You have rights if you were walking and got hit by a car in Columbus. Pedestrian accidents are too common in Georgia and can cause devastating injuries, including fatalities. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be hospitalized and facing a long recovery. However, you are entitled to recover money to pay for your accident.
At John Foy & Associates, our personal injury attorneys have one goal: to get you the money you need to make as complete a recovery as possible. We have been pursuing that goal for more than 20 years and have become known as one of the toughest law firms in the state. Contact a Columbus personal injury lawyer today for a FREE consultation.
Understanding Pedestrian Rights
As a pedestrian in Columbus, it is important to know and understand your rights in the event of an accident. When you are injured due to the negligence of a driver or other responsible party, you have the right to seek legal action and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian rights include pursuing a personal injury claim against the responsible party. This means you can hold the driver accountable for their actions and seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Additionally, you have the right to be treated fairly and respectfully throughout the legal process. A Columbus pedestrian accident lawyer will fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Columbus, GA
Pedestrian accidents in Columbus can happen for a variety of reasons. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is crucial for pedestrians and their legal representatives to build a strong case to prove negligence.
Negligent Drivers
One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is driver negligence. This includes distracted driving, where drivers are not fully focused on the road due to texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions. Additionally, speeding and failure to yield the right of way are major contributors to pedestrian accidents.
Our Columbus car accident lawyers will investigate the details of the crash to determine whether the driver’s negligence contributed to the accident. We will use all available evidence to build a strong case and prove liability.
City Infrastructure
Another factor to consider is the city’s infrastructure. Poorly maintained sidewalks, poorly marked parking lots, inadequate lighting, and insufficient signage can all contribute to accidents. These hazards make it more difficult for pedestrians and drivers to navigate safely.
Negligent Pedestrians
In some cases, pedestrians may also contribute to accidents by crossing the road unsafely or without obeying traffic signals. However, it is important to note that drivers are responsible for exercising caution and watching for pedestrians, regardless of their actions.
Negligent Pet Owners
Dog or animal attacks are unfortunately not uncommon in Columbus. These incidents can result in serious injuries and can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s well-being. Negligent pet owners who fail to restrain or control their dogs properly bear responsibility for these attacks. Our Columbus dog bite lawyers will help you hold the pet owner accountable.
Are Pedestrian Accidents Different than Other Types of Vehicle Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents are different in two ways. First, pedestrian accidents tend to be serious for the obvious reason that pedestrians are much smaller and lighter than cars and do not have anything to protect them from the sudden impact of a collision with an automobile. Generally, the more serious the injuries are, the more complicated and drawn-out the healing process. This makes any accident claim to recover money for personal injuries more complicated as well.
Second, pedestrian accidents can be difficult to investigate and determine who was “negligent” and, therefore legally at fault. Pedestrians who have been seriously injured frequently have little recollection of the accident or may have never seen the motor vehicle that hit them approaching. And the at-fault driver of the car may deny responsibility. Even the police may try to pin the blame on the pedestrian.
Our law firm has resources and connections to top-notch investigators and experts who can help us unravel what happened and who is the at-fault party. We are undaunted by serious injuries, missing information, or complicated chains of events. We can build a case against the fault party and get the responsible insurance company to pay you everything you deserve.
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What Are Some Typical Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, many of them serious. They include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and other head injuries
- Herniated discs
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Pelvic injuries
- Fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Damage to internal organs
- Muscle and tendon injuries
- Neck injuries
- Fatal injuries
If you are hit by a car, ANY injury is potentially serious. Many car accident injuries seem minor initially, but they worsen and can even become life-threatening in the hours or days following the accident. Play it smart and get medical attention right away. Not only does this help you heal, but it can pave the way for a much stronger claim for your injuries.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Columbus, GA, you may be entitled to receive maximum compensation for your damages. While every case is unique, and the amount of compensation will vary depending on the specific circumstances, you may be eligible to receive several types of compensation.
Medical Expenses
First and foremost, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses. This includes the immediate medical care you received and any ongoing or future medical costs that may be necessary due to your injuries. This can include hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, and other expenses related to your accident.
Lost Wages
In many personal injury cases, a significant portion of the financial impact comes from the inability to continue working due to injuries. This not only affects the present, but it can drastically alter one’s financial future. If you’ve been injured to the extent that you cannot return to your job or your earning capacity has been diminished, it’s essential to account for these lost wages in your compensation claim.
This encompasses the earnings you’ve already missed out on during your recovery and potential future earnings you may lose if you cannot return to the same line of work. An experienced attorney can help quantify these amounts to ensure you’re fairly compensated for the full economic impact of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Another critical component of personal injury claims is the compensation for pain and suffering. Unlike tangible damages like medical bills or lost wages, pain and suffering are subjective and can vary significantly from one person to another. It encompasses the physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, anxiety, and the many other intangible harms you might have endured because of the accident.
Given its intangible nature, it’s often more challenging to quantify than other damages. However, with the assistance of an adept attorney, testimonials, and evidence of treatment for emotional distress, you can build a strong case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the profound impact these injuries can have on your life.
Property Damage
In many accidents, it’s not just physical injuries that victims have to contend with; property often gets damaged, too. You can claim compensation for these losses, whether it’s clothing torn in the incident, a broken watch, damaged eyeglasses, or any other personal belongings. It’s essential to keep any evidence of the damaged items and receipts, if possible, to help ensure you get the full value of what was damaged or lost.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Columbus, Georgia Now
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Columbus, don’t wait to seek legal help. Protecting your rights and gathering crucial evidence as soon as possible is crucial. By working with an experienced Columbus pedestrian accident lawyer, you can confidently navigate the legal process and increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
At John Foy & Associates, our pedestrian accident attorneys have the experience you need if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident. And we ensure our services are accessible for everyone: we don’t charge any fee unless we get you money. Contact us to get a free initial consultation to help you plan what to do next.
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