Cars on the road have an obligation to keep pedestrians safe. In nearly every pedestrian accident, the pedestrian is always at greater risk than the driver. According to the CDC’s safety facts, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to die in a car accident compared to the driver of a vehicle.
If a car collided with you while you were walking, our Marietta pedestrian accident attorneys can help you start your claim for compensation today. Don’t wait too long to get started. You can receive your free consultation and learn more about all your available legal options.
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So Dangerous?
According to 2019 injury facts, traffic accidents killed roughly 7,688 pedestrians. Why are pedestrian accidents so deadly? It’s because of the size and weight of a car. Even a car traveling at 15 miles per hour can cause severe damage to a pedestrian, especially the elderly or small children.
A pedestrian is extremely unprotected from the powerful impact a car can generate even at low speeds. This is why drivers have a high duty of care to uphold not just for themselves and others on the road but for pedestrians especially.
Types of Damages You Can Receive From Your Claim
When it comes to injuries after an accident, your car accident attorney in Marietta can help you receive compensation for two types of damages.
Economic Damages
In short, economic damages are very straightforward to calculate, since they all have fixed costs attached to them. Economic damages refer to:
- Lost wages and reduced earning capability
- Medical bills for treatment, prescriptions, hospital visits, physical therapy, etc.
- Property damages
- Vehicle repairs or replacements
Always save your invoices and receipts so that your lawyer can accurately factor these damages into your settlement.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the opposite of economic damages in that they don’t have any fixed dollar value attached to them. They usually consist of:
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
Our Marietta pedestrian accident lawyers will help you evaluate all the circumstances and context surrounding your damages. We use various formulas and a holistic approach to ensure that you get the proper amount of non-economic damages reflected in your settlement.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Help Me?
Insurance companies often have large legal teams supporting them. If you choose to pursue compensation independently, you risk putting yourself at a huge disadvantage at the negotiating table. An attorney can:
- Negotiate for a settlement on your behalf and take your case to court if necessary
- Handle all your critical communications with other parties
- Consult with experts in various fields to support your case
- Help you gather evidence, medical records, and police reports regarding your pedestrian accident
- Provide answers to your legal questions and give sound legal advice in a timely manner
You should never accept an insurance company’s initial offer. Always be mindful about what you say to them or their adjuster. Saying the wrong thing can put your case at risk and prevent you from getting compensated.
You don’t need to study a copious amount of personal injury law just to win your claim. Instead, focus on healing and recovering from your accident while we handle everything else for you. Our experienced and reputable pedestrian accident attorneys in Marietta are available to help you even the playing field and win a fair settlement.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents
You don’t have much time to sue after an accident. The statute of limitations in Georgia is only two years. This means you have just two years from the date of your pedestrian accident to file a claim.
Once the statute of limitations expires, there is next to nothing you can do to fight for your settlement. Therefore, it’s critical that you file on time and be mindful of deadlines. Even though there is a deadline to adhere to, this doesn’t mean you should rush recklessly into filing your claim.
While the law tends to favor pedestrians in car accidents, you still need proof to show negligence to receive any sort of settlement. If you’re not sure where or how to begin, you should seek professional legal assistance as soon as possible. The faster you start building your case, the better chance you will have when you negotiate with the insurance company.
Contact One of Our Marietta Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
Contact us today for a free case evaluation at no risk to you. We never charge any upfront fees for our services. We only receive our payment if we win you compensation for your case. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about how our Marietta pedestrian accident lawyers can help you succeed.
