Pedestrian safety has been declining in Athens over the last five years. Many have learned the hard way that drivers no longer stop at crosswalks or pay attention to their surroundings. If a driver has caused you serious pedestrian accident injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The legal process is not easy and can be difficult to navigate on your own. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer at Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys to discuss your case and learn about your legal path forward.
Causes of Athens Pedestrian Accidents
As a college town, Athens sees many pedestrians on any given day, making roadways in Athens more dangerous for pedestrians than in other cities. Drivers must share the roadway with pedestrians, which means accidents will likely happen.
Drivers can cause pedestrian accidents in a variety of ways:
- Running stop signs and red lights
- Failing to stop at a crosswalk where the pedestrian has the right of way
- Not looking at the roadway due to distractions
- Missing a crosswalk or stop sign due to speeding
- Not stopping in time due to aggressive driving
The situation is getting far worse for pedestrians, both in Athens and across the country. The number of pedestrian accident fatalities is spiking, and it shows no sign of dropping soon. Drivers seemingly have little regard for others on the roadway, including other drivers and pedestrians. Drivers adopted riskier habits during the pandemic, which made for more dangerous conditions when pedestrians and other cars returned to the road.
How To Win a Pedestrian Accident Case
To win a pedestrian accident case, you must have evidence showing that someone else’s actions caused your injuries. In the legal context, you need to prove that the driver of the car (or another responsible party) was negligent. It is critical to present specific evidence about what the driver did and compare that behavior to what a reasonable driver would have done under the circumstances. This evidence could include witness testimony and photos from the scene of the accident. Some cases may be particularly difficult to investigate or gather appropriate evidence.
Even if the insurance company recognizes you have a valid claim and may be due compensation, they will look for ways to avoid payment, including laying blame on you for the accident. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can defend you against the insurance company and, if necessary, in court.
What Is a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
Depending on your circumstances, your pedestrian accident case could be worth a considerable amount of money. In any personal injury action, damages are tied to both the extent of your injuries and the amount of insurance coverage available to pay for the harm. The insurance company will work to minimize your injuries because they want to avoid paying you so it is incumbent on you to:
- Know the exact value of your claim or lawsuit before you file it
- Fight for every dollar that you deserve because of your injuries
No lawyer can tell you how much your case is worth before they review your case. Speaking broadly, you are entitled to be paid for both direct economic losses you have suffered, such as lost wages and medical expenses, and the non-economic consequences of your injuries, such as pain and emotional distress.
What Can an Athens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do for Me Following a Pedestrian Accident?
Following a pedestrian accident injury, you are faced with your medical situation and recovery. Dealing with the insurance company at the same time is not ideal. Insurance companies have an entire claims apparatus that is designed to minimize payouts.
Your pedestrian accident lawyer can do the following:
- Investigate and gather evidence that can prove the fault
- Estimate the value of your damages
- Prepare and file your claim or lawsuit
- Negotiate a settlement to compensate you for your injuries
Contact an Athens Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys can be the fierce and determined advocate you need when the insurance company is standing in the way of full compensation after a pedestrian accident. Attorney Michael Ruppersburg is a fixture in the local Athens community and passionately believes in justice. Call us today at 706.354.1000 or message us through our website to schedule an appointment to speak with a lawyer. The initial consultation is free; you pay us nothing unless you win.
