Clayton County Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
When a pedestrian suffers harm in a car accident with a motor vehicle, the consequences could be devastating. A pedestrian who is involved in an accident on the roadway can suffer permanent injuries that impose a staggering financial and emotional burden. Fortunately, a Clayton County pedestrian accident lawyer could help victims seek the compensation they deserve if a careless driver injured them in a recent collision. If you are overwhelmed and unsure of your rights under the law, you should turn to a skilled personal injury attorney who could counsel you regarding your legal options and help you pursue economic recovery.
Leading Causes of Clayton County Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers who fail to uphold their legal duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care and end up hitting and injuring a pedestrian may be liable for any injuries the pedestrian sustains. Among the usual causes of pedestrian accidents are:
- Speeding;
- Failure to yield;
- Running red lights or stop signs;
- Aggressive or distracted driving;
- Driving the wrong way on a road; and
- Drunk or drugged driving.
Under the doctrine of comparative liability, pedestrians can also be found partially at fault for an accident if their negligence contributed to their injuries. For example, if a pedestrian was walking outside the crosswalk when the driver hit him or her, the court may assign a percentage of liability to the pedestrian as well as the at-fault motorist. As long as the pedestrian’s percentage of responsibility is no more than 49 percent, that person could still recover compensation. A Clayton County pedestrian accident lawyer could work tirelessly to establish the proper degree of fault in a victim’s case so that compensation is recovered.
The Statute of Limitations for a Pedestrian Crash Lawsuit
Georgia code states that personal injury claims must be filed within two years, which includes pedestrian roadway accidents. It is crucial that injured pedestrians file their claim by the end of two years or else they could miss out on financial recovery entirely. The same two-year deadline applies to cases involving the wrongful death of a pedestrian, with the difference being that the statute of limitations begins to toll on the date of death, not necessarily the date of accident.
A Clayton County lawyer could help injured pedestrians pursue a just legal remedy to compensate for their losses. Victims may be entitled to compensation for their pain, suffering, lost wages, hospital bills, ongoing medical expenses, and emotional distress. Compensation for psychological trauma and future lost earning potential may also be achieved, along with punitive damages meant to punish the driver and serve as a warning for others.
Book a Consultation with a Clayton County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After an accident that results in serious injuries to pedestrians, it is crucial that victims do two things: seek immediate medical attention and then contact a Clayton County pedestrian accident lawyer. An attorney could provide a thorough understanding of your legal rights and discuss the best strategies to pursue compensation for your accident damages. Instead of trying to negotiate with the insurance company on your own, it could prove fruitful to hire a skilled legal advocate who could work diligently to ensure your full and fair recovery. To set up your case consultation, call a Clayton County attorney today.