Pedestrian accidents can be overwhelming and painful on so many levels. Not only are you dealing with physical pain, but you may also see an emotional and financial hit. No matter how minor or severe the injuries seem, getting help is essential to ensuring that you protect your rights and future.
The good news is that you do not have to go through this process on your own. A Valdosta pedestrian accident lawyer could help you with compassionate, client-focused legal support. Our personal injury attorneys are ready to support your claim.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Driver negligence is a major cause of pedestrian accidents. Negligence may include distracted driving, such as texting. It can also include speeding in residential zones or failing to yield at crosswalks. Drivers are not the only parties to blame, however. Poor infrastructure, including poor street lighting, lack of sidewalks, and inadequate pedestrian signals, is also linked to accidents. An attorney in Valdosta could help a pedestrian determine all liable parties after an accident.
These accidents can result in serious injuries ranging in severity. These injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic trauma (including broken bones and fractures), internal organ damage, permanent disability, physical disfigurement, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, pedestrian accidents can lead to a need for long-term rehabilitation or assisted living needs in addition to lost income and lost earning capacity.
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Legal Rights of Injured Pedestrians
Georgia is an at-fault state, which means that a driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages caused to pedestrians in accidents. According to the comparative negligence rule, pedestrians can recover damages as long as they are deemed less than 50 percent at fault for the incident.
Additionally, pedestrians should keep in mind that there is a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury. Special consideration may be available for hit-and-run cases, uninsured motorist cases, and municipal liability cases if poor infrastructure contributed to the injury. A pedestrian collision lawyer in Valdosta could keep clients on track with meeting legal deadlines.
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What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
In the immediate aftermath of a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention, even for minor injuries. It is also important to call the police and ensure that a police report is filed. In the meantime, document the scene of the accident with photos, videos, and witness information, if possible.
At this time, it is also important to avoid common pitfalls associated with pedestrian accidents. For instance, pedestrians should avoid giving recorded statements to insurance without getting advice from a Valdosta accident attorney first. They should also avoid posting on social media about the incident.
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Call a Valdosta Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Help
A lawyer could offer help in several ways. For one, they can assist with the investigation process, in which they gather witness testimony, footage of the incident, police reports, and medical records. Lawyers can also value the damages, which include medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and future medical costs. Lawyers also deal with insurers and litigation, bringing your case to justice.
A Valdosta pedestrian accident lawyer could offer decades of experience with injury cases as well as strong community ties. If you or a loved one were injured as a pedestrian, help is available. Contact our firm today to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who will stand by you every step of the way.
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