Pedestrian Accidents Attorneys in Dalton, GA, Securing Maximum Compensation for Injury Victims

Pedestrian accidents can be especially devastating for victims as they lack protection, such as riding inside a vehicle or even a helmet on a bicyclist. The pedestrian is left defenseless against whatever type of motor vehicle comes up against them. Many pedestrian accident victims are left with devastating injuries that will affect them and their families for the rest of their life.

Our law firm recognizes that you may feel overwhelmed and anxious about the future when you have been injured in a pedestrian accident. Due to your injuries, you may be unable to work and provide for yourself and your family. You may also be dealing with tremendous physical pain or mental trauma from the accident.

The Cowan Law Firm, LLC understands your fear and anxiety and is committed to helping you recover maximum compensation for your injuries. Our compassionate pedestrian accident attorneys will listen to your side of the story and help determine the best legal strategy to move forward. Contact our law offices and ask to schedule a free case evaluation.

What are the Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

As stated previously, pedestrian accident injuries can be catastrophic in nature and have lifelong consequences for victims. In most cases, the injuries that victims sustain require years of extensive medical treatment and, as a result, can be quite costly over time. Some of the most commonly experienced injuries include:

• Head, neck, or back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions or contusions
• Broken or fractured bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Cuts and lacerations
• Road rash
• Damage to internal organs
• Disfigurement or scarring

No matter what your injury may be, the negligent party responsible for causing the accident needs to be held accountable for their actions. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve by helping you file a claim and get the legal process started as soon as possible.

Can a Pedestrian Be At Fault for an Accident?

It is extremely uncommon for pedestrians to be at fault for an accident they have been involved in. Under Georgia law, pedestrians have what is known as “the right of way.” In simple terms, this means that motor vehicles must yield to individuals traveling by foot.

Some other important laws that Georgia enforces when it comes to pedestrians include:

• All vehicles must yield to pedestrians even if they are crossing the road outside a crosswalk, also known as “jaywalking.”
• Drivers must first stop and ensure that pedestrians are not in the path of the motor vehicle when pulling in or out of parking lots, driveways, garages, or onto the roadway.
• If there are no sidewalks for pedestrians to walk on, in most cases, it is legal for pedestrians to walk on the roadway but safely off to the side.

Georgia law has strict guidelines as to the rules that govern drivers who encounter pedestrians. In most instances, if the driver was capable of stopping but failed to do so, the court will cite the driver in the accident. However, if a pedestrian walks in the street while intoxicated, is in an area that states explicitly that pedestrians are not permitted, or runs out quickly in front of a car without ample time for the driver to stop, they may be partially at fault for the accident.

What Steps Should I Follow if I Have Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should follow certain steps to ensure your well-being and safety. They are:

• Stay at the scene and call 911 to report the accident.
• Access yourself for injuries. If you are injured, request medical first responders.
• Exchange contact information with the driver, including their driver’s license number, tag number, and insurance details.
• Gather evidence from bystanders who may have witnessed the accident, including their contact information.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, especially the damage to the vehicle. Also, be sure to include photos of the light and terrain of the area in which you were injured.
• Even if you do not feel you are injured, have yourself evaluated by a medical professional. Often brain injuries or internal bleeding do not manifest themselves until a later time.
• Be sure to obtain a copy of both the police and medical report. Having copies of the reports can save valuable time when filing a claim.
• Consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who can answer your questions and advise you of your legal rights.

Can I Recover Compensation After I Have Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

It is extremely critical that you obtain qualified legal representation after you have been injured in a pedestrian accident. In most cases, the motor vehicle driver is found to be at fault for the accident and, therefore, liable for your injuries.

Our personal injury attorneys have vast experience and skills in handling pedestrian accident cases. If you have been injured, you may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages

Economic damages: refer to the out-of-pocket expenses you are responsible for paying after an accident, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity

Non-economic damages: are awarded based on individual circumstances that are unique to your accident and injuries. Typically, they do not have a set amount but are determined by the court.

• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

At The Cowan Law Firm, LLC of Dalton, GA, we are passionately committed to obtaining the maximum amount of compensation that is appropriate for your case. We work to ensure that we obtain a settlement that will be in your best interest by considering the money you have already spent and will need to spend in the future due to your injuries. We also understand that nothing can return you to the physical condition you enjoyed before your accident. However, we pledge to do all that we can to make your life comfortable going forward.

Contact us by calling (706) 278-2099 and ask to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.