When a car hits a pedestrian, the damages can be terrible. If you or a loved one were a victim of a pedestrian accident in Macon, Georgia, you deserve compensation. Never pay for any of your damages without first retaining legal counsel.
At John Foy & Associates, our Macon pedestrian accident attorneys 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. Pedestrian accidents are complicated, and every accident is different.
An experienced attorney can investigate your case and help you decide what’s suitable for your situation. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Macon can help by:
- Investigating the details of the accident
- Collecting evidence of your damages
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and expert witnesses
- Building a solid 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 in your pedestrian accident settlement with us.
You Can Get Compensated for Your Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident
The recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show that pedestrian safety gets neglected frequently. Just in 2019, traffic accidents killed 6,205 pedestrians. The number of pedestrian deaths that occur each year are significantly higher than only ten years ago.
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
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 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. So, while you recover, we’ll focus on building and winning your case.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are complicated because they don’t have fixed monetary values. 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, non-economic damages are three to five times the amount of your economic damages.
Macon Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 478-400-4000
Can I Get Rewards for Punitive Damages?
Georgia law also allows pedestrian accident victims to recover a reward for punitive damages if their case allows it. Punitive damages act as a punishment for the negligent driver that hit you. To qualify for punitive damages, the evidence must show that:
- The driver was egregiously negligent in their actions on the road
- The driver sought to hurt you in the accident intentionally
- The driver was committing a serious illegal act when they hit you
While not all cases qualify for punitive damages, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Macon will ensure you get rewarded for them if your case does. We want to see you get the most out of your settlement so that you can recover and heal from your accident.
How Much Is the Average Pedestrian Accident Settlement Worth in Macon?
The average pedestrian accident settlement varies from case to case. However, a rough average shows that pedestrian accident cases in Macon tend to reach anywhere between $20,000 up to $100,000 or more.
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. It doesn’t take into account any unique circumstances surrounding your case. So, your total could be a lot more or significantly less. The best way to know how much your settlement is worth for certain is to get in touch with one of our lawyers.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accidents lawyer serving Macon, call 478-400-4000
Understanding Assumption of Fault in Georgia
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.
Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 51-12-33, Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state. That means:
- More than one party can be partially responsible for an accident.
- If you are 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.
Even though the law allows you to file a claim, that doesn’t mean that you will instantly recover compensation. During negotiations or trial, you still have to prove that the other party was negligent and responsible for your damages.
Don’t Accept the Initial Settlement Offer
Many pedestrians are uninformed after an accident. It’s easy and understandable to assume the driver’s insurance company will pay a fair settlement. Unfortunately, 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.
Always remember that insurance companies aren’t on your side. Their main goal is to get you to settle for way less than what you really deserve. This is because they only want to save money and protect their bottom line. Don’t let their greed get in the way of getting a fair settlement.
What Happens if 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 got injured in a pedestrian accident that was your fault, you can still bring legal action. In addition, there is a chance you can recover any damages from the accident. Our Macon pedestrian accident attorneys can examine the facts and ensure you know all the legal options available for your case.
What if a Pedestrian Dies As the Result of an Accident?
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 OCGA § 40-6-393, a driver can commit “homicide by vehicle” if their actions are 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.
File Your Claim Before the Deadline in Georgia
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. If you don’t file within the set statute of limitations, you lose your chance at winning a settlement. Unfortunately, there are plenty of pedestrian accident victims that procrastinate and end up paying for their damages. Don’t end up this way.
Two years may seem like a lot of time, but don’t delude yourself into thinking that your evidence will be waiting for you a year later. It’s best to get everything organized and build a strong case as soon as possible. Waiting only makes it harder to get the financial compensation you need.
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, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Macon know how to fight for your rights. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to assist.
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