Any motor vehicle accident can cause severe injuries to those involved. However, crashes involving pedestrians tend to have devastating consequences, even at low speeds. Victims may need significant medical treatment and time off from work during their recovery, which can pose a financial burden in addition to their physical and emotional suffering.
If you were hit by an irresponsible driver, speaking with a Macon pedestrian accident lawyer should be your top priority after obtaining the necessary medical treatment. Guidance from a seasoned personal injury attorney can be invaluable throughout the legal process. At the Gunn Law Group, we could assist with collecting relevant evidence, building a solid case, and demanding fair restitution for every past and future repercussion of your injuries.
What Makes a Driver Negligent?
Every driver in Georgia assumes a legal duty to act responsibly and follow the law from the moment they get behind the wheel. Holding someone liable for a pedestrian accident generally requires proving another person violated this duty by acting recklessly or carelessly and directly caused physical injury as a result. This constitutes legal negligence.
Negligent behavior can be an overtly illegal act, such as a traffic violation, or simply a momentary lapse in concentration. Either way, if a driver acted negligently in some way that directly caused a crash, they could be held financially accountable for every negative consequence of that accident. Support from a seasoned Macon attorney could be essential in demonstrating a causal link between a driver’s misconduct and a pedestrian’s injuries.
Recovering Damages after a Macon Pedestrian Accident
A successful pedestrian accident claim may allow recovery for both economic and non-economic damages caused by that incident, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost work income and/or ability to work
- Personal property damage
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Lost consortium
- Physical and psychological suffering
Partial Negligence in Pedestrian Injury Claims
Importantly, a plaintiff can only recover the full value of their damages if they can prove their named defendant was 100 percent at fault for the accident. If a court finds that an injured person is partially to blame for causing or exacerbating their own losses, the court may reduce their available compensation accordingly. If they are 50 percent or more at fault compared to all defendants combined, an injured pedestrian may be prohibited from recovering any compensation.
Statute of Limitations after Being Hit by a Car
Furthermore, the Official Code of Georgia §9-3-33 gives prospective plaintiffs two years after an accident to file suit over ensuing losses. There are few exceptions for specific circumstances. Working with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in the area could be vital to understanding and navigating these potential legal roadblocks.
Seek Help from a Macon Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Each year, many people sustain traumatic and preventable injuries because drivers do not operate their vehicles carefully. If you were injured after being hit by a negligent driver, proactively demanding fair financial recovery could be essential to protecting your physical wellbeing and long-term prospects.
A conversation with a Macon pedestrian accident lawyer could offer much-needed clarity about your rights and filing options. Schedule a consultation by calling the Gunn Law Group today.