More People Walking and More Questions After Collisions Who’s Really to Blame in a Crosswalk Accident? As the weather warms up across Georgia, we see more people out walking: exercising, running errands, or enjoying the sunshine. Unfortunately, that also means we tend to see an increase in pedestrian accidents. And when those collisions happen, many injured people are quickly told some version of: “You didn’t have the walk signal, so you don’t have a case.” However, that’s not always how the law works. IT’S RARELY EVER THAT SIMPLE While traffic signals do matter, they’re only one piece of a much bigger picture. Liability in a crosswalk accident often comes down to what both the pedestrian and the driver were doing in the moments leading up to the crash. Drivers still have a responsibility to stay alert, watch for people in the roadway, and operate their vehicles safely. We regularly see cases where a driver was distracted, turned without checking, or simply did not pay enough attention to avoid a collision, even when they had the opportunity to do so. Pedestrians also have responsibilities, of course. But even if someone made a mistake, that doesn’t automatically mean the driver is off the hook. HOW FAULT WORKS IN GEORGIA In Georgia, fault can be shared. This means an injured pedestrian may still recover compensation as long as they are not primarily responsible for what happened. Any recovery may be adjusted based on their level of responsibility. So, instead of asking, “Who’s completely at fault?” the better question is: “What does the evidence show about each person’s actions?” WHY EVIDENCE MATTERS SO MUCH Crosswalk cases often hinge on details that aren’t obvious at first glance. Video footage, witness accounts, and even the timing of traffic lights can all help determine what really happened. In many situations, critical evidence (especially video) can disappear quickly if it isn’t preserved. That’s why acting early can make a meaningful difference in protecting a claim. IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED, YOU HAVE OPTIONS If you or someone you love has been injured in a crosswalk accident, it’s important to understand your rights before accepting an insurance company’s version of events. These cases are often more nuanced than they first appear. Our team is here to listen, evaluate the facts, and help you understand your next steps. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you move forward.
Giving Mom Rest, Fun, and Keepsakes A Simple Plan for Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that can sneak up on you. Many of us have had to Google Mother’s Day ideas the night before and hope brunch will be enough. While you don’t want to wait until the last minute to plan, you don’t need to stress over the holiday. If asked, many moms would probably say the same thing about what they want: a little rest, some help, and to feel like someone sees how much they do. One simple way to give Mom what she wants this year is to think about the day in three parts. Start with a gentle beginning, then pick one shared thing to do together, and finish with a small keepsake she can hold onto later. The “soft landing” in the morning sets the tone. Some moms want to sleep in for an hour with zero kid noise. Others like a slow breakfast with everyone at the table. You don’t need a perfect spread. Just some toast, fruit, and coffee (that she didn’t have to make!) can go a long way. If she’s tired, give her time to read, take a bath, or sit with a face mask while someone else handles dishes, pets, and doorbells. Next comes the part you do together. For that, choose something she would enjoy doing, not just an activity that keeps the kids busy. If the weather is good, head outside for a picnic, hike, or family bike ride. Indoor activities can include a simple family game day, a movie marathon, or a family cooking class. Just be sure she’s not the one left to clean up the mess! For the keepsake, keep it personal. A handwritten note from the kids will mean much more than a scented candle. You can even turn it into a creative activity. Everyone could sit down together for a family scrapbooking session or a painting party. Another fun idea is to create a “reason why I love mom” jar filled with handwritten notes from family members. With a little planning and a focus on appreciation, you can make the day feel special without adding more work to her plate.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
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