If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Waycross, GA, you could be entitled to compensation from the driver who struck you for your medical expenses and other damages. Contact (229) 386-1376 to speak with the Waycross pedestrian accident lawyers at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers.
We have decades of combined experience handling pedestrian accident cases in Georgia. We’ve recovered tens of millions for our clients and intend to recover even more for injured victims like you.
Why Choose The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to Handle My Pedestrian Accident Case?
Pedestrian accidents in Waycross, Georgia, are tragic. But they don’t have to be the end of the story. If you were struck by a vehicle, our Waycross pedestrian accident attorneys can help you get justice. The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is a go-to firm for car accident victims in the region.
Clients choose our distinguished law firm because:
- We have nearly 20 years of experience handling motor vehicle and personal injury cases.
- We are one of the most accomplished trial firms in the region, with one of the most experienced civil trial lawyers in South Georgia on our team.
- We provide personalized client service, treating you like a family member and neighbor.
- Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney, which gives us an edge against insurance companies.
- We offer contingency fees and free case reviews.
Call today to schedule a free case review with our skilled Waycross personal injury lawyers. We’re here to help you set things right after your collision.
What Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth in Waycross?
Unfortunately, there is no automatic settlement amount for pedestrian accident claims. Every case is unique and depends on numerous factors that cannot be input into simple formulas or calculators.
Some of the factors that may influence the value of your claim include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of your required medical treatment
- The length of your recovery
- Your future medical needs
- Whether you are able to return to work, and in what capacity
- Available insurance coverages
- Whether liability is disputed or shared among multiple parties
- Whether you are being blamed for the accident
Pedestrian accident claims often have high values due to the serious nature of these collisions. Pedestrians are no match for steel-framed vehicles and routinely suffer catastrophic and disabling injuries when struck.
The best way to determine the value of your case is to speak with an experienced Waycross personal injury attorney.
What Compensation Can I Seek After a Pedestrian Collision in Georgia?
To address the hardships resulting from a pedestrian accident, victims may seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim. Economic damages address your financial losses, while non-economic damages cover more personal, subjective losses.
Potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Hospitalization expenses
- Surgical costs
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Prescription medication expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Tragically, pedestrian accidents often result in fatalities. In these instances, surviving family members may also be entitled to pursue wrongful death damages under Georgia law. These include, but are not limited to, funeral expenses, lost companionship, and loss of financial support.
Additionally, punitive damages are sometimes available in pedestrian accident cases, particularly those caused by a drunk driver. These damages punish the driver rather than compensate you for losses. But they aren’t always awarded.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Most pedestrian accident cases are handled through contingency fee agreements. Under a contingency fee arrangement, you generally do not pay any upfront attorney’s fees. Instead, the attorney’s fee is merely a percentage of any settlement or verdict obtained on the client’s behalf. The exact percentage used varies from case to case.
This structure allows injured pedestrians to pursue legal representation regardless of their current financial circumstances. The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers offers contingency fees in all personal injury cases.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia?
Georgia law does not automatically prevent an injured person from pursuing a claim simply because they share some degree of fault.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this rule, you may typically still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, any compensation awarded will generally be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian suffers $100,000 in damages but is found 33% responsible for the collision, the potential recovery could be reduced to $77,000.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to use comparative negligence arguments to minimize payouts in pedestrian accident cases. They may claim a pedestrian was distracted or crossed outside a designated crosswalk, etc. But these things aren’t always true. An experienced attorney can help you understand how shared fault affects your claim.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Waycross, GA
Because pedestrians have little protection against the force of a moving vehicle, the injuries suffered in these accidents are often severe. In the most serious cases, the effects of a pedestrian accident can last a lifetime.
We regularly represent clients who have suffered the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Skull fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Pelvic and hip injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Road rash
- Facial injuries
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
Many pedestrian accidents result in multiple injuries, not just one. The worst collisions regularly result in fatalities.
If you suffered these or other injuries due to being hit by a car or truck, you could have a personal injury claim. These claims may offer you the best chance to recover fair compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia?
Most pedestrian accidents occur because a driver fails to exercise reasonable care in areas where pedestrians are walking or crossing the street. Most of these accidents are preventable and can be traced back to negligence.
Common causes of pedestrian collisions in Waycross include:
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are texting, using navigation systems, or otherwise distracted may fail to see pedestrians until it is too late.
Failure to Yield
Georgia law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in many situations. Unfortunately, drivers may ignore or travel carelessly through crosswalks, intersections, and pedestrian right-of-ways.
Speeding
Speed is a common factor in pedestrian collisions that cause catastrophic injury or death.
Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment can affect a driver’s judgment and coordination. Impaired drivers often fail to recognize pedestrians until a collision becomes unavoidable.
Poor Visibility
Pedestrian accidents frequently occur at night or in poorly lit areas. But drivers still have a duty to operate their vehicles safely under these conditions.
Backing-Up Accidents
Parking lots are a common site for pedestrian collisions. In these crashes, drivers regularly fail to check their surroundings before reversing.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia?
In most cases, Georgia’s statute of limitations usually gives injured pedestrian accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims are also generally subject to a two-year filing deadline.
Missing the applicable statute of limitations is a critical mistake and may cost you the right to recover compensation in court. That’s why you should seek legal guidance as soon as possible after a collision.
Contact an Experienced Waycross Pedestrian Accident Attorney to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Waycross, you deserve accountability. The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you get it in the form of fair financial compensation. We have decades of experience helping motor vehicle accident victims; we can help you, too.
Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Waycross pedestrian accident attorney. We can review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward securing the financial recovery you deserve.