When pedestrians and vehicles cross paths, nothing good can happen. Often, careless drivers are to blame for pedestrian injuries. If you were hurt, call a lawyer so you can get fair compensation.
While people often think of places like crosswalks when they think of pedestrian accidents, they can happen in all kinds of places. Crosswalks, parking garages, lots, and even sidewalks are just a few possible accident zones. Getting compensation might be possible through several legal channels. While many pedestrians file claims with insurance, insurance is not always available, and lawsuits might be necessary for compensation. We need witnesses, video footage, photos, and any other evidence we can gather to get the financial compensation you deserve. You should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible because a lot of money might be on the line.
To discuss your case in a free initial review with our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers, call (844) 876-4357 and talk to our team at Howe Law.
How and Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Canton, GA?
When we think about a pedestrian being injured by a negligent driver, certain places and factors tend to spring to mind. We might often think about pedestrians jaywalking or otherwise darting out into the street. In reality, many pedestrian accidents happen in places where pedestrians have the right to be, and drivers are the ones who disregard their safety.
Many pedestrian accidents happen when people are crossing the street. Not all crosswalks are the same, and this sometimes creates confusion for drivers. Some crosswalks have lighted signals that tell drivers to stop and pedestrians to go. Other crosswalks have no lighted signals at all, and drivers must be vigilant and yield to any pedestrians. If you were hit by a car while crossing the street, talk to your lawyer about any lighted signals or other signage in the area that might indicate that the driver was negligent.
Parking lots are somewhat surprisingly common places for pedestrian accidents. Not only are drivers circling parking lots all the time, but many pedestrians are walking to and from their own vehicles. Parking lots also tend to have minimal lines on the pavement directing traffic. As such, pedestrians are often hit by cars in parking garages or lots. Even though drivers in these places tend to move slower, they can still cause serious harm.
Certain causational factors tend to come up in many pedestrian accidents. For example, many accidents unfortunately involve alcohol or controlled substances. When drivers veer off the road and crash into pedestrians, they are often under the influence. This explains why they lost control of their vehicle so suddenly. Speed is another common factor. Often, drivers are not paying attention, and by the time they realize they are approaching a street full of crossing pedestrians, they are going too fast to stop.
How You Can Get Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident in Canton, GA
After an accident involving a vehicle, you may be able to file a third-party claim with the other driver’s auto insurance. This applies even to pedestrian accidents where the injured victim was not driving or even in a vehicle. This process goes the same as in typical car accidents. You need evidence of the crash that shows how the other driver is responsible. Otherwise, the insurance company might deny your claim.
Unfortunately, insurance often does not provide for us when we need it. Insurance companies tend to be loyal only to their bottom line. If this is the case, our pedestrian accident lawyers can help you sue the other driver in a civil claim for damages.
The lawsuit is similar to the insurance claim, at least to a certain extent. In either circumstance, you need evidence of the other driver’s fault. However, lawsuits often involve much more complex and in-depth procedures and rules. Plaintiffs are sometimes frustrated because stringent evidentiary rules and standards prevent them from presenting certain types of evidence, even when they believe that evidence is helpful.
Remember, you do not have to file an insurance claim before you file a lawsuit. People often file the insurance claim while also preparing a lawsuit at the same time. Others only file the lawsuit because insurance is unavailable. Talk to your lawyer about which method works best for you.
Evidence You Need for a Canton, GA Pedestrian Accident Claim
The evidence available in your case may depend on where and how your pedestrian accident occurred. For example, if you were hit by a car in a parking garage or parking lot, security cameras might have been watching. We might be able to find video footage of the accident, which can be very persuasive to a jury.
If others were present during the accident, they might testify as witnesses. The more they saw and the clearer their memories, the more important witnesses’ testimony might be. Your own testimony is also crucial. Only you can testify about things like your pain, suffering, and other personal experiences.
One thing that defendants often dispute is how hard they hit the defendant with their car. Often, defendants say they only bumped the plaintiff. Your medical records might show otherwise. Often, medical records can be used to show injuries consistent with a much harsher accident.
What Your Damages and Injuries Are Worth in a Canton, GA Pedestrian Accident Case
Damages in pedestrian accidents are often high, as they reflect the severity of the plaintiff’s painful injuries. Of course, we should account for all your medical costs. If your injuries need more extensive treatment, your bills are likely very high. Many people report incurring thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in medical debt after a collision.
Some damages do not cost money at all. The physical pain and psychological distress from the accident are not exactly expensive but still take an enormous toll on plaintiffs. If we can describe to the jury how much you have suffered, they might award significant damages for your non-economic injuries.
Call Our Canton, GA Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for Help Now
To discuss your case in a free initial review with our pedestrian accident lawyers, call (844) 876-4357 and talk to our team at Howe Law.
