Augusta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are becoming an increasingly serious issue in Augusta and across Georgia. As the city grows and traffic becomes heavier, more people are walking through busy intersections, across commercial areas, and near schools, and too often, they’re put in harm’s way by careless drivers. Unlike those inside vehicles, pedestrians have no seat belts, airbags, or steel frames to protect them. Even a low-speed crash can lead to life-altering injuries.

Under Georgia law, pedestrians who are injured by a negligent driver may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. However, getting what you deserve isn’t always straightforward, especially when insurance companies try to shift blame or minimize your injuries. That’s where Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys comes in. 

Our team has years of experience representing injured pedestrians in Augusta, and we’re ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with an Augusta pedestrian accident lawyer. 

How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Augusta?

Pedestrian accidents can occur for many reasons, but most are caused by preventable driver behavior or unsafe road conditions. Here are some of the most common ways these incidents happen in the Augusta area:

Distracted or Inattentive Driving

When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, using GPS, or simply not paying attention, they’re far more likely to miss a pedestrian in a crosswalk or walking alongside the road. Even a brief moment of distraction, like looking down to change the radio, can be enough to cause a serious collision. Distracted driving is especially dangerous in high-traffic areas like downtown Augusta, near shopping centers, or around school zones where foot traffic is high. Despite public awareness campaigns, distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries in Georgia. 

Speeding Near Crosswalks, Schools, or Residential Areas

Drivers who speed through neighborhoods, around school zones, or near pedestrian-heavy areas are putting lives at risk. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the force of impact if a crash does occur. In places like Telfair Street, Walton Way, or the areas near Augusta University, speeding poses a major threat to students, residents, and workers who regularly walk or cross the street. Speed limits exist to protect everyone, but when drivers ignore them, pedestrians often pay the price. 

Failure to Yield the Right of Way at Intersections

Georgia law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and when turning at intersections, but many drivers ignore or misunderstand these rules. Some rush through turns without looking, while others fail to stop even when pedestrians have the signal to cross. 

Intersections in downtown Augusta, especially during busy times of day, can become dangerous when drivers don’t give pedestrians the space and time they’re legally entitled to. These right-of-way violations are a frequent source of preventable injuries. 

Drunk or Impaired Driving

When someone gets behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs, their judgment, vision, and reaction time are all impaired. This makes it much harder to see and stop for pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions. 

Drunk driving crashes tend to happen at night and on weekends, often in areas where people are walking home or traveling by foot after events. Pedestrians hit by impaired drivers often suffer severe or fatal injuries, and pursuing compensation in these cases can involve both civil and criminal consequences for the driver. 

Dangerous Road Conditions (Lack of Sidewalks, Poor Lighting)

Not all pedestrian accidents are caused solely by driver behavior; sometimes, unsafe road design plays a role. In some parts of Augusta, sidewalks are missing, poorly maintained, or nonexistent, forcing pedestrians to walk dangerously close to traffic. In other cases, streetlights are too dim or broken, making it difficult for drivers to spot someone walking at night. When cities and property owners fail to maintain safe walking conditions, they may share legal responsibility for an accident. These environmental factors can turn an otherwise safe walk into a hazardous situation. 

When Pedestrians Are Partially at Fault

There are times when a pedestrian may bear some responsibility for an accident – for example, crossing against a signal, jaywalking, or walking while distracted by a phone. In Georgia, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t recover damages. The state uses a comparative negligence system, allowing you to recover compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault. 

Your final settlement or court award would simply be reduced based on your percentage of blame. This makes it especially important to speak with a lawyer before accepting any fault or agreeing to a settlement because insurance companies often try to exaggerate a pedestrian’s role in a crash to lower their payout.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the human body takes the full impact without any protection. Even at lower speeds, the injuries can be severe and sometimes life-threatening. Pedestrians are often thrown to the ground or into other objects, making the trauma even worse. These injuries often require extensive medical care and can have lasting effects on a person’s physical and emotional well-being.

Head Trauma and Concussions

Head injuries are some of the most dangerous outcomes of a pedestrian accident. Concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can all result from these incidents. They can cause memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and even permanent cognitive impairment. In severe cases, victims may need long-term neurological treatment or rehabilitation.

Broken Bones and Fractures

It’s common for pedestrians to suffer broken legs, arms, ribs, or hips when hit by a vehicle. These injuries often require surgery, casting, or physical therapy to heal. Fractures can take weeks or months to recover from and may lead to long-term complications, such as reduced mobility or arthritis. Multiple breaks or complex fractures can have a lasting impact on quality of life.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

The force of being struck by a car or hitting the pavement can damage the spine. This may include herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even spinal cord trauma that leads to paralysis. Back injuries can be difficult to diagnose at first and may worsen over time. In some cases, victims experience chronic pain or require surgery to regain mobility and function.

Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage

Not all injuries are visible. A pedestrian hit by a car may suffer internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the liver, lungs, or kidneys. These injuries are extremely serious and often require emergency surgery. Without immediate medical attention, internal injuries can quickly become fatal or lead to long-term health complications.

Cuts, Bruises, and Road Rash

Even if the impact seems mild, pedestrians often suffer painful abrasions, lacerations, and deep bruising. Road rash, when skin is scraped across pavement, can lead to infection and scarring. While these injuries may appear minor compared to others, they can still require medical treatment and affect daily comfort and appearance.

Long-Term Impacts: Mobility Issues, Chronic Pain, Emotional Trauma

Some pedestrian accident victims never fully recover. They may walk with a limp, lose full range of motion, or live with constant pain. In addition to physical issues, many also suffer from emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the accident was severe or involved a fatality. These long-term effects can change a person’s life and require ongoing care and support.

Even injuries that seem minor at first can have lasting consequences. Getting medical care and legal guidance as soon as possible can significantly improve your recovery and your ability to seek compensation.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Pedestrian Accident in Augusta?

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional harm you’ve suffered. Georgia law allows injury victims to recover these damages through insurance claims or lawsuits. 

The amount you receive depends on the severity of your injuries, how the accident has affected your life, and whether fault is established. Here’s what you could be entitled to: 

Medical Expenses (Emergency Care, Hospital Bills, Rehab, Therapy)

Medical treatment is one of the most immediate and obvious costs after a pedestrian accident. This includes ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and follow-up appointments. 

Many victims also need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or long-term rehabilitation to recover. These expenses can be claimed as part of your damages, including any projected future medical needs related to the accident.

Lost Income and Future Earnings

If your injuries keep you out of work – whether for a few weeks or indefinitely – you may be able to recover compensation for your lost wages. This includes the income you missed while healing and future earning potential if your injuries affect your ability to do your job long-term. 

In some cases, vocational training or career changes may be required, and those costs can also be included in your claim.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering covers the physical discomfort and lifestyle disruptions you experience as a result of the accident. This may include long-term pain, difficulty sleeping, changes in physical activity, and a reduced ability to enjoy life. While these damages are harder to quantify than medical bills, they are just as real, and Georgia law allows you to be compensated for them. 

Mental Anguish and Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Beyond physical pain, pedestrian accidents can take a serious toll on your mental health. Many victims report anxiety, depression, PTSD, or fear of walking near roads again. These emotional injuries can interfere with daily life, relationships, and hobbies. If the accident has left you feeling like you can’t enjoy life the way you used to, these damages may be part of your claim. 

Long-Term Disability or Disfigurement

In serious cases, a pedestrian accident may lead to permanent injuries. This could include paralysis, amputations, loss of vision, or severe scarring. These life-altering conditions impact every part of a person’s life and often require significant adjustments to daily routines, housing, and employment. Compensation can help cover these ongoing challenges and provide support for long-term care.

Wrongful Death Damages 

If a pedestrian accident results in death, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. While no amount of money can replace someone’s life, these claims provide financial stability and help hold negligent parties accountable. 

No two accidents are the same, and your damages should reflect the full impact the crash has had on your life. Speaking with an experienced Augusta pedestrian accident lawyer is the best way to get what you deserve. 

How Can Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys Help After a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Filing a pedestrian accident claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re injured, out of work, and dealing with an insurance company that’s trying to minimize your situation. That’s where having the right legal team makes all the difference. Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys brings experience, local insight, and an aggressive approach to helping injured pedestrians in Augusta get the compensation they deserve. Here’s what sets us apart: 

Deep Knowledge of Augusta Accident Law and Pedestrian Injury Cases

Over the years, we’ve helped countless injury victims recover meaningful settlements and verdicts. Whether your case involves a distracted driver, drunk driving, or a shared-fault dispute, we have experience handling cases just like yours. Our results speak for themselves – we fight hard to recover every dollar our clients are entitled to, from medical costs to emotional damages and beyond. 

Compassionate, Aggressive Representation

We know you’re going through one of the hardest times of your life. That’s why we treat every client with respect, honesty, and the kind of legal support we’d want for our own families. At the same time, we don’t back down when insurance companies try to lowball our clients or delay payment. We fight to protect your rights, and we do it with skill, urgency, and compassion. 

Free Consultations and No Fee Unless We Win

We don’t charge anything to meet with you and evaluate your case. And if we take your claim, you won’t pay us anything unless we win. That means you can get the legal help you need without adding financial stress to an already difficult situation. Our team is here to carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Contact Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been hit by a car in Augusta, don’t wait to get the help you need. Pedestrian accident cases are complex, and the insurance company is not on your side, but we are. At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we take every case seriously and fight tirelessly to help our clients move forward. When you work with us, there’s no cost, no pressure, and no obligation. Call (912) 809-5335 to schedule a free consultation with an Augusta pedestrian accident lawyer.