If a negligent driver is found liable for your injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your physical, mental, and monetary losses. Seeking compensation for your injuries can be challenging, especially if the offender hires an attorney to defend them against your allegations.
Thankfully, you do not have to go through this alone. If you team up with a Decatur pedestrian accident lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we can be there to assist you throughout your case. We can even take your case to civil court if the situation calls for it. Our personal injury lawyers in Decatur refuse to back down from a challenge, so call now to get started with a free consultation.
Available Damages for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Decatur
After a pedestrian accident case, you may be able to collect damages related to many different hardships, including:
- Medical expenses and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Lost benefits
- Impaired income potential
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Future expenses related to your injuries, disabilities, and long-term recovery
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological pain, including loss of consortium, diminished quality of life, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It is always a good idea to establish the monetary value of your injuries before you proceed with any sort of settlement negotiations. That includes the value of your financial losses and your intangible losses. Think of it this way: if you are proactive now, you will not have to worry about running out of money down the line after settling for a lesser amount of compensation.
To seek out a settlement that truly reflects your losses, you need to carefully document your damages and substantiate them with expert testimony, medical documentation, victim impact statements, and irrefutable evidence. If you become confused while trying to assign monetary values to your case, one of our pedestrian accident lawyers can help.
Collecting Compensation When You Share Some of the Blame
Some victims worry about filing a case after a pedestrian accident because they feel like their behavior contributed to their injuries. Fortunately, the State of Georgia has legislation in place that takes these contributing factors into consideration.
In accordance with O.C.G.A. §51-12-33, partial liability does not bar you from receiving financial compensation for your injuries. However, your level of culpability must be deemed less than 50% to qualify for compensation. Additionally, if you receive a settlement, your payment will be reduced proportionately to your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if you bear 30% of the blame for the accident, you will receive 70% of your original compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accidents lawyer serving Decatur, call (404) 888-8888
Decatur Pedestrian Accidents FAQs
Who Is at Fault When a Car Hits a Pedestrian?Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Fighting for Victims in Decatur
Here at Bader Scott, we believe in fighting for the common man. You have the right to walk near a roadway without fearing for your safety at every turn.
Even so, pedestrian accidents often involve a lot of laws that may change from city to city. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws and guidelines that govern pedestrian accidents in Decatur, and we will gladly review legislation, city ordinances, and legal precedents during our investigations.
Ultimately, a Decatur pedestrian accident lawyer with our team can provide many unique services throughout your proceedings, including:
- Civil litigation
- Proving liability
- Legal advice
- Calculating case values
- Negotiating settlements
- Reviewing laws
- Handling insurance companies
For most pedestrian accidents in Decatur, O.C.G.A. §9-3-33 requires you to take legal action within two years of your accident. If you do not file your lawsuit within the allotted period of time, the court may prevent you from collecting compensation.
Gathering Evidence After a Pedestrian Accident
By retaining a lawyer with our law firm, you will have access to a team of attorneys who can help you gather evidence. Together, we can utilize a number of sources during our investigations, including expert witnesses, medical professionals, forensic specialists, and more.
Some types of evidence in pedestrian accidents include:
- Accident reports
- Police records
- Information from your workplace
- Photographs
- Surveillance footage
- Eyewitness reports
- Medical files
- Cell phone records
- Forensic examinations
- Clothing
- Accident reconstruction experts
Determining What Caused Your Pedestrian Accident in Decatur
Numerous outside influences can contribute to pedestrian accidents, including poor visibility, roadway conditions, and weather. While pedestrians can follow many tips to stay safe, accidents can occur if drivers are not obeying the rules of the road. When drivers are not giving their full attention to the road ahead of them, innocent pedestrians pay the price.
When you set out to identify the cause of your pedestrian accident, keep in mind that the causes for these events include:
- Driving at night
- Speeding
- Broken “Walk” signs
- Driving while intoxicated
- Accidentally accelerating instead of slowing down
- Texting and driving or other behaviors of distracted driving
- Eating
- Faulty brake pads
- Tripping on the road or sidewalk
- Potholes
- Not looking at mirrors before turning or backing
In most pedestrian accidents, fault lies with the driver who failed to uphold their duty to share the road safely. Georgia law requires drivers to exercise care and watch for pedestrians, especially in marked crosswalks and residential areas. When they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause.
Decatur Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
How Insurance Companies Try to Reduce or Deny Pedestrian Claims
After a pedestrian accident, you might expect the driver’s insurance company to offer fair compensation—but unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. At Bader Scott, we’ve seen the tactics insurers use to minimize or deny valid personal injury claims. These include:
- Low settlement offers: These parties may offer you a quick settlement that seems helpful—but it’s often far less than what you truly deserve.
- Blaming pedestrians for their injuries: In some cases, they’ll try to shift blame onto you, claiming you were distracted, jaywalking, or outside of a crosswalk—even when the facts don’t support it.
- Tricking you: Insurance adjusters might also ask for recorded statements or full access to your medical records in an attempt to use your own words or unrelated health history against you.
You don’t have to face these strategies alone. Our Decatur pedestrian accident lawyers are experienced negotiators who deal with insurance companies every day. We know how to protect your rights, push back against bad-faith tactics, and fight for the full value of your claim. Before you sign anything or accept an offer, talk to us. We’re here to make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.
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Call Our Decatur Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Now to Take Legal Action
Moving forward, our Decatur pedestrian accident lawyers want to learn more about your case before we help you make any decisions. The more we understand your unique circumstances, the more advice we can give you about your legal options.
In some cases, a lawsuit will not be necessary. However, if your case calls for a lawsuit, our attorneys will gladly assist you during your fight for justice. To get started with your free consultation today, contact Bader Scott.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form