404-636-4900 We have seen how pedestrian accidents often involve severe injuries and challenging financial burdens, making it critical for victims and their families to recover compensation. Deming Parker brings over 50 years of legal expertise in handling personal injury cases for people all over Georgia. Our team of lawyers in Macon is committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve, ensuring a smoother path to recovery.
What Our Macon Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Do for You
After a pedestrian accident, the road to compensation certainly seems daunting. Our attorneys are here to navigate this journey with you through each step, explaining legal processes in clear, understandable language. We offer:
- A thorough investigation of the accident to gather crucial evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
- Expert negotiation with insurance companies to ensure a fair settlement that covers your medical bills lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Legal representation in court, if necessary, to advocate for your rights and defend your interests.
According to Ride Safe Georgia, from 2008 onwards the rate of pedestrian deaths in Georgia has steadily increased. But don’t let the burden of navigating the legal system hinder your recovery – we can help you file a claim and secure fair compensation.
Our team of personal injury lawyers in Macon understands what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Our goal, always, is to alleviate the stress of the legal process and handle all the legal aspects of your case on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing.
Who is at Fault After a Pedestrian Accident? You May Be Entitled to Compensation
In Georgia, victims of pedestrian accidents are entitled to seek compensation for injuries resulting from someone else’s negligence. This includes scenarios like car accidents or truck accidents where the driver’s negligence led to your injuries, as well as premises liability cases where the owner’s negligence caused an accident on their premises.
According to the Georgia Code § 51-1-2, negligence refers to the failure to exercise the level of care that an ordinarily prudent person would under similar circumstances. This includes not taking the necessary precautions to ensure safety, leading to harm or damage to others.
If you believe your accident was caused by negligence, you may have a personal injury case. Here, determining fault is a critical step in pursuing compensation. In pedestrian accidents, various parties may be held liable depending on the nature of the accident, including:
Drivers
Distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, or driving under the influence are common causes of pedestrian accidents.
Government Entities
Poor road maintenance, missing crosswalks, or inadequate lighting contribute to accidents, potentially holding local government entities responsible.
Property Owners
Uneven sidewalks, unmarked hazards, or obstructed views on private property can lead to liability for the owner.
Pedestrians
When they jaywalk or ignore crosswalk signals, they may be partially or fully at fault for the accident.
Successfully claiming compensation involves navigating a complex legal landscape, a task made easier with the support of experienced personal injury attorneys. At Deming Parker, we can thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence to prove liability, and then build a strong case that gets you compensated.
Determining the Types of Damages You May Be Able to Claim – Don’t Settle for Less
According to Georgia Code § 51-12-1, victims of pedestrian accidents are entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Physical Injuries
This covers the costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any ongoing healthcare needs resulting from the accident. It aims to financially compensate the victim for the medical expenses that arose from their injuries.
Emotional Distress
You can also seek compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other forms of emotional turmoil. These damages recognize the non-physical consequences of pedestrian accidents, which can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
Punitive Damages
Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse the victim, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or harmful behavior. Awarded in cases of gross negligence, these damages serve as a deterrent against future misconduct.
According to Georgia Code § 51-12-5.1, there is a general cap of $250,000 on punitive damages. It’s important to note that, while punitive damages have a cap, there are no caps on the amount you can receive for compensatory damages in pedestrian accident cases in Georgia.
This means there is no legal limit to the compensation you can receive for physical injuries and emotional distress. Here, the expertise the attorneys at Deming Parker bring to the table allows you to address the full extent of your damages through the legal process.
The Process of Pursuing Compensation Following a Pedestrian Accident in Macon
Step 1: Investigation and Evidence Collection
First, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, which involves collecting all available evidence that can support your claim (such as photos of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, and medical records detailing your injuries).
This stage is crucial for building a strong foundation for your case, as it establishes the facts and determines liability.
Step 2: Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Once we’ve gathered sufficient evidence, the next step involves negotiating with insurance companies. Here, our goal is to reach a fair settlement that adequately covers your damages without the need for a trial.
The personal injury lawyers at Deming Parker are trained to effectively communicate and negotiate with insurers, using the collected evidence to justify the compensation amount we’re seeking. Our expertise ensures you aren’t pressured into accepting a settlement that falls short of covering your total losses.
Step 3: Litigation
When negotiations don’t result in a satisfactory settlement, the case may proceed to litigation. This involves filing a lawsuit and possibly going to trial.
During litigation, both sides present their evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury makes a final decision on compensation. Litigation can be a longer process, but it may be necessary to secure the full compensation you’re entitled to under Georgia’s law.
Throughout each of these steps, having skilled legal representation is invaluable. We will advocate on your behalf and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.
The Benefits of Having a Lawyer for a Pedestrian Accident in Macon – Request a Free Initial Consultation
The road to recovery can be long and challenging, but you don’t have to walk alone. Deming Parker’s proven track record demonstrates our commitment to securing maximum compensation in your pursuit of justice. As our case results show, we’ve achieved multi-million dollar settlements in vehicle accident cases over the five decades of experience we have in Georgia.
Our dedicated team of lawyers in Macon is here to take care of every little detail of the legal process and guide you through every step of the way. To discuss your case and explore your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation. Plus, there’s no fee unless we win your case!
