Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Augusta Fighting to Get You Justice

One of the joys of living in or visiting a town is the number of walkable things to do and see. Sadly, this also leads to thousands of people being struck by a vehicle while walking around. Many of these accidents result in serious injury or even death. Of course, it’s important to be safe while walking around cities like Augusta, but even if you follow the signs and pay attention to what’s happening around you, there’s always the chance a driver won’t see you. A vehicle hitting you can be catastrophic. These types of injuries can stick with you for life and require years of medical attention or therapy. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the first thing you’ll want to do is speak to a pedestrian accident lawyer. The next few years could be very difficult, and a good pedestrian accident attorney will at least ensure you and your family are protected.

What Determines Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?

A lot of people are under the impression that the pedestrian always has the right of way, but that’s not actually the case. Trying to decipher who was at fault after a pedestrian accident is actually more challenging than you might think. Sadly, pedestrian accidents don’t usually end well, and you may have been in such a bad state you couldn’t even make a statement at the scene of the accident. If this happens, the driver’s statement may have a major influence on the court’s decision. Driver’s have a responsibility to drive with caution and stay focused on the road, but often they are distracted by a text message or someone else in the car. That said, pedestrians also have a responsibility to protect themselves. If the pedestrian ran into traffic or crossed illegally, it could be considered negligence and remove eligibility for compensation.

What If I Was Jaywalking?

When a pedestrian walks across the street without a crosswalk, it’s classified as jaywalking. The reason jaywalking is illegal is because it’s incredibly dangerous and can easily lead to a tragic accident. That said, these situations are complex, and just because you were jaywalking doesn’t necessarily mean you were at fault. The driver could be held responsible if they should have seen you and didn’t stop. If you did, however, step out in front of ongoing traffic, you very well could be at least held partially responsible. These cases aren’t always black or white, however. If the judge believes the other party was negligent but does believe jaywalking contributed to your accident, you could still receive compensation, just now as much as if it was 100% the driver’s fault. A seasoned pedestrian accident attorney can quickly analyze your case and determine what your best next steps should be.

How Much is My Claim Worth?

Every situation is different, but if you’re a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, it could easily result in severe injuries or death. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional turmoil all add up to a huge cost you shouldn’t have to shoulder. If a driver’s negligence is what caused your accident, they very well might owe you for both economic and non-economic damages. The best, and really, the only way to determine how much your claim is worth, is to sit down with an Augusta pedestrian accident lawyer who can look at your claim and break down exactly how much it could be worth.

Do I Really Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Pedestrian accidents might seem pretty straightforward (for example, the pedestrian has the right-of-way and the driver is typically at fault), but they are actually a lot more complicated than that. There are so many factors that go into determining who was really at fault. When you’re living in a hospital or worrying about how you’ll pay your medical bills, you should be focusing on recovery, not a legal battle. You deserve to have a tough, knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer representing you. Call The Hawk Firm today at 706-724-8537 and let us get the compensation you need so you can focus on yourself and your loved ones.