If you’re facing a difficult journey toward recovery after a pedestrian accident in Savannah, do know that it’s possible to recover a compensation amount that covers the full extent of your injuries and other losses.
At Deming Parker, we’ve been providing effective legal support to those affected by personal injuries since 1974. Our experienced attorneys at the Savannah office work diligently to simplify the legal process for you, aiming to secure the compensation you need for recovery and striving to ensure a smoother path to your financial and personal repair.
Meet Our Savannah Pedestrian Accident Attorneys: We Can Help You Seek Compensation
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Savannah, a personal injury lawyer can be instrumental in your journey toward recovery and compensation. Our team is equipped to navigate the complexities of Georgia’s personal injury law, ensuring your rights are upheld throughout the process and that you can solve your case as quickly and effectively as possible.
In pedestrian accident cases, our lawyers start by thoroughly assessing your case, gathering evidence, and building a strong claim on your behalf. Then, we’ll negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
If necessary, we are also prepared to represent you in court, advocating for your interests and striving for the compensation you need to move forward with your life. A lawyer’s expertise not only provides a pathway to financial recovery but also offers peace of mind during a challenging time.
Determining Liability in Savannah Pedestrian Accident Cases
In pedestrian accident cases in Savannah, you need to pinpoint who is at fault to pursue legal action. And to determine liability, first it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the traffic laws that apply to your case.
For example, the Georgia Code § 40-6-91 articulates the right of way in crosswalks, according to which drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. So, if a pedestrian is struck by a car or a motorcycle that fails to yield the right of way, that pedestrian will be able to claim compensation for negligence.
A personal injury attorney plays a vital role in interpreting and applying this and other state-specific and nationwide laws to your specific case. Then, a lawyer determines fault by meticulously investigating the incident and gathering evidence to build a strong case.
By identifying the liable party (whether it’s a driver’s failure to yield or other factors), your attorney can effectively advocate for your rights and work towards securing the compensation you need for recovery and moving forward with your life.
Securing Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident in Savannah
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a significant number of pedestrian fatalities in 2021 (totaling 7,388 deaths), underscoring the severity and frequency of these incidents. In Georgia, where these accidents are sadly far too common, victims of pedestrian accidents have the right to claim compensation when another party’s negligence or wrongful action is responsible for their injuries.
Compensation refers to the financial restitution a victim can receive for the losses and damages suffered due to the accident. This includes situations where a driver fails to yield at a crosswalk, is distracted, or violates traffic laws, leading to an accident. The types of compensation available to personal injury victims in Georgia include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
Quantifying Damages in Savannah Pedestrian Accident Cases
When pursuing compensation for a pedestrian accident, a personal injury attorney will quantify the damages incurred by committing to a comprehensive evaluation of both economic and non-economic losses. This may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs related to the accident.
Our team works closely with medical professionals, financial experts, and other specialists to accurately assess the full impact of the accident on your life, ensuring your claim reflects the true extent of your damages and thus allowing you to receive fair compensation for your losses.
Comprehensive Pedestrian Injury Compensation
At Deming Parker, we understand that every aspect of your life can be affected after a pedestrian accident, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. This compensation not only addresses immediate expenses but also accounts for long-term impacts on your health and livelihood:
Past and Future Medical Expenses
Medical expenses following a pedestrian accident can be substantial and far-reaching. Immediate costs may include emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays. However, the financial impact often extends beyond these initial treatments. Future medical expenses might involve ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, and regular check-ups to monitor recovery progress. It’s crucial that your compensation covers these future medical needs to ensure you receive the continuous care necessary for your full recovery.
Types of Income Losses
Injuries from pedestrian accidents frequently result in time away from work, leading to significant income losses. Compensation can include:
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for the income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
- Loss of earning capacity: If the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, compensation should cover the difference between your previous earning potential and your reduced capacity to earn in the future.
- Benefits and bonuses: Any lost benefits or missed opportunities for bonuses due to the accident should also be considered.
These forms of compensation are crucial in maintaining your financial stability while you recover from your injuries.
Possible Non-Economic Damages
In addition to economic losses, non-economic damages address the broader impact of the accident on your life. These may include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the injuries.
- Emotional trauma: Addressing psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities and hobbies you once loved, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Non-economic damages recognize that the consequences of an accident extend beyond the tangible financial losses, affecting your overall quality of life. We are committed to helping you meticulously calculate and pursue all forms of compensation to ensure your financial needs are met both now and in the future.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result from various factors, many of which involve driver negligence or unsafe driving behaviors. In our experience, common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Impaired driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Poor visibility
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Failing to signal while turning
- Disobeying traffic signs or signals
- Not respecting crosswalks
As your legal representatives, we’ll scrutinize every party involved to determine any breached regulations.
Types of Injuries
It’s clear to us that pedestrian accidents have a more significant impact on those on foot compared to individuals protected inside their vehicles. Some common injuries pedestrians can sustain in their personal injury claims include:
- Fractures and broken bones: Often caused by the impact of the vehicle or the ground, resulting in significant pain and long recovery times.
- Head injuries: Including concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures, which can have lasting effects on cognitive function and quality of life.
- Spinal cord injuries: Resulting in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a person’s lifestyle and requiring lifelong care.
- Lacerations and abrasions: Deep cuts and scrapes that may require stitches or surgical intervention and can lead to significant scarring and infection.
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing chronic pain and limiting mobility.
- Psychological trauma: Emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the accident, affecting mental health and well-being.
At Deming Parker, we are dedicated to helping you recover compensation for your injuries to support your medical treatment and overall recovery. Our commitment is to ensure that victims receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives, as you can see in our case results. We encourage you to discuss the specific circumstances surrounding your case to get tailored legal advice.
Legal Routes Following a Pedestrian Accident in Savannah
After a pedestrian accident in Savannah, understanding your legal options is essential for a successful claim. The specifics of each case always determine the course of action, so it’s important to discuss this with a lawyer. However, the two most common pathways for victims include negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing litigation.
Key to this process is the statute of limitations set by Georgia Code § 9-3-33, which defines the time frame of two years from the day of the accident for taking legal action. Adhering to these timelines is crucial to uphold your rights and avoid the possibility of recovering compensation.
The Legal Process of Pursuing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Savannah
If you have a pedestrian accident case, don’t wait to claim your right to compensation and justice. When you pursue a pedestrian accident claim, these are the steps you can expect in the process:
Step 1: Case Evaluation and Investigation
The initial step is a thorough evaluation and investigation of the case. This process includes gathering evidence like accident scene photos, witnesses’ testimonies, and medical records. It also entails assessing the case’s strength and identifying all involved parties to determine the most effective legal strategy.
Step 2: Determining Liability and Damages
The next step is proving liability, which involves analyzing the collected evidence to establish the facts of the accident and identify who is at fault. Additionally, it is essential to accurately calculate damages to designate the accident’s impact on your life and seek fair compensation.
Step 3: Negotiation and Litigation
This stage includes negotiating with the other party’s insurance company to secure a settlement that justly compensates you for the losses incurred. If a settlement isn’t reached, the case will probably proceed to court, where your lawyer will present a compelling argument considering the evidence, actions of all parties, and applicable laws.
Why You Need a Savannah Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The support of a skilled personal injury attorney in Savannah is crucial to confidently navigating the legal system and achieving a fair outcome. With their expertise, your rights are safeguarded, and your interests are effectively represented throughout the whole legal process.
At Deming Parker, we offer an initial free consultation to victims so that they understand the available legal options and ask all the questions they need. So, if you want to discuss your pedestrian accident case with our experienced lawyers, please feel free to contact us today.
Savannah Office
22 Barnard Street, Suite 240 Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: 912-527-2000