In Georgia, the average payout for a pedestrian hit by a car varies depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of the person’s injuries. Compensation can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, sometimes more if catastrophic injuries are involved.
At Spiva Law Group, our car accident lawyers aren’t interested in chasing an average dollar amount. We are committed to pursuing maximum compensation to cover your injuries and other losses. Our law firm knows that every Georgia pedestrian accident is unique. You deserve personalized legal representation that nets you the compensation you deserve, not an average amount that may or may not cover your accident-related expenses.
If a careless driver hits you, it is time to contact an experienced Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer for help. We are ready to represent you and aggressively fight for the money you deserve. Reach out to us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Types of Compensation Might Be Included in a Georgia Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
The compensation you can recover from a Georgia pedestrian accident settlement varies. Every pedestrian accident case is different, and the value of each case depends on facts and evidence. While the value of each case may vary, in general, pedestrian accident victims can pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
It is never in your best interest to settle for an initial offer from an insurance company or third party. You increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation when you work with an experienced car accident attorney. They can advocate for you and negotiate the money you need to cover your medical care and other expenses that can help you rebuild your life.
What Are Some Factors that Can Affect the Amount of a Georgia Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
Why is determining an average settlement for a pedestrian accident so challenging? Because numerous factors can influence the value of a Georgia pedestrian accident. From the cause of the incident to the severity of your injuries, so many details can impact the value of a claim that it is best to engage a skilled pedestrian accident attorney early in the process who can evaluate your situation, carefully calculate the worth of your case, and negotiate for every penny of compensation you deserve.
Some of the most common factors that can impact settlements for pedestrian accidents include:
- The cause of the accident
- The severity of your injuries
- The duration of your physical recovery
- Insurance policy limits
- Your medical expenses
- The estimated value of future medical care
- Long-term impact of injuries on your quality of life and ability to work
Depending on the nature of the accident, an attorney may find additional factors that can affect the value of your case.
What Happens If I Am Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
Your claim can take an unexpected turn if an uninsured driver hits you. Statistics from the Insurance Information Institute show that Georgia has one of the nation’s highest rates of uninsured drivers. In 2022, 18.1 percent of Georgia motorists were uninsured, making recovering compensation following an accident complicated and overwhelming.
If you find that the driver who hit you is uninsured, you should involve a skilled car accident attorney immediately. An attorney can evaluate your situation and outline your legal options for pursuing compensation for your accident-related injuries and expenses.
If you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), you can file a claim with your car insurance company seeking compensation for your injuries. Your health insurance coverage may also help pick up the cost of your accident-related medical expenses if you do not carry car insurance coverage.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver seeking money for your medical expenses and losses. Again, an attorney can review the facts of the case and help guide you toward the option that offers you the best chance at recovering the money you need to move forward with your life.
Could a Pedestrian Be At Fault for Their Injuries?
Technically, a pedestrian can be at fault for causing an accident. Fault can significantly influence the value of a pedestrian accident case thanks to Georgia’s modified comparative negligence regulation. The modified comparative negligence rule stipulates that in a civil case, an individual’s compensation gets reduced by the same percentage as their share of fault for causing the accident. If a person’s share of fault for an accident meets or exceeds 50 percent, they cannot recover any compensation for their injuries and losses.
Even if a pedestrian is partially responsible for contributing to an accident, they may still be able to recover money for their injuries via a personal injury lawsuit. Although the modified comparative negligence rule only binds court decisions, it also strongly influences how an insurance adjuster may value a claim.
What Should a Pedestrian Accident Victim Do After They Have Been Hit?
Establishing liability for a pedestrian accident takes evidence. You can protect your legal rights and help preserve evidence by following a few simple steps after an accident involving a careless Georgia motorist.
After an accident, consider doing the following:
- Contact the authorities and report the accident.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- If possible, document the scene with photographs and videos.
- Exchange information with the driver.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Contact an attorney.
- Keep a record of all medical bills and accident-related expenses.
- Do not post anything on social media.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
Your actions in the days and weeks following the incident can impact the strength of your claim. Protect your legal rights by consulting an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a Georgia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The legal team at Spiva Law Group focuses on tackling Georgia’s most challenging and extreme pedestrian accident cases. Our skilled car accident attorneys dedicate themselves to helping you recover maximum compensation for your injuries while holding the at-fault driver responsible for their careless actions. Contact our compassionate staff today to arrange a free, no-obligation legal consultation.