Were You Harmed By A Motorist? Understanding Pedestrian Accidents

 Understanding Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often occur in low light conditions, at dusk or nighttime when visibility is reduced Contributing factors include a drivers failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, inattentive, pre-occupied or speeding drivers, drunk drivers and driver’s who disregard weather and road conditions and fail to obey traffic signs or signals 

Pedestrians are essentially defenseless on the road and when a motorist fails to drive carefully, tragic consequences can ensue. Like crashes involving cyclists, pedestrian accidents are serious and can create life-long disability or even death.

Oftentimes pedestrians are hit by distracted or negligent drivers. There are many examples of activities that can distract motorists and potentially lead to accidents, such as:

– Grooming while driving

– Sending text messages

– Reading directions, such as from a map or GPS device

– Adjusting radio dials

– Reaching for a dropped item

– Eating or drinking

 Non Vehicular Thousands of pedestrians also suffer injuries unrelated to motor vehicles. These accidents are often related to the improper maintenance of property including, sidewalks, parking lots and garages, construction sites and other real property. 

Were You Harmed By A Motorist?

When a car or truck strikes a pedestrian the resulting injuries are often catastrophic and life changing for the victim and their families. Pedestrians may suffer head or spinal injuries, broken bones, burn injuries, back injuries, amputation and any number of other devastating injuries.

If you or a loved one was recently involved in a motor vehicle accident when crossing the street or walking along a roadway, you may have experienced severe, life-changing injuries. Perhaps you’re dealing with these repercussions now and feel overwhelmed about what to do next.

Some insurance companies may try to minimize your injury claims and attempt to avoid offering a fair settlement that considers the full extent of the damage, but a lawyer can help you seek the maximum compensation for your claim. Protect your rights and let a lawyer investigate your pedestrian accident to help you get the highest possible compensation.

If a motorist failed to give you the right of way as you walked, the driver may even face criminal charges associated with reckless driving. A lawyer will work to prove that your accident was caused by the negligence of another driver and, if successful, can help you gain compensation to cover the full range of damages resulting from the crash.

The amount of financial compensation to which you or a loved one may be entitled to will depend on several factors, such as an injury’s severity and your long-term prognosis. Any medical expenses already incurred or expected in the future must be taken into consideration, particularly if the claimant has sustained a permanent disability. Similarly, a claimant can seek compensation both for wages lost to date and wages lost in the future.

In the unfortunate event of wrongful death, the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation.

Helping Pedestrian Victims Recover

If harmed by a motorist in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to speak with an accident lawyer as soon as possible. Georgia (U.S. state) personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations, which means that claims made outside that time limit may not be allowed.

Being involved in a pedestrian accident is a painful and frightening experience, and it’s important to gain the help of an experienced lawyer during this difficult time. This professional can go about developing a personal injury case on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery after an accident. Have your case reviewed by an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer.