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Columbus is a highly walkable city, and with a population of over 200,000, the chances of a pedestrian accident occurring is relatively high. A collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian can result in significant injuries that impact the victim’s way of life.
If you or your loved one sustained injuries while walking or running after being hit by a negligent driver, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney at Bence Law Firm, LLC. A Columbus pedestrian accident lawyer could help you seek compensation for your accident-related injuries through a civil claim.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Columbus
The most significant risk pedestrians in Columbus face is motorists. While both pedestrians and drivers are obligated to exercise caution on the roadways, motorists can cause serious damage to a runner or walker with their vehicle. Common examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Texting while driving
- Ignoring traffic laws
- Speeding
When a driver hits and injures a pedestrian, their insurance typically covers the victim’s losses. But occasionally, another party may be responsible for the pedestrian-car accident. For example, if the city or state failed to prevent a road hazard that caused the accident. In that case, a proactive Columbus pedestrian accident attorney could investigate to determine the liable party.
Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Case
When calculating damages in a pedestrian accident case, the jury must evaluate all forms of economic and non-economic harm that an injured party sustained, including:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Lost income and wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Mental distress and anguish
Punitive damages may also be awarded to pedestrian accident victims in certain circumstances to punish the at-fault driver for extremely negligent behavior.
Georgia State Laws that Impact Pedestrian Injury Lawsuits
Georgia is a modified comparative fault state, meaning that if a person seeking compensation for their injuries was partially at fault for the accident, their damage award might be reduced.
For example, if the jury determines the pedestrian was also negligent in causing the crash, they will apportion percentages of fault to the involved parties. If the person seeking compensation is less than 50 percent at fault, they can still recover for their losses; however, their damage award might be reduced based on their percentage of fault. If the person seeking monetary damages is more than 51 percent at fault, they lose their right to recovery.
Legal Time Limit to File a Claim
According to OCGA § 9-3-33, pedestrian accident victims in Georgia generally have two years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit seeking financial recovery. Thus, enlisting the help of a skilled pedestrian injury lawyer in Columbus sooner rather than later is crucial. Those who delay risk losing their legal right to recovery.
Get in Touch with a Columbus Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you have suffered injuries while crossing the street or walking through a parking lot due to a driver’s misconduct, do not hesitate to contact an aggressive legal professional at Bence Law Firm, LLC. A Columbus pedestrian accident lawyer like David Bence could help you obtain justice by holding the at-fault driver accountable and getting the compensation you need and deserve. Call today to get started.