If a negligent motorist has struck you, you must consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. have more than 70 years of combined experience helping injured Georgians, and we will do the same for you. We will put our knowledge, skills, and experience to work to seek the full and fair compensation you deserve for your losses.
Call us today at 770-205-8827 or contact us online to find out how we can help.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Cumming
When you are walking around town or crossing the street, it can be easy to take your safety for granted. You have every right to expect motor vehicle drivers to watch out for you and respect the space you need. However, pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable in the presence of motor vehicles. When a person is struck by a car or truck, the consequences can be severe, if not fatal.
Statistics from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety show that annual pedestrian fatalities have doubled over the past ten years. Those who survive a pedestrian accident will likely face severe pain, expensive medical bills, and possible disability that may temporarily or permanently keep them from earning their wages.
The most common reason pedestrians are injured in traffic collisions is driver negligence. This wrongdoing can come in many forms, including:
- Distracted driving – One of the reasons there are laws restricting cellphone use while driving is that this type of distraction makes car accidents far more likely. The consequences can be devastating if a driver’s distraction causes them to overlook a pedestrian in their path.
- Speeding – If someone is driving too fast, they may not be able to see a pedestrian in their path. This can be particularly dangerous for children in school zones or residential areas.
- Failing to yield – When a pedestrian crosses the road at a crosswalk or other designated intersection, they have the right of way. A serious accident may occur if a driver fails to yield to the pedestrian.
- Fatigued driving – A driver who is fatigued or drowsy will have slowed reaction times, increasing the likelihood of striking pedestrians in their path.
- Poor weather conditions – When the weather worsens, drivers must exercise caution. For example, a vehicle may take up to twice as long to come to a complete stop when the road is wet. If drivers fail to adjust to the weather, pedestrians can get seriously hurt.
What Kinds of Injuries Occur in Pedestrian Accidents?
The average car weighs nearly thirty times as much as the average human. This means that, even at low speeds, a pedestrian accident can leave a person with devastating injuries:
- Soft tissue damage, such as lacerations, sprains, strains, and dislocations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Dental fractures
- Disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injury and concussion
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
In many cases, pedestrians who have been struck also suffer psychological effects such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Getting hurt in a pedestrian accident can be traumatic, leading to immense pain and confusion. If it is possible, however, it is important to take the following steps to ensure that your rights are protected:
- Collect evidence from the accident – This involves taking photos and videos of the scene, collecting contact information from witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the police report.
- Seek immediate medical treatment – While injuries in many pedestrian accidents may be apparent, the adrenaline your body releases due to the shock of the collision may be masking pain that might show up later. It is always essential to visit a medical professional who can assess you following an accident to optimize your chances of recovery. Significantly, visiting a doctor can also help protect your claim.
- Keep a pain journal – Maintaining a daily journal about your injuries can be useful. Tracking the physical pain you experience and any emotional or psychological effects you might notice following the accident can help keep your memory fresh about how the event has affected your daily life.
- Avoid posting on social media – Sharing information publicly about your accident case or your injuries might give the at-fault party’s attorneys a way of trying to undermine your claim. It is usually best to remain silent across all social media platforms until your claim is resolved.
- Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney – The seasoned personal injury lawyers at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. in Cumming can help you understand what to expect in your case.
Pursuing Compensation for Pedestrian Injuries
After you have been injured in an accident, receiving a “courtesy call” from an insurance adjuster is common. However, you should be aware that their actual goal is to try to get you to say something that they can use later to minimize your claim. You must avoid saying anything at all to an insurance representative without consulting with a lawyer.
The Cumming pedestrian accident lawyers of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. will work to get you the compensation you need for your physical and financial recovery. This compensation may include money for:
- Past, present, and expected future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning capacity
- At-home care and medical equipment
- Transportation and accommodation costs if you need to travel for treatment
We will also work to help you recover compensation for your noneconomic losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
While insurance adjusters will try to convince you that your claim is worth far less than it is, our pedestrian accident attorneys will fight aggressively for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer From Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. in Cumming
If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Cumming that was someone else’s fault, an experienced attorney can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. The seasoned personal injury lawyers at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. understand how challenging life can be after an accident. For this reason, we do not charge any upfront fees when you retain our services. You will only pay when we recover financial compensation on your behalf.
Call us today at 770-205-8827 or contact us online for a free consultation.