Every situation is different, so the steps you should take to keep yourself safe as a pedestrian in Georgia can vary from these suggestions. Be sure to evaluate what you need to do on a case-by-case basis.

Assess the Risk of Injury as a Pedestrian

People going around on foot have little if any physical protection from injury. If something crashes into you when you are out walking, you could sustain severe injuries. Let’s say that a car jumps the curb and hits a walker. The pedestrian could suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries, and the people in the vehicle could come through the accident without a scratch.

People on foot should assess their risks at all times. Some of the common dangers that pedestrians face includes

  • Drivers of motor vehicles who do not notice people on foot walking along the street, crossing the road, or in a crosswalk.
  • Drivers who leave the roadway and come up into the sidewalk because of a medical emergency, mechanical failure, collision with another vehicle, trying to avoid an accident, inattentiveness, or driving drunk.
  • People riding bicycles, mopeds, or motorcycles.
  • Animals, like stray dogs or pets not wearing a leash.
  • Hazards on the walking surface, like uneven pavement, debris, slick spots, and open utility hole covers.
  • Other pedestrians, including people who are running, riding skateboards, or not looking where they are going.

Staying Safe While Walking

In addition to knowing the risks pedestrians face when out walking, there are additional things you can do to stay safe as a pedestrian in Georgia:

Be vigilant. Put away the cell phone. This is no time to be texting, talking on the phone, taking photos, or playing with apps or games. You cannot take evasive action around a hazard if you are oblivious to it.

Be sober. Many pedestrians who get hurt are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and fall or walk out into the street, where they get hit by a car.

Use crosswalks and traffic signals, especially after dark or around dawn or dusk. You are more likely to become an injury statistic during those times. If you have to be on foot then, assume that drivers and other people cannot see you.

What to Do if You Get Hurt as a Pedestrian

After you get immediate medical attention, call a personal injury lawyer to protect your right to compensation. We investigate every pedestrian accident injury case we handle. We can collect the evidence we need to build and prove your claim.

The insurance company might try some sneaky tactics, like offering you a quick check for a paltry amount that does not begin to cover your losses. That check can be tempting, but it could cost you in the end.

If you have not yet completed all of your medical treatment and healed entirely, you do not know if you will need additional medical procedures, like surgery. Once you accept the settlement check, the insurance company will not pay you any more money, even if you have a stack of medical bills from later treatment.

Your personal injury lawyer can protect you by:

  • Dealing directly with the insurance adjuster so that you do not have to.
  • Protecting you from lowball settlements that can ruin you financially.
  • Gathering the documents like police reports and talking to witnesses.
  • Reviewing settlement documents to make sure that they are fair and reasonable.

Damages in Pedestrian Accidents

Every pedestrian accident is different. Your damages will depend on the facts of your situation. The damages in these cases can include things like:

Medical expenses: for the treatment you needed because of your injuries, including the ambulance, emergency room, surgery, hospital, doctors, diagnostic testing, and physical therapy.

Lost wages: to replace income that you lost because of your injuries, including wages, salary, self-employment, and other income.

Decreased earning potential: if your injuries cause you to be unable to make as much money as before the accident.

Disability: if you cannot maintain employment to support yourself because of the harm you sustained.

Long-term care: for people whose catastrophic injuries leave them in need of daily medical treatment and assistance with personal care.

Assistive equipment: that you need because of your injuries, for example, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, home modifications like wheelchair ramps, and adaptive vehicles.

Pain and suffering: for the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and inconvenience you experienced because of the accident.

How to Get Help for Your Pedestrian Injury Case in Georgia

We know that the laws about negligence, liability, and damages can be confusing. Do not worry. We will be happy to explain these legal issues and answer your questions. Just call the office of S. Burke Law today at 404-842-7838, and we will line up a free consultation for you. There is no obligation. Because our legal fees come out of the settlement or verdict, there are no upfront legal fees.