Why Choose The Millar Law Firm?
The Jonesboro and Clayton County areas can be a great place to live. But, if you or a family member has been hit by a car while walking alongside or while crossing a road, you need attorneys with experience!
Pedestrian accidents usually involve serious injuries and can seem clear-cut. However, at-fault drivers, and sometimes even the police, often blame pedestrians for “darting” into traffic or walking too close to the side of the road. While this is sometimes true, often a pedestrian is too badly injured to give his or her side of the story. This is where a fast investigation by an experienced local law firm can help you.
Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents
In and around Clayton County, and Jonesboro, Georgia, busy roadways such as Tara Boulevard, Mt. Zion Road, Highway 85 in Riverdale, Highway 138 and Old National Highway are areas where many pedestrian-car accidents and collisions happen. Many of these highways are poorly marked, have heavy traffic and are filled with drivers distracted by their cell phones and other electronic devices.
Other locations in South Atlanta where pedestrian accidents are common are residential neighborhoods because children are at-play, or people are working in their yards. The Millar Law Firm has handled cases in and near the City of Jonesboro where inattentive drivers were travelling too fast in and near houses, apartments and parks and have hit children playing ball, riding on bicycles or skateboards.
How The Millar Law Firm Investigates Pedestrian Cases
Because we have been in the local area for over 29 years, our law firm is able to investigate pedestrian accidents immediately. First, our attorneys will review the incident report and contact any witnesses. Our staff and investigators can quickly visit the scene, find out what the police report and witnesses say happened; and compare this information to the physical evidence and evaluate factors such as the visibility of the accident scene and debris left behind after the crash. Many law firms located further away can take days or weeks to begin their investigation.
Liability (also known as Fault) in a Pedestrian Accident
When a pedestrian is injured in an accident with a car or truck, it can be difficult to determine who was at fault. They might have had the right-of way as they crossed paths within intersections but not outside of crosswalks where drivers must take extra care when visibility isn’t perfect due to darkness and rainstorms for example – factors that come into play during liability assessments depending on circumstances surrounding each particular case.
Local Laws for Jonesboro, Georgia
The City of Jonesboro has several laws (local ordinances) enacted to improve pedestrian safety; these ordinances add to Georgia’s state laws relating to drivers and pedestrians.
Prohibited Signs. Sec. 86-487. The City of Jonesboro prohibits signs that obstruct the sight of motorists or pedestrians that create safety hazards. Signs must meet GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation) safety and sight standards.
Pedestrian Travel in off-street parking lots. Sec. 86-412. Jonesboro requires that off-street parking lots that contain more than 20 spaces have raised sidewalks at least six-feet wide, with handicapped accessible approaches.
Construction and maintenance requirements. Sec. 86-493. The City prohibits any signs that are constructed in a way that hinders pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or that block entrances and exits to sidewalks, buildings, windows or fire escapes.
Special Events. Sec. 86-494. Jonesboro requires that any person or company holding a special event must put signs at least 10 feet out of the public right of way, and otherwise place signs in a way that does not block the view of drivers or pedestrians.
Time Limits and Statute of Limitations
A person injured in a pedestrian accident has two years in which to file a lawsuit relating to that claim. If a pedestrian is killed, there is a two year period after death in which to file a wrongful death claim, and claims of the estate may, in some cases, be filed up to two years after an estate administrator is appointed – up to five years. Minors have up to two years past their 18th birthday to file a case.
Other rules may apply that lengthen, or shorten, the statute of limitations, so it is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible when a pedestrian is hurt or killed.
Experience and Focus: The Personal Injury Cases Handled by Our Jonesboro Attorneys
Need Legal Advice About a Jonesboro, Clayton County or South Atlanta accident?
If you have questions about a pedestrian accident, The Millar Law Firm will speak with you and evaluate your potential claim at no charge. Call today and you will speak with an attorney today. 770-400-0000. Or, you may fill in our contact form or chat with our office.
