TESTIMONIALS
I called Matt after several people recommended him. He was very kind and did a very good job on my son’s case. We are very thankful for the work he did. Most importantly, he was never hard to reach and answered every question we had while going through the process. Matt is the only attorney I will ever call in the future.
- Emily
My husband is a cyclist that did not fair well against an SUV recently. Matt and his team took phenomenal care of us, allowing us not to stress out (too much) about the little things. Matt and his team handled everything with professionalism. We know we made the right call.
- Jane
So glad I hired this firm after my rearend car accident. Matt embodies the skill set and values I was looking for. He treats every case like a mini war, and was a zealous advocate on my behalf. And he did so in the most competent and skillful manner. He listened, was empathetic and understood my legal and nonlegal problems.
- Jared
It was important to me to get the maximum money I could for my broken neck and arm. After getting jerked around for months by State Farm, I interviewed several firms and chose Mr. Wetherington. I’m glad I did. He forced the insurance company to pay twenty times their last offer to me.
- Veronica
It is an honor to share my experience with Mr. Wetherington. He was able to get answers about what happened in my son’s wreck that other attorney’s were not able to do. I am so thankful for the work that he did and he was very thorough in his explanation of why the vehicle had a “defect.”
- Anonymous
My case did not settle. The person that hit me only had minimal policy limits. Fortunately, I had my own insurance, which should have provided more money. My insurance company, Allstate, treated me like garbage. We had to sue them and go all the way to trial, which we won.
- Jane Doe
Matt Wetherington is the attorney who is suing the booting companies. We need to do everything we can as a community to help him succeed. God bless you, Mr. Wetherington!
- Michael
Our Rome pedestrian accident lawyers are devoted to protecting the rights and interests of injured victims and their families. Negligent motorists and big insurance companies must be held accountable after a pedestrian crash. If you or your loved one was injured in a pedestrian collision, we can help. To set up a free, fully private consultation with an experienced Georgia pedestrian accident attorney, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
Pedestrian Accidents are Too Common in Georgia (Know the Data)
Pedestrian accidents happen far more often than they should. Alarmingly, Georgia is a less safe place for pedestrians than most other states. As reported by 13 WMAZ, Georgia ranks as one of the worst states for pedestrian safety. There were 322 pedestrian fatalities in the state in 2021 alone. Many thousands of other pedestrians suffered serious injuries in collisions. The overwhelming majority of pedestrian accidents could have been prevented if only the proper safety precautions had been taken.
The Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians are exposed to danger. A significant share of pedestrian collisions results in injuries. Too many pedestrians sustain severe, catastrophic, or even life-changing injuries in motor vehicle collisions. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Lacerations;
- Road rash;
- Torn ligaments;
- Whiplash;
- Back injuries;
- Broken bones;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Amputations; and
- Spinal cord damage.
What to Know About Liability for Pedestrian Collisions in Georgia
Georgia is a fault-based traffic accident jurisdiction. The party found to be at fault for a pedestrian crash in Rome, GA will bear liability for the damages. A number of different parties can be held liable for a pedestrian collision, including trucking companies, road maintenance companies, and highway designers. That being said, most pedestrian accident claims are brought against negligent drivers. Some examples of driver negligence that contribute to pedestrian crashes include:
- Speeding;
- Running red lights;
- Running stop signs;
- Failure to yield;
- Distracted driving;
- Drunk driving; and
- Drugged driving.
Understanding Comparative Negligence and Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia
A pedestrian could be held partially at fault for their own accident in Georgia. As the state has a comparative negligence law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), a pedestrian can still recover compensation if they are found to be partially to blame for their own accident. However, their financial recovery (settlement or verdict) will be reduced proportionately. For example, imagine a pedestrian crossed against a traffic signal in Rome. They suffered $30,000 in damages in an accident. A jury determines that the pedestrian is 30 percent at fault for their own injuries. This pedestrian’s personal injury compensation would be reduced by 30 percent, or $9,000. Protect yourself from an unjust finding of fault: Make sure your crash is investigated by an experienced Rome pedestrian accident lawyer.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Pedestrian Injury Claim?
Pedestrian accident injury claims in Georgia are governed by a two-year statute of limitations. With limited exceptions, a pedestrian injury lawsuit in Georgia must be filed within two years of the date of the crash. That being said, you do not want to fall behind the defense or the insurance company in the claims process. The sooner you speak to a Rome pedestrian accident lawyer, the better position you will be in to get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Injured Pedestrians Can Recover Compensation
Were you injured in a pedestrian collision in Floyd County? You need money damages to pay bills and support yourself. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on an insurance company to look out for your best interests. The large insurance companies that handle most pedestrian accident claims in Georgia try to minimize settlements. Our Rome, GA pedestrian accident lawyers fight to help our clients get every penny they deserve. Injured pedestrians may be entitled to recover for:
- Ambulance fees or emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Ongoing and long-term rehabilitative care;
- Lost wages and diminished ability to earn;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Scarring, disfigurement, or physical impairment; and
- Wrongful death of a close family member.
Contact Our Rome, GA Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
At Wetherington Law Firm, P.C., our Rome pedestrian accident lawyers fight tirelessly to advocate for the rights of injured victims. If you were hurt in a pedestrian crash, we can help. Reach out to us by phone or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a top-rated Georgia personal injury attorney. We represent injured pedestrians in Rome and throughout Floyd County