Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve ever walked around the Marietta Square, you often feel like prey. Although crosswalks and sidewalks are available, they don’t prevent careless drivers from careening through or over them without checking for pedestrians or worse, just blatantly taking the right of way.
Equally as terrifying is riding a bike on any of our local roads. Georgia provides wonderful trails like the Silver Comet, but they may not necessarily serve the purpose for work transportation. With our traffic issues, pedaling in close proximity with many distracted or aggressive drivers is a frightening reminder that bikers are at their mercy.
Little protection is afforded to pedestrians and cyclists, so if you have been injured by another person’s negligent behavior, then you need Attorney Dean Phillips to navigate the legal process of your claim.
Georgia Law for Pedestrians
Most drivers are aware that they are required to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk and probably know that they shouldn’t pass cars already stopped for pedestrians. Motorists’ obligations also include exercising caution to avoid hitting anyone on or around the road and to be wary of children or any pedestrian obviously confused or intoxicated. Of course, walkers and joggers must also obey laws expected of them such as using sidewalks where provided. Common sense should prevail, but if a driver assumes the right of way when he or she didn’t have it, then they should be held responsible.
Georgia Law for Cyclists
Georgia requires cyclists to obey much of the same traffic laws as other drivers with some exceptions. Bikers may, and in some case be required to, ride on a path adjacent to the road; however, cyclists may not be allowed on sidewalks as determined by your local city and county regulations.
Drivers also have laws dictating their behavior. They should provide a three-foot barrier between their vehicles and your bike when overtaking you. Motorists should refrain from taunting, intimidating or threatening cyclists. Aside from being a misdemeanor, menacing behavior can result in a collision.
Compensation
Remember, the law is based on reason, so simply letting common sense dictate your actions whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist should make accidents avoidable. When common sense fails, you need Attorney Dean Phillips on your side to ensure that you’re compensated for the reckless actions of a careless driver.
Compensation is known as damages in the realm of legal terms. Sometimes, damages are awarded to the victim by settling the case between the victim and wrongdoer or, more likely, his or her respective insurance company. Juries or judges also provide damages to the victim if the case goes to trial. In either situation, this compensation can be awarded for:
Quantifiable, Economic Damage (Special Damages)
- Medical Bills
- Vehicle Repair
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
- Funeral Costs
Non-Economic Damage (General Damages)
- Lasting Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Chronic Physical Pain
- Emotional Suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of Domestic/Household Services
Punitive Damage (Rare)
- Determined by Judge or Jury
- Intended to Punish Wrongdoer in Extreme Circumstances
- Maximum Award is $250,000.00 Depending on Situation
What Attorney Dean Phillips Can Do for You
If another party caused your injury, then you need a personal injury lawyer who can ensure that the wrongdoer is accountable for your loss. Attorney Dean Phillips is an experienced negotiator and willing fighter for you so that you can obtain damages to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, or funeral expenses.
Mr. Phillips represents pedestrians and cyclists who’ve been involved in an accident in Marietta, Cobb County, Paulding County, Bartow County, Acworth, Austell, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Kennesaw and Woodstock. For a free consultation on your personal injury case, call 770-415-0933.