Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Gainesville, GA?

Our attorneys at Gary Martin Hays put your best interests first

Perhaps you were crossing Spring Street SW or Broad Street SE. Or maybe you were going for a walk near Lake Lanier or Wilshire Trails. Suddenly, a driver hits you or a loved one. Now, you have to deal with the aftermath of a serious pedestrian accident in Gainesville.

Were you hit by a car in a crosswalk? Injured while walking alongside a road? Knowing what to do next can be confusing. Even knowing what your rights are might not be clear. That’s why you need an experienced Gainesville pedestrian accident lawyer on your side who knows how the legal system works in Georgia.

That’s why you need the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C.

Our lawyers know what to do because we’ve been doing this work for decades. That’s the reason why we consistently obtain large settlements and verdicts for injured pedestrians in Gainesville and throughout Georgia. Case results matter. Numbers don’t lie.

What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?

Injuries to pedestrians hit by a car happen for many different reasons. Pedestrian accidents in Gainesville can happen anywhere, anytime, almost always because of careless or reckless driving behavior. This includes:

• Speeding
• Not stopping at a crosswalk
• Failing to yield
• Running a red light
• Illegally passing other vehicles
• Distracted driving, including:
  • Texting while driving
  • Looking up directions while driving
  • Eating while driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Whatever the cause of your pedestrian injury, don’t simply assume the driver who caused your crash will compensate you for your injuries. Often, many motorists deny doing anything wrong. They might even try to claim you did something and you’re to blame.

That’s why it’s important to have a lawyer you can trust, on your side, fighting for your rights.

What are common pedestrian accident injuries?

• Broken bones: Broken bones are a common injury in pedestrian accidents. They can happen when a pedestrian is hit by a car and their body is thrown or crushed. The most common fractures in pedestrian accidents include broken arms and legs.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs can happen when a pedestrian's head is hit by the car or when they are thrown to the ground. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries happen when the pedestrian's spine is compressed or severed by the impact of the car. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
• Soft tissue damage: Soft tissue damage refers to injuries to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the body. Soft tissue injuries can be painful, and the recovery period can be long.
• Internal injuries: Internal injuries refer to damage to the organs and tissues inside the body. Internal injuries happen when a pedestrian’s organs are bruised, crushed, or ruptured by the force of impact. This can result in internal bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention.

How much is my claim worth?

The most important thing to remember is you should be compensated for all your expenses. Many people only take into account short-term expenses, such as emergency medical care.

However, your injury claim should include all future expenses, as well. That’s because you will likely only be compensated once for all your expenses, which can include:

• Medical testing
• Surgical procedures
• Overnight hospital care
• Long-term medical treatment
• Physical therapy
• In-home medical care
• Replacement income during your recovery
• Lost future income if you cannot return to work
• Pain and suffering in certain circumstances

This is just a small sampling of some of the expenses you deserve to be compensated for if you’re hurt. Each case is different. That’s why it is critical that you have an attorney investigate your incident. That way, they can accurately estimate how much your claim could be worth.

Can I file a lawsuit?

In many cases, the best way to get the money you deserve is to sue the at-fault driver or their insurance company. This is especially true if the driver denies doing anything wrong. Insurance companies often take the driver’s side. As a result, your injury claim will likely be denied.

An attorney can help build a strong legal case on your behalf. This includes gathering the evidence you need to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer can also make sure your lawsuit meets state regulations governing legal action, including meeting Georgia’s strict statute of limitations. This is the deadline for filing a lawsuit.

In cases involving injuries to pedestrians, the time limit is two years from the date of the injury to take legal action. If you miss that deadline, you could miss out on your opportunity to obtain the financial compensation you need and deserve.

Why should I hire a lawyer?

Having an attorney on your side if you sustained an injury while crossing or walking along a street can often make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case. Your lawyer can make sure your incident gets the attention it rightfully deserves. They can be your voice for justice.

This is especially important since there’s often a lot at stake. Insurance companies know that the value of your claim can easily add up to tens of thousands or millions of dollars. As a result, the at-fault driver’s insurance company and their attorneys will often do everything they can to reduce or deny your claim.

Your legal team can help you fight back. They can conduct an in-depth independent investigation. They can carefully examine your accident report to make sure the facts are correct. They negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement offer or take legal action on your behalf if necessary.

Put the power of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney to work for you. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation at our Gainesville office. We can also meet with you in your hospital room, your home, or wherever’s convenient for you. It is up to you.