Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Georgia

Pedestrians should be safe when they’re lawfully on foot in Georgia, but sometimes they aren’t. When someone who is walking gets hit by a car, the consequences are often devastating. Injured pedestrians may suffer severe, permanent health consequences from a collision, and the emotional and financial toll of a crash can be catastrophic.

At Bayuk Pratt, our Georgia pedestrian accident lawyers believe in helping those injured in pedestrian accidents recover fair compensation. Whether a car, truck, or another type of vehicle hit you, we can step in and help you recover the money you need to move forward. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation about your case.

Benefits of Hiring a Georgia Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Hiring a Georgia pedestrian accident attorney significantly increases your chances of getting a fair settlement. An experienced attorney knows the state laws and regulations that apply to pedestrian accidents and can effectively work through the legal system on your behalf. A seasoned attorney from our pedestrian accident law firm possesses the skills to negotiate with insurance companies, who often aim to minimize compensation.

At Bayuk Pratt, our lawyers have over five decades of combined experience, and we’ll use that knowledge and skill to pursue fair compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. We have obtained more than $300 million in settlements and awards for our clients, and we’re here to put our talents to work for you in your pedestrian accident claim.

Without proper legal representation, you could be overwhelmed by legal procedures and face relentless pressure from insurance companies to settle for less money than you deserve. Working with an attorney from our firm gives you an advantage because our founding partners, Frank Bayuk and Bradley Pratt, used to work at one of the nation’s largest insurance defense firms and know all their tricks. Let us manage all the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your recovery.

Our Bayuk Pratt lawyers work on contingency. That means that, instead of the $1,000 per hour that our corporate clients used to pay our founders, you pay nothing upfront. If we don’t get you any money, you won’t owe us a dime.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve already sought medical attention following a pedestrian accident, there are still important actions you should take to protect your legal rights, such as:

• Document Everything – Keep detailed records of all your medical treatments, receipts, and any other accident-related expenses. Document your injuries and recovery process with photos and notes.
• Report the Accident – If you haven’t already, make sure you report the accident to the police. Obtain a copy of the police report so your lawyer can use it in your pedestrian accident case.
• Avoid Discussing Fault – Don’t discuss the accident details or admit fault to anyone, especially insurance representatives. They can use anything you say against you in your claim.
• Limit Social Media Activity – Avoid discussing the accident or posting details about it on social media. Insurance companies may monitor your activities and can use this information against you.
• Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney – Speak to a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, gather additional evidence, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Figuring out who caused a pedestrian accident is crucial for seeking justice and recovering fair compensation. Some of these parties could be liable for a pedestrian accident injury:

• The Driver – In many cases, the driver of the vehicle involved in a pedestrian accident is liable, especially if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and follow traffic signs and signals.
• The City or Municipality – If poor road design, lack of proper signage, or improper maintenance of crosswalks contributed to the accident, the local government responsible for the roadway might be partly liable.
• The Vehicle Manufacturer – In cases where a vehicle or equipment defect contributed to a pedestrian accident, the manufacturer might be partly responsible. Potential defects that could cause a collision include faulty brake or steering systems or malfunctioning turn signals.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

While the amount you can recover after a crash depends on your injuries and other factors, our lawyers will work to maximize your pedestrian accident compensation. The losses you can seek compensation for include:

• Medical Expenses – You can claim compensation for all medical treatments related to the accident, including hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care you need.
• Lost Wages – If the accident has caused you to miss work, you can recover money for your lost wages. You might also recover compensation for your lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or one with similar pay.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical pain and emotional distress you experience due to the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries prevent you from enjoying your pre-accident daily activities and hobbies, you can seek compensation for this loss.
• Punitive Damages – In cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly reckless or egregious and displayed a wanton disregard for the consequences of their actions, you could request punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future. You must take your pedestrian accident lawsuit to trial and win to recover punitive damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?

Georgia law states that pedestrian accident victims typically have two years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are some exceptions to this rule but not all of them give you more time to file a lawsuit.

For example, people under age 18 have two years from their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. However, if a government agency contributed to the accident, you might have to inform them of your intent to file a lawsuit within six months. Talking to a lawyer immediately after a pedestrian accident can help you avoid issues with these tricky deadlines.

How Many Pedestrians Are Killed in Georgia Each Year?

Clients often ask us how many pedestrians are killed in Georgia every year. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, 339 people died in pedestrian accidents statewide during one recent year. Another 2,253 people sustained injuries in pedestrian accidents during that same year. These figures underscore the terrible toll these horrific collisions have across Georgia.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Identifying the cause of a pedestrian accident is a critical step to figuring out who bears responsibility for your injuries. Some common causes of a Georgia pedestrian being hit by a car include:

• Distracted Driving – One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Driver distractions include texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities while driving.
• Speeding – Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions can reduce a driver’s ability to stop or maneuver in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
• Failing to Yield the Right of Way – Drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks or ignore pedestrian signals can cause catastrophic accidents, especially in urban settings.
• Being Impaired by Alcohol or Drugs – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of causing an accident.
• Driving in Poor Visibility Conditions – Poor visibility conditions, like nighttime, bad weather, or poorly lit areas, increase the likelihood of accidents because drivers may not see pedestrians until it is too late.
• Ignoring Traffic Signals – Drivers who ignore traffic signals or fail to yield the right-of-way often contribute to accidents.

What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries because pedestrians have nothing but their clothing to protect them in a collision and are vulnerable. Common injuries in Georgia pedestrian accidents often include:

• Head Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, are common in pedestrian accidents. These can result from a direct blow to the head or a violent jolt, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and neurological issues.
• Broken Bones – Pedestrians may suffer from fractures or broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs. These injuries can be severe and sometimes require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Impact with a vehicle or the ground can cause spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. These are among the most severe and life-altering injuries pedestrians sustain in collisions.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Pedestrians might experience soft tissue injuries such as cuts, bruises, or sprains. While these are generally less severe, they can still cause significant pain and may require extensive medical treatment.
• Internal Injuries – Pedestrian accidents frequently cause internal injuries, including damage to organs and internal bleeding. These injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent.
• Psychological Trauma – Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accidents may also lead to psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These mental health conditions can severely affect a person’s overall well-being and ability to return to normal life.