Brunswick Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Protecting the Rights of Georgia Clients

At The Law Office of Brad S. McLelland, PC., I, Brad McLelland, am committed to helping individuals who have been injured in accidents caused by another entity’s negligence or carelessness. This commitment extends to pedestrians who have been injured in accidents caused by drivers and bicyclists. Though as pedestrians we have inherent right-of-way laws and should expect to feel safe while walking on the side of the road or crossing the street, unfortunately many drivers violate this right, whether they’re distracted, reckless, or under the influence. In fact, the top cause of pedestrian fatalities in Georgia in 2016 was a failure by drivers to yield to the right of way. If you or someone you love has been injured, I can use my skills and experience as a Brunswick pedestrian accident attorney to help you seek financial compensation. With more than 20 years of successful settlements under my belt, I can be trusted to handle your case with professionalism and care.

Contact me online or by phone at (912) 400-0039 for a free consultation to learn more about your case and how I can help. I offer consultations in both English and Spanish and can come to you if you’re unable to visit the office.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Though pedestrians walking or running in public can be struck by bicyclists, in most accidents, a vehicle of some kind is involved. More than 70,000 pedestrians are injured in auto accidents every year, and more than 4,000 pedestrians are killed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrians are also involved in 13% of all vehicle-related fatalities.

In pedestrian accidents, pedestrians nearly always suffer more serious injuries, as they lack outer protection to defend them from the weight, size, and force of cars, most of which weigh more than 3,000 pounds.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving: When drivers are texting or talking on the phone, eating, or doing anything else while driving, they’re being inattentive and may not notice a pedestrian who has darted into the street or is at a crosswalk. Distracted driving also reduces driver response times, and drivers may not be able to brake to avoid hitting a pedestrian until it’s too late.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving includes any kind of driving that violates traffic signals or is against the law, like speeding and making unlawful turns. One of the most common maneuvers drivers make before a pedestrian accident is a turn – whether a left or right turn – when pedestrians have the right of way.
• Impaired driving: Unfortunately, one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is drinking, whether by the driver or the pedestrian. Reports show that around 48% of pedestrian deaths involve alcohol. Alcohol impairs a person’s judgment and causes them to not be alert, which is why a driver or a pedestrian can easily put themselves and others in harm’s way.

Who Can Be Found Liable for Damages?

Determining liability for pedestrian accidents can be complicated, which is why it’s essential you hire a personal injury attorney to investigate your accident. It’s important to know that the driver isn’t always at fault in a pedestrian accident, as some accidents occur when pedestrians fail to use a crosswalk or walk in the street when they don’t have a “safe to walk” signal.

An attorney can help you prove the negligence of the at-fault driver and show that the negligence is what resulted directly in your damages, including not just pain and suffering, but medical bills like hospital and surgery expenses and lost wages or earning capacity.

One of the most common defense tactics in Georgia pedestrian accidents is comparative negligence. This means that if a driver can show that the pedestrian was partly responsible for the accident, they can be assigned a fault percentage. For example, if the pedestrian is found to be 20% at fault for the accident, they lose 20% of their awarded compensation. As a former defense lawyer, I know the various tactics and strategies that other side can use to evade liability or put some of the blame on the victim – I’m able to use this insider knowledge to anticipate and respond to these tactics so my clients don’t miss their opportunity to secure full and fair compensation.

When you call me for help, I can go to great lengths to inform you of the state laws surrounding your case and can ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner. Your recovery is of the utmost importance to me and my law firm.

Seek dedicated counsel from a Brunswick pedestrian accident attorney today and call me at (912) 400-0039 for a free consultation. I’ve helped countless Georgia clients recover successfully and reclaim their lives.