Pedestrian Accidents Attorney in Macon & Savannah, Georgia

According to statistics from Georgia Traffic Safety Facts, there were 2,183 traffic-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits involving pedestrians statewide in 2020. The resulting impact of accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians is usually devastating. The foot-traveler may suffer minor or severe injuries, soft tissue injuries, broken bones, TBIs, internal bleeding, or sometimes death.  

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a pedestrian accident involving a negligent driver, you may be entitled to pursue damages through injury claims. At The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C., we enjoy providing help to victims of pedestrian accidents and their families in their personal injury cases.  

As compassionate Georgia personal injury attorneys, we can assess every detail of your specific situation and analyze your possible options to pursue compensation. Our focused legal team will advocate for your best interests and help you seek the financial justice you deserve.  

The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C. proudly represent clients across Macon & Savannah, Georgia, and the surrounding communities of Laurens, Bibb, Twiggs, Chatham, Houston, Telfair, Bulloch, Peach, Bleckley, Jones, Wheeler, Dodge, and Candler.

Georgia's Pedestrian Right of Way Law 

A pedestrian can be described as any individual traveling on foot, including a person walking, standing, running, or jogging. According to Georgia law, pedestrians have the right-of-way in a marked crosswalk and on sidewalks. Also, motorists must yield the right-of-way to blind pedestrians using a white walking stick or accompanied by a guide dog. 

Responsibilities of Pedestrians in Georgia 

Here are some legal responsibilities of pedestrians in Georgia:  

• Pedestrians must obey all traffic regulations and traffic control signs and signals. 

• Pedestrians must not walk along the edge of the roadway when intoxicated. 

• Pedestrians must not walk or stand along the edge of the roadway when sidewalks are available. 

• Pedestrians must not suddenly step from a sidewalk, curb, or other safe place and into the path of an approaching motor vehicle. 

• Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing the road at any point other than a designated marked crosswalk or unmarked intersection. 

• Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to active emergency vehicles with their lights, sirens, or both. 

If you or someone you know were injured in a pedestrian accident, you must get in touch with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer right away. Your legal counsel will review the details of your case, identify the liable party, and help file your injury claims. 

Filing a Claim  

Georgia is an "at-fault" auto insurance state. This means that the person who caused the pedestrian accident or injury (the at-fault party) will hold financial and civil liability for medical expenses, property damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the accident victims. However, the amount of available damages will depend on various factors, including the extent of your injuries and your contribution to the accident. 

Modified Comparative Fault in Georgia 

Additionally, Georgia operates using the "modified comparative fault" system, with a 50% bar. Under the system, a pedestrian accident victim may only seek damages if the other party was deemed to be mostly (more than 50%) liable for the accident or injury. However, the amount of compensation that you may recover will be reduced by your fault percentage. 

For instance, if the judge awards $30,000 in total damages against the at-fault party but finds you to be 20% responsible for the incident, your compensation will be reduced by $6,000. Hence, you will only be eligible to receive 80% of $30,000 ($24,000). Under Georgia's modified comparative fault system, you will be barred completely from recovering damages if you were more than 50% responsible for your injuries. 

Statute of Limitations 

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Georgia, including bicycle accidents, is two (2) years from the date the incident occurred. This means that the injured person must bring a civil action to recover damages within two years from the date of the accident or injury. 

Steps to Take If You're the Victim  

To pursue damages as the victim of a negligent pedestrian accident, you may proceed by: 

• Filing a first-party claim with your own insurance carrier. 

• Filing a third-party claim against the insurance provider of the at-fault party 

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault party 

Steps to Take If You're Representing a Deceased Loved One 

However, if you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible to pursue damages through a wrongful death action. Under Georgia laws, the following persons may be eligible to bring a wrongful death claim in the order below: 

• The decedent's surviving spouse. 

• If there is no surviving spouse, the surviving child or children of the deceased person. 

• If there is no surviving spouse or children, the deceased person's parent or parents. 

• If there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents, the administrator or executor of the decedent's estate. 

Generally, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the victim's death. An experienced Georgia pedestrian accident attorney can fight compassionately for your legal rights and help you recover the maximum possible compensation for your injuries, damages, or losses. 

Work With a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney 

Being involved in a negligent pedestrian accident can be devastating and can affect you financially, physically, and emotionally. However, you don't have to face the challenges and financial liability all alone. Therefore, if you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, you need to act quickly and reach out to a strategic personal injury attorney for clear understanding and to help seek your rightful compensation.  

At The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C., we intend to give support and specific legal guidance to clients in their pedestrian accident claims. With our in-depth understanding of Georgia personal injury laws, we can guide you through the claims process. And, we have everything to fight for your legal rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other possible damages.