Olumuyiwa Makinwa
Osman MejiaPedestrian accidents are becoming increasingly common in Georgia, with nearly a third of all fatal accidents in Gwinnett County involving pedestrians. Drunk and distracted drivers are often responsible for these collisions. If you have been injured as a pedestrian, you should contact a Snellville pedestrian accident lawyer at Griffin Law Firm for reliable legal assistance.
Pedestrian collisions on busy Georgia roads can be deadly. The chances of a pedestrian surviving an impact with a vehicle traveling at 45 mph are slim. Our Snellville pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injury victims rebuild their lives. In cases of fatal pedestrian accidents, our Snellville wrongful death attorneys assist families in obtaining the compensation their loved ones would have wanted them to receive.
Insurance Companies Often Blame the Victim
Unfortunately, insurance company lawyers frequently try to blame the pedestrian for the collision.
As experienced Snellville pedestrian accident lawyers, we have encountered five common arguments from insurance lawyers:
- The pedestrian didn’t have the “WALK” signal.
- The pedestrian suddenly “darted out” into traffic.
- The pedestrian was wearing dark clothing or wasn’t easily visible.
- The pedestrian was distracted or intoxicated.
- The pedestrian wasn’t walking in the designated area.
These victim-blaming tactics can be effective when a pedestrian accident lawyer lacks the necessary knowledge and experience. At Griffin Law Firm, our team has what it takes to gather evidence and police reports that prevent insurance companies from using these arguments against you in court and during settlement negotiations.
The Importance of Surveillance Video in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Cameras are everywhere. For pedestrians hit by vehicles, video evidence can make or break a case.
Our Snellville pedestrian accident lawyers go above and beyond to obtain video footage from gas stations, banks, and even local government sources to provide undisputed evidence of what happened.
Business owners may be hesitant to get involved in a lengthy lawsuit, but our experienced Snellville pedestrian accident attorneys can explain how they can provide video with minimal involvement.
As trusted members of the Gwinnett community, we have built a reputation that often allows us to convince cautious business owners to assist with cases.
Video evidence is also crucial for analyzing the speed of the vehicle before impact. Using experts and mathematical formulas, our team can calculate the vehicle’s speed at the time of impact. This evidence is invaluable in countering insurance company claims that an impact was “mild” or “minor.”
What Happens When the Pedestrian Is at Fault?
In Georgia, juries are asked to divide fault between parties when a driver collides with a pedestrian. According to Georgia Code § 51-12-33(e), a pedestrian who is more than 50% at fault cannot recover compensation. However, if the pedestrian is less than 50% at fault, their compensation is reduced proportionally to their share of responsibility for the accident, as stated in Georgia Code § 51-12-33(a).
Juries often sympathize with drivers when adult pedestrians are injured outside of crosswalks. Our skilled Snellville personal injury lawyers also know how to help jurors relate to the pedestrian’s perspective. We use our experience and judgment to advise pedestrian accident victims on accepting or rejecting settlement offers based on how a jury will likely allocate fault.
Griffin Law Firm’s Commitment to Helping Pedestrian Accident Victims in Snellville
At Griffin Law Firm, we focus on helping those who need our assistance the most. We represent victims whose pedestrian injuries resulted in hospitalization, multiple doctor visits, or disabilities.
Our goal is to send a clear message to drunk drivers, those who text while driving, and drivers who fail to slow down in areas where children are present. We represent pedestrian accident victims throughout Gwinnett County, including Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Duluth, and Sugar Hill. Our Snellville pedestrian accident lawyers are prepared to travel across Georgia to help injured pedestrians rebuild their lives.
Attorney Richard Griffin, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, brings his experience and dedication to every pedestrian accident case. His commitment to excellence is reflected in the Client Distinction Award he received from LexisNexis & Lawyers.com, which recognizes his outstanding service, responsiveness, and communication abilities.
Griffin Law Firm, P.C. has also been recognized as one of the Best of Gwinnett Injury Law Firms in 2021 and 2022, a testament to our firm’s commitment to providing exceptional legal representation to pedestrian accident victims in Snellville and throughout Gwinnett County.
Get in Touch with Us
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Snellville, don’t hesitate to reach out to Griffin Law Firm. Our experienced team, led by Attorney Richard Griffin, is ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards rebuilding your life after a pedestrian accident.
