Pedestrians have rights on Stonecrest roads. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian, it can cause a terrible accident. Tragically, walkers and runners often suffer life-changing injuries if they’re hit by a car.
If you or a loved one were injured while on foot, talk to a Stonecrest pedestrian accident lawyer. You might be eligible for full financial compensation. You should not have to pay for the costs of medical treatment and other damages.
John Foy & Associates is here for you:
- We have 20-plus years of experience helping injured pedestrians and their families.
- We know what it takes to build and win cases.
- Plus, there is no charge to you unless we win you compensation.
Call (404) 400-4000 to learn more during a FREE consultation. You can also fill out our online contact form. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
A pedestrian is anyone who travels on foot. Many people walk around areas with frequent vehicle traffic.
Unlike car and truck drivers, pedestrians do not have the protection in case of an accident. If a driver hits a walker or runner, the pedestrian is likely to suffer serious injuries. An injured pedestrian might have an injury claim against the driver or whoever caused the accident.
First, it’s crucial to know how an accident occurs. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Unsafe turns or lane changes
- Running a red light or stop sign
Many pedestrian accidents happen because of driver error. Drivers often fail to notice people walking on or near the roads. A driver might blaze through an intersection without first checking for people in the crosswalk.
Other possible causes of a pedestrian accident include:
- Neglected car maintenance
- Poor road or parking lot design
- Bicyclist negligence
- Motorcycle rider negligence
In some cases, more than one party is at fault for an accident. You could have multiple insurance claims.
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Proving Liability in a Pedestrian Accident
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-93, every driver should be careful to “avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway.” Drivers should also:
- Honk their horn as a warning, when necessary
- Be cautious if they see a child or confused or intoxicated person
Everyone on Stonecrest roads has a duty of care. That includes drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians must also be mindful of local laws and pedestrian signals. Outside of crosswalks, walkers must yield to oncoming traffic in some situations.
The driver might try to blame the pedestrian after an accident. However, most pedestrian collisions are the fault of a driver. As an injured walker, you’ll need to gather evidence of the driver’s carelessness.
You can request compensation through a personal injury claim. The at-fault driver’s insurance company should usually cover the costs. Your claim must prove that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver breached their duty of care.
- The breached duty caused your pedestrian accident.
- You suffered injuries and damages from the accident.
Proving the above points can be challenging. It’s usually best to work with a Stonecrest pedestrian accident lawyer for help. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build and file a strong claim.
Learn more about your rights during a FREE consultation. Call our team at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
Recovering Your Pedestrian Accident Losses
Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe. If you were injured, keep track of what you’ve lost because of the accident. You might be eligible to recover your costs fully.
There are two main types of personal injury damages:
- Economic (or special) damages
- Non-economic (or general) damages
Let’s look more closely at each of these damages.
1. Economic Losses
An accident can have many financial costs. Getting hit by a motor vehicle can have terrible consequences. You might need long-term or permanent medical treatment.
Your injuries can affect your life in other ways. For example, you might be unable to work as you could before. Without a regular income, it’s impossible to keep up with expensive medical bills.
Typical economic damages include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care expenses
Our lawyers can determine all of your financial losses. That includes future medical treatment you’ll need.
2. Non-Economic Losses
Not all damages are financial or physical. A pedestrian accident can cause emotional injuries, too. Someone might suffer the following after an accident:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Scarring or disfigurement
The accident might take things from you that you cannot recover. For example, your injuries might cause disabilities or other limitations. You might develop mental health conditions that make day-to-day life difficult.
Your lawyer will consider each way the accident affects you. From there, you can file a claim for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Trust the Insurance Companies
Ideally, insurance companies should have our best needs in mind. Sadly, that is rarely the case. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that care about their money.
After an accident, the insurer will look for ways to pay you less. Common tactics include:
- Offering you a low amount of money
- Questioning your injuries
- Undervaluing your damages
- Asking for a recorded statement
It’s best to have a lawyer before talking to an insurance company. Better yet, let your lawyer handle the insurer. They can protect you from sneaky tactics to reduce your compensation.
Your lawyer can communicate and negotiate on your behalf. If you get a lowball offer, your attorney will fight for an offer that you deserve.
Talk to a Stonecrest Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
John Foy & Associates can help after a pedestrian accident. Our team has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We are not afraid to fight for the money you deserve.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. You don’t pay a thing unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
