When a car hits a pedestrian (someone walking on foot), the damages can be terrible. If you or a loved one were victims of a pedestrian accident in Macon, you probably deserve compensation.
At John Foy & Associates, our Macon pedestrian accident lawyers know what to do. We’ll help you build a personal injury claim to recover your costs. Plus, we don’t charge a fee unless we win you money. To get a free, no-risk consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Pedestrian Accident?
You might wonder if hiring a lawyer is even worth it. This is a common and understandable concern.
In most cases, getting a lawyer is the best option. Here’s why:
Pedestrian accidents are complicated. And every accident is different. An experienced attorney can investigate and details and know what’s right for your situation.
A lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the details of the accident
- Collecting evidence of your damages
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and expert witnesses
- Building a strong injury claim
- Handling the insurance company
- Making sure your rights are protected
At the very least, it’s good to schedule a consultation. You can learn a lot about what to expect during a free case review.
You Can Get Compensated for Your Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic accidents killed 6,283 pedestrians in 2018. (That’s the highest number of deaths since 1990.) Many other pedestrians suffer non-fatal injuries from accidents.
The severity of your injuries will determine your damages. Personal injury damages are the losses you’re hoping to recover. They include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription drug costs
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Medical bills are often high for pedestrian accidents. Unlike drivers, those walking on foot don’t have the protection of a vehicle. Nothing is protecting them from the force of an accident.
You’ll want to consider all of the ways your injuries impact your finances and life. Our Macon pedestrian accident lawyers can help you do that.
Most injured pedestrians are not fit to handle legal details. While you recover, we’ll focus on building and winning your case.
Macon Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
Assumption of Fault
Pedestrians are rarely at fault for an accident. In most situations, pedestrians have the right-of-way compared to drivers. However, the driver or their insurance company might look for ways to blame a pedestrian.
Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state. That means:
- More than one party can be partially responsible for an accident.
- If you are found to be partly at fault, that will reduce what you can recover.
- You can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault.
If you were partially at fault, it will affect your settlement potential. But don’t let anyone blame you.
Talk to a lawyer before assuming anything about fault. The other side will look for ways to pin some blame on you. But you might have no responsibility for what happened.
Settlement Negotiations
Many pedestrians are uninformed after an accident. It’s easy (and understandable) to assume the driver’s insurance company will pay a fair settlement.
But that’s not how it works.
The insurance company might send a settlement offer, but it will be a lowball. You’ll likely need to negotiate for an offer that actually covers your damages.
At John Foy & Associates, we can handle the insurance company for you. Before taking any money, call us to discuss your options. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
What Can You Get for Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering damages are complicated. While you can prove medical bills and lost wages, there is no dollar value for pain and suffering.
Examples of pain and suffering include:
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
Your lawyer will use a formula to determine your pain and suffering damages. Most of the time, pain and suffering are three to five times the amount of your economic costs.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accidents lawyer serving Macon, call 404-400-4000
What Happens When the Pedestrian Is at Fault
Many pedestrian accidents are the fault of a driver. However, there are exceptions.
A pedestrian could be partially at fault for:
- Entering a crosswalk when they don’t have the right-of-way
- Jaywalking in the middle of a busy street
- Walking in areas where pedestrians are not allowed, such as along bridges
If the driver cannot avoid an accident, the pedestrian could be at fault. In that case, a driver might have a lawsuit against the pedestrian.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you can bring legal action. You might be able to recover any damages from the accident.
Whether you were a pedestrian or driver, contact a lawyer. An attorney can examine the facts and make sure you know your rights.
What if a Pedestrian Dies?
Tragically, many pedestrians die after a vehicle hits them. If so, the victim’s family could have a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death claims can include damages like:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
The responsible driver could also be in a lot of trouble. Some pedestrian deaths warrant criminal charges. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-393, a driver can commit “homicide by vehicle” if their actions were malicious.
It all depends on the details of the crash and the driver’s actions. If you lost a loved one in an accident, it’s best to contact a lawyer.
Speak with a Macon Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Free Today
You don’t have to handle your case alone after a pedestrian accident. At John Foy & Associates, we know how to fight for your rights. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Call or text 404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form