Struck by a Car While Walking in Georgia? Here’s What You Need to Know
Pedestrian accidents occur more frequently than many realize, especially in densely populated urban areas such as Alpharetta, where significant foot traffic can increase the risk of being involved in a car accident. If you’ve become an injured pedestrian, the consequences can be severe, including serious injuries, substantial medical bills, and emotional distress related to the legal and emotional implications of such incidents.
When a car hits a pedestrian, immediate medical attention is crucial to address the serious injuries that can result from the accident.
Many pedestrian accident victims suffer catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or serious internal injuries. Emergency room visits are a significant part of the healthcare-related financial burden faced by victims. Navigating interactions with an insurance company, or even your own insurance company, to recover medical expenses and lost wages can be challenging and frustrating.
This is why contacting an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer is critical following a pedestrian accident. At 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC, our dedicated personal injury lawyer team understands your situation and works tirelessly to protect your legal rights while helping you seek compensation for your injuries. If you’ve experienced a pedestrian accident, we’re here to help you pursue fair compensation and justice.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents
When exploring what happens if you get hit by a car while walking, it’s crucial to first understand why pedestrian accidents occur and what types of injuries are most common. Pedestrian accidents frequently result in serious injuries and significant challenges for accident victims and their families, especially when they must deal with complex interactions involving an insurance company or pursue a personal injury claim.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents can be traced back to driver negligence or reckless behaviors, such as:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating, or adjusting the radio)
- Drunk driving or impairment by drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs, such as stop signs or crosswalk indicators
- Speeding or aggressive driving, especially near crosswalks or intersections
- Poor visibility due to inadequate lighting or weather conditions
- Failure to yield to pedestrians, particularly in high foot traffic and busy urban areas
Both drivers and pedestrians must exercise reasonable care to prevent accidents. Negligence in exercising reasonable care can lead to accidents and complicate liability determinations.
Many pedestrian fatalities occur each year because negligent drivers fail to recognize or appropriately react to pedestrians in time, causing life-altering collisions and even wrongful death tragedies. Pedestrians also face significant risks from oncoming traffic, particularly during left-turn maneuvers where drivers may overlook them due to their focus on navigating through vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Common Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle typically sustain severe injuries due to their vulnerability and lack of protection. These common injuries can lead to long-lasting effects on the victims’ quality of life and substantial financial impact from medical treatment and rehabilitation costs. Some of the most common pedestrian injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Often caused by head impacts with vehicles or pavement, leading to lasting cognitive impairments and disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries: Potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis, drastically affecting quality of life.
- Broken bones and fractures: Common due to the force of impact, frequently requiring extensive medical treatment and physical therapy.
- Internal injuries: Including damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, and injuries that may not be immediately apparent at the accident scene.
- Neck injuries: Ranging from whiplash to severe cervical spine injuries, often requiring prolonged rehabilitation.
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Emotional and psychological impacts following the traumatic event, significantly affecting daily life.
Alarming statistics show that over 66,000 individuals require emergency medical treatment each year due to pedestrian injuries. Factors contributing to the increase in pedestrian injuries include the rise in pedestrian activity and distractions from both drivers and pedestrians.
The consequences of these injuries extend beyond initial emergency medical treatment and often result in significant long-term medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing medical care costs. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help injured pedestrians understand their legal rights and seek compensation from the at fault driver for both economic and non economic damages.
By clearly understanding these common causes and injury types associated with pedestrian accidents, victims are better equipped to take appropriate legal action and recover the fair compensation they deserve.
Legal Rights of Accident Victims
Understanding your legal rights after you’ve been hit by a car is crucial for ensuring you receive the fair compensation you deserve. Georgia law provides specific protections for pedestrian accident victims, allowing them to take legal action against the at fault driver and their insurance provider. Working with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer ensures your rights are fully represented and that you effectively navigate complex legal processes.
Right to File a Personal Injury Claim
As an injured pedestrian, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver responsible for your accident. Seeking legal counsel is crucial to help you recover compensation for damages. This claim allows you to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering, including future medical expenses associated with ongoing treatments or rehabilitation. Hiring experienced legal representation is essential for effectively recovering compensation, as it can significantly aid you in navigating the complexities of the legal process.
Right to Seek Compensation for Non-Economic Damages
In addition to economic costs, pedestrian accident victims are entitled to recover non economic damages. These damages include compensation for emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from the accident.
Right to Access Your Own Insurance Coverage
If the negligent driver does not carry sufficient insurance or is uninsured, you may have the right to file a claim under your own insurance company through your car insurance policy. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can assist you in navigating this type of claim effectively.
Right to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
When negotiations with the insurance company fail to provide adequate compensation, you have the legal right to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. This step may be necessary to hold the negligent party accountable and achieve a fair settlement or verdict in court.
Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim
In the tragic event that pedestrian fatalities occur, family members have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. This allows surviving family members to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, loss of future earnings, and emotional suffering caused by the loss of their loved one.
At 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC, our team, including skilled Georgia pedestrian accident lawyers and Alpharetta pedestrian accident lawyers, can guide you through each step of your claim. We offer a free consultation to help accident victims understand their rights and make informed decisions on pursuing their cases.
Dealing With the Insurance Company After a Pedestrian Accident
After being hit by a car, one of the most stressful parts of the aftermath is dealing with the insurance company—whether it’s the driver’s or your own insurance company. While you may expect them to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other medical expenses, insurance providers often work to minimize their payout rather than prioritize your recovery.
The Insurance Company Is Not On Your Side
Even if the driver was clearly at fault, that doesn’t mean the insurance provider will willingly offer a fair settlement. In many cases, pedestrian accident victims are pressured to accept quick, lowball offers before they even know the full extent of their injuries sustained or future medical expenses. Some insurers may attempt to:
- Shift blame to the pedestrian
- Undervalue the severity of your pedestrian injuries
- Request excessive medical records to delay the process
- Dispute the need for ongoing or specialized care
Police reports are crucial in investigating accidents and establishing negligence and liability, which can be vital for recovering damages.
Insurance companies are focused on their bottom line—not your best interest.
Your Own Insurance Company May Not Help Either
If the at fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to turn to your own insurance company for coverage. However, even then, your insurer may use the same tactics to avoid paying out the full value of your claim. Whether it’s coverage under your car insurance policy or another applicable benefit, insurers often try to reduce their financial responsibility—especially when catastrophic injuries or life threatening injuries are involved.
Why You Need Legal Representation
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to deal with insurance companies and protect your rights. At 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we handle all communications and negotiations with the insurer so you don’t have to. We understand their strategies, and we push back—ensuring you’re not pressured into settling for less than your case is worth.
Before giving a statement, signing anything, or accepting an offer, speak to a Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer. Protect yourself, your health, and your future by making sure the insurance company treats your claim with the seriousness it deserves.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia
Knowing what happens if you get hit by a car while walking can help you stay calm and protect your health, finances, and legal rights in the critical moments that follow. Whether you’ve suffered serious injuries, non fatal injuries, or witnessed a loved one suffer catastrophic injuries, taking the right steps immediately after a pedestrian accident can make a major difference in your recovery and your ability to seek compensation.
1. Call 911 and Seek Emergency Medical Treatment
Your safety comes first. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously hurt, it’s essential to get a full medical evaluation. Some internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even spinal cord injuries may not show symptoms right away. Emergency room visits are a significant part of the healthcare-related financial burden faced by victims, as they often involve immediate and ongoing medical expenses. Getting treatment creates critical medical records that can support your personal injury claim later.
2. Wait for Law Enforcement and File a Police Report
A formal police report will document how the accident happened, who was involved, and any visible injuries sustained. This report is often used as key evidence in a pedestrian accident lawsuit or when dealing with the insurance company. Make sure your version of events is clearly included.
3. Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicle, your injuries, traffic signals, and any relevant road conditions. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. This can help establish fault, especially if the driver was ignoring traffic signals, speeding, or suspected of drunk driving or distracted driving.
4. Avoid Giving Statements to the Insurance Company
Shortly after the accident, the insurance provider—either the driver’s or your own insurance company—may contact you for a statement. Do not speak to them or accept any settlement offers until you’ve consulted an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
5. Contact an Experienced Georgia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Before making any legal decisions, speak with a trusted Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer or Alpharetta pedestrian accident lawyer. At 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we provide a free consultation to review your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the next steps—whether it’s filing a wrongful death claim, recovering medical costs, or pursuing non economic damages for emotional trauma like post traumatic stress disorder.
Taking these steps helps preserve your case and gives you the best chance of recovering the fair compensation you deserve.
The Legal Process After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, understanding the legal process is essential for protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, medical expenses, or time away from work, having an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer on your side can make the process more manageable and less stressful. Pedestrian accidents blog posts often offer safety tips, legal advice, recent accident news, and guidance on managing the aftermath of such incidents, making them valuable resources.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Schedule a free consultation with a qualified Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer to review your case and understand your options
- Your attorney will investigate the accident by gathering evidence such as the police report, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and your medical records
- The law firm will assess liability by identifying the at fault driver, evaluating driver behavior like distracted driving, drunk driving, or ignoring traffic signals
- A personal injury claim will be filed with the appropriate insurance company or a pedestrian accident lawsuit may be initiated if necessary
- Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance provider to seek fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, non economic damages, and future medical expenses
- If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial where your pedestrian accident attorney will advocate for maximum recovery in court
Throughout the process, your legal team at 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC will handle all communication with the insurance company, build a strong case, and fight for the full amount you’re entitled to.
Why Work With 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of pedestrian accident victims across Georgia, including those involved in Alpharetta pedestrian accidents. With years of experience handling complex pedestrian accident claims, our team understands how to fight back against negligent drivers and aggressive insurance companies. Our extensive experience in helping victims recover compensation for damages underscores our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
Here’s why working with our firm gives you a clear advantage:
- We have a proven track record representing victims of car accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and pedestrian injuries
- Our team includes seasoned Georgia pedestrian accident lawyers and Alpharetta pedestrian accident lawyers who know local laws and traffic patterns
- We provide personalized legal strategies tailored to the details of your accident scene and injuries sustained
- We handle all communication with the insurance provider, so you can focus on recovery instead of paperwork and negotiations
- We aggressively pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, medical expenses, and non economic damages
- We’re not afraid to take your pedestrian accident lawsuit to court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement
- We offer a free consultation, so you can get answers and clarity with no upfront cost
Hiring experienced legal representation is crucial for effectively recovering compensation. Pedestrian accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, long-term health complications, and even wrongful death. Don’t face this difficult journey alone. Let 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC help you recover, rebuild, and move forward with confidence.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC Today
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while walking, don’t wait to take action. Pedestrian accidents can lead to overwhelming medical bills, lasting serious injuries, and emotional trauma that affects every aspect of your life. At 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Our experienced team understands how to handle complex personal injury claims involving pedestrian injuries, and we’re committed to standing up to any insurance company that tries to minimize your losses. Whether you’re dealing with lost wages, future medical expenses, or a potential wrongful death claim, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us review your case, explain your legal rights, and help you take the first step toward recovery. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building a strong case on your behalf.
Call 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, PLLC now at 678-635-9939.
