Statistics show that pedestrian accidents are continuously rising across the country. In Georgia, from 2020 to the first half of 2021, there has been a 14% increase in accidents, particularly in the Atlanta area.
Altlanta is designed for cars and heavy-duty vehicles. In some areas, there is no crosswalk or sidewalk for pedestrians to cross the road safely. In addition, the negligence of drivers often results in fatal accidents.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, speeding in lighter traffic, impaired driving, lack of seat belts, and drunken driving play a significant role in the rising pedestrian accidents.
Fortunately, pedestrians and drivers both have legal options available to them to protect themselves.
Get Medical Treatment
First things first, your immediate response after the accident should be to check whether you are injured in any way or not. Even if there is no visible physical injury, you must seek medical treatment to ensure good health.
Make sure you document in detail any injuries you receive. Keep in mind that some injuries may not be immediately noticeable.
Call Police and An Attorney
After getting treatment, you must contact the police to file a complaint against the accident. Also, get in touch with your attorney. If you live in Atlanta, find an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney to make further proceedings easier. They will ask you about the details of the accidents and for evidence as well.
According to certain laws like Georgia, regardless of whether it is a green or red light, drivers must stop when people are walking on crosswalks.
Having an attorney by your side can help you protect your rights and get rightful compensation.
Make A Claim For Compensation Against The Driver
You have the right to get financial compensation for any damage you experienced due to the accident and for your injuries. It generally includes:
- Medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital bills, and medications.
- Traveling to or from a doctor’s appointment.
- Lost wages due to missing work.
- Property damage in case any personal belongings get destroyed.
- Claim for emotional trauma, scarring, or disfigurement.
The driver’s insurance company might try to negotiate the compensation so that you get less compensation. An experienced attorney can ensure that you get the proper compensation amount.
Make A Claim Against The Local Municipality
If the accident is caused by poor road conditions or failure of traffic control devices, then you may have a claim against the local government.
In such scenarios, the Georgia Tort Claims Act will govern any injury claim or other that you might make. Your attorney will be able to help you decide what is the best option for you.
To Sum It All Up!
An accident, whether minor or major, may have a traumatic effect on the victim. Therefore, you must get a medical examination to ensure you document any injuries. Ensure you have a good attorney to help you navigate the legal steps you need to take.
Besides that, keep in mind the traffic rules, follow them, and be vigilant!