People need to feel secure while walking. However, pedestrian accidents on the road cause a lot of danger and sadness for many people. If a person does not wear safety gear, being hit by a vehicle can cause very severe injuries. Consequently such accidents may cause healthcare costs, serious injuries and sometimes long-lasting injuries.
Being aware of what leads to these accidents and knowing your next steps can greatly help.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Can Be Very Dangerous
If a vehicle crashes into a person, the injury can be very serious, even if the vehicle was traveling slowly. Victims often suffer:
- Head and brain-related problems
- Broken bones
- Injuries to the spinal cord
- Emotional distress
Places where the roads are congested such as cities and developed suburbs, notice more accidents. Some victims find they continue to struggle with recovery for a long time.
What Causes These Accidents to Happen?
Drivers not being aware of pedestrians is the main cause of most accidents. That is not the only explanation though. The following are some of the primary causes of this:
- Using a phone or sending messages while driving
- Driving at a high rate of speed when going through intersections
- Not giving to pedestrians at marked crosswalks
- Disregarding traffic signals or warning signs to stop
- The absence of crosswalks or poorly lit streets
It’s possible for pedestrians to make mistakes and one of these is trying to cross where it isn’t allowed. Even if a pedestrian has some blame for the accident, Georgia’s laws may let them receive part of the awarded damages.
Recommendations for Mindset in the Minutes after an Accident
Should you or someone you know be hit, please follow this list of steps:
- Go to the hospital or a clinic right away. There are injuries that are not easy to see right away.
- If it is safe, capture photos of the crash, any injuries and the vehicle.
- Get the name and phone number of the driver and of any people who witnessed the accident.
- Report what happened to the police. Any court or legal case may be influenced by the official record.
- Reach out to a lawyer who is experienced with legal issues dealing with marriages and finance.
Reasons to Work with a Legal Professional
It is not easy to manage injury claims when people are walking. There are a variety of things you can deal with:
- Companies focusing on paying less to settle insurance claims
- Shifting responsibility to other people
- A delay in collecting evidence means there may be no proof
Fighting these cases effectively is what a good lawyer is skilled at doing. Reports, your medical files and footage from traffic cameras are all used to assist you. They are there to prevent you from being tricked into anything.
Time Your Decision Sensibly
You are allowed two years from the accident to file a claim in Georgia. If you miss the set deadline, you could forgo any compensation.
Being early means:
- Your lawyer can go and get more evidence.
- Access to witnesses is more convenient.
- Clients can win over insurance firms by using their strategies.
Getting the Right Assistance
Getting better after pedestrian accidents call for more than time—it needs professional help. A lawyer who has worked on similar cases can show you how to proceed, defend your rights and let you take care of yourself.
Find someone to walk along with you. Support can make you ready to make your next move with faith in yourself.
