If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need an experienced Gainesville pedestrian accident attorney on your side. Our team at H Groves Law has over twenty years of combined experience. We know what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Gainesville car accident lawyers today and learn how we can help you get the money you need to cover your lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake – let us fight for you.
Schedule a free consultation with H Groves Law today!
What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Most pedestrian accidents could be avoided if drivers were more careful. Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Georgia.
Failure to Yield Right of Way
Drivers are supposed to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are crossing the street at a crosswalk. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to do this, resulting in pedestrian accidents.
Speeding
Speeding is a major factor in pedestrian accidents. When drivers are going too fast, they have less time to react to pedestrians who may be crossing the street. In the worst-case scenario, speeding drivers may even strike pedestrians with enough force to cause fatal injuries.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk or impaired drivers are a danger to everyone on the road, including pedestrians. These drivers are more likely to hit pedestrians than sober drivers. DUI pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries or death.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can be a factor in pedestrian accidents, especially at night. If a driver can’t see a pedestrian, they may be unable to avoid an accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major problem on our roads today. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road are more likely to hit pedestrians.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Being involved in a pedestrian accident is frightening and overwhelming. Here are the steps you should take to protect your health and your right to seek compensation.
Call the Police
After a pedestrian accident, you should call the police so that they can file a report. This report can be used as evidence in your case. Moreover, the police can help to gather witness statements and other important evidence. Always call 911 if you have serious injuries.
Exchange Info and Gather Evidence if You Can
If you don’t need immediate medical care, try to get the name, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information of the driver who hit you. Take photos and videos of the accident scene and get the contact information of witnesses.
Seek Medical Assistance Immediately
Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. It’s important to get a full medical evaluation to ensure that you receive the treatment you need.
Make sure to keep track of all your medical bills, records, and expenses related to the accident. This will be important evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Do Not Discuss Fault
You should not discuss fault with the other driver or their insurance company. Anything you say could be used against you later on. Let us handle all communications with the other party. If the other party’s insurance company insists on speaking with you, politely decline and refer them to us.
Contact a Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents can be complex, so it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. You can focus on your recovery while our team at H Groves Law handles the rest.
How Do You Determine Liability in a Pedestrian Accident in Gainesville?
To hold the defendant liable for a pedestrian accident in Gainesville, Georgia, your attorney must prove the four elements of negligence.
Duty of Care
The first step is to establish that the driver owed the pedestrian a duty of care. In other words, did the driver have a responsibility to avoid causing harm to the pedestrian?
In general, drivers owe a duty of care to everyone on the road, including pedestrians. However, there are some situations where the driver may not be held responsible. For example, if the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk or was crossing against the light, the driver may not be held liable.
Breach of Duty
The next step is to determine whether the driver breached the duty of care. In other words, did the driver do something that a reasonable person would not have done in the same situation?
If the driver was speeding, driving under the influence, or otherwise acting negligently, they may be found to have breached their duty of care.
Causation
The next step is to establish whether the driver’s actions were the actual cause of the accident. Would the accident have happened even if the driver had not been negligent?
If the answer is no, then the driver may be held liable for the accident. It can be tricky to establish causation, which is why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer with expertise in pedestrian accidents.
Damages
Finally, it must be shown that the pedestrian suffered some type of harm as a result of the accident. This could be physical injuries, medical bills, or property damage. If the pedestrian can prove that they suffered damages, they may be entitled to compensation from the driver.
How Can a Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help Me?
Our pedestrian accident lawyers at H Groves Law will help you at every step of the legal process. Here’s how.
Case Preparation
It’s essential to work with an experienced lawyer who can help you prepare your pedestrian accident case. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case for liability. This prep work is essential to the success of your claim. Without it, you may have trouble proving that the driver was at fault for the accident.
Settlement Negotiations
Once your case is prepared, we will enter into settlement negotiations with the insurance company. The goal of these negotiations is to reach an agreement on the amount of compensation that you will receive.
We will fight for a fair settlement that covers all of your damages, including your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you try to handle the case on your own, the insurance company may take advantage of you.
Trial Preparation & Representation
Most cases are resolved with an out-of-court settlement, so you likely won’t have to go to trial. However, if the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, our lawyers may recommend taking the case to trial.
If your case goes to trial, we will be by your side every step of the way. We will handle all of the necessary trial prep work and represent you in court.
Is There a Deadline to File Pedestrian Injury Claims in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file a claim within two years from the date of the pedestrian accident. If you don’t, you will likely be barred from recovery.
There are some exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer. You may have more time to file if you were a minor at the time of the accident.
How Much Will a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
At H Groves Law Firm, we work on a contingency basis. This means you don’t have to pay us unless we win your case. We also offer a free initial consultation, so there’s no risk in speaking with us about your case.
Our reputable lawyers will give you an honest assessment and let you know the next steps. Also, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll talk to a practicing attorney when you get in touch with us. Through this, you’ll have the guidance and protection you need from the start.
Get Help From Our Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers!
H Groves Law is the leading pedestrian accident law firm in Gainesville, Georgia. We have a proven track record of success, and we’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of pedestrian accident victims.
We don’t see you as just another case number. We see you as a human being who deserves justice. Considering all the sleepless nights thinking about lost wages, mounting medical bills, and the pain and suffering caused by the accident, you need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who can best represent you in court.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, we can help. At H Groves Law, our experienced Gainesville pedestrian accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at (770) 329-1868 or fill out our online form. We represent clients in Gainesville, GA, and throughout Hall County.
