceed 50%. If you are found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident, you may be unable to recover damages. However, if you are less than 50% at fault, the fair settlement will be reduced proportionately.

In both cases, working with a pedestrian accident attorney is essential.

How Long Does A Pedestrian Accident Case Take?

The duration of a pedestrian accident case depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the legal process and the willingness of the parties to settle. On average:

• Negotiations and settlement: If both parties can reach a fair settlement, the case might be resolved in a few months.
• Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached and the case goes to court, it could take anywhere from 12 to 24 months or longer, depending on the court’s schedule and case complexity.

It is important to hire personal injury lawyers early. Our lawyers can help expedite the legal process while efficiently representing your interests.

Seeking Full And Fair Compensation

For obvious reasons, pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death. If you were fortunate enough to survive being struck by a car, then you may be suffering from broken bones, road rash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and soft-tissue damage. These can be debilitating, making it impossible to work or care for yourself.

As our attorneys build your pedestrian accident claim, they will help you calculate and pursue appropriate compensation for all costs related to the accident, including medical bills (present and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and permanent disability. They will fight to ensure that you have the resources you need to return to as normal a life as is possible.

What Compensation Can You Receive In A Pedestrian Accident Claim?

When pursuing a pedestrian accident claim, you may be eligible to pursue several types of compensation. These are as follows:

• Economic damages refer to the tangible, financial losses that you have incurred, such as medical costs and lost income.
• Noneconomic damages compensate for the intangible, emotional and psychological impacts of the accident. These can include pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive or exemplary damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for their reckless or negligent behavior.

Our attorneys will work to ensure that you seek maximum compensation for your injuries by considering the full range of damages you have suffered. They will also help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim so that you can focus on rebuilding your life after a pedestrian accident.

Reach Out Today For A Free Consultation

From our office in Rossville, Georgia, Harriss and Hartman Law Firm, P.C., serves clients throughout the surrounding areas, including Chattanooga, Tennessee. If you’d like to learn more about your legal options following a serious pedestrian accident, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation. Just call 706-406-1649 or submit an online contact form.