Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Were You Injured as a Pedestrian in a Car Accident? Let Us Help You Recover

If you are a pedestrian in Atlanta who has been injured in a car accident, contact our personal injury lawyers at 1-800-738-WE-WIN. We will sit down with you, examine the facts of your case, and explain your options. Your case may involve more than one responsible party; it is important to meet with one of our attorneys before you jeopardize your rights. In this way, you’ll avoid costly mistakes that could result in a lower settlement payment or verdict than what you may be entitled to collect.

Walking is an excellent way to get exercise. It improves circulation, builds up stamina, increases heart function and can help people lose extra weight. It can also result in serious injury if a motorist isn’t paying attention.

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety states in 2015, traffic accidents claimed the lives of 193 people. Furthermore, the state’s numbers indicated that since 2008, the number of pedestrian fatalities in traffic accidents has steadily increased. In an effort to lower these numbers, Georgia has launched pedestrian safety programs that use outreach, education and enforcement of its laws.

Do You Have Grounds for a Pedestrian Car Accident Claim?

Georgia tort law states if you are found less than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. This is commonly referred to as a comparative fault rule. In cases consisting of more than one responsible party, you can seek appropriate compensation from each party.

You may also have grounds for a pedestrian car accident claim if you were in a marked crosswalk or on a pedestrian path at the time you were injured.

Why Should You File a Pedestrian Car Accident Claim?

When someone engages in negligent behavior, they should face the consequences to deter them and others from doing it again. Filing a pedestrian car accident claim is the most effective way to achieve that. Our skilled team is there to also make sure you receive the compensation you are legally entitled to.

People hit by a car generally tend to have serious injuries because they have no protection. These injuries include the following:

• Traumatic head injuries
• Shoulder/arm injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Fractured pelvis
• Leg fractures
• Broken ribs

Medical costs for a pedestrian accident can be high. You have to pay for the cost of the first responders who treated you at the scene; the trip in an ambulance to the nearest hospital (in some cases, this may involve air transport); the care you receive at the hospital, which may include a stay; follow-up visits; and physical therapy.

In addition to these costs, you may have been unable to work, placing an unexpected financial strain on your household. Filing a claim for compensation not only helps you financially, but it also holds the other party or parties accountable for their negligence.

Who May be Liable for Injuries?

Many cases involving pedestrian car accidents involve more than one liable party. In addition to the driver, the owner of the vehicle may bear some responsibility. If the accident was partly caused by a poorly designed road or walkway, the victim may be able to ask the government entity for financial compensation. The same is possible if a traffic signal light malfunctioned, providing the pedestrian and the motorist both with a green light.

What Damages Can I Claim? 

There are two types of damages you may be able to claim. One is compensatory damages, which is intended to financially cover the impact the accident has had on you. Compensatory damages include the following:

• Medical bills: First responder care, emergency room care, hospitalization
• Future medical care: Surgeries, physical therapy, doctor visits, speech therapy, emotional/mental therapy
• Medical equipment: Wheelchair, medical bed, patient lifting equipment, breathing support
• Prescriptions: Pain management, antibiotics
• Long-term care: Personal nurse, nursing home

Financial assistance for current and future lost income may also be included. For example, if you are unable to rejoin the workforce, you may be granted a significant amount to replace the income you would have earned.

If the driver acted extremely negligent, you may have the right to ask for punitive damages. Punitive damages are ordered as a way to punish the driver for their actions and act as a deterrent to that driver and others. Because they are meant to send a message, they are often a significant amount.

If you have been injured by a vehicle while a pedestrian call us today at 1-800-738-WE-WIN. Our experienced team of attorneys are ready to assist you.