Knowing what to do after an accident—getting medical help, gathering evidence, or talking to a pedestrian accident attorney—can improve your recovery and claim.
Getting hit by a car as a pedestrian in Georgia can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Understanding the immediate steps is necessary for protecting your health and legal rights.
This guide will walk you through 10 steps after a pedestrian accident, ensuring you get the help and compensation you deserve.
If you just need expert legal advice straight away, our Savannah pedestrian accident lawyers are available for a free consultation
I Was Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian, What Do I Do?
After a pedestrian accident, you might feel lost and shocked. On the other hand, you need to protect yourself legally and physically. Do these things to protect your rights and get money for your car accident.
1. Get to Safety Immediately
Move to a safe location away from traffic if you can. If you cannot move due to injuries, try to signal for help and stay visible.
Safety is your top priority in the moments immediately following the accident. Further accidents could worsen the situation if you’re stuck on the road.
2. Call 911
Contact emergency services immediately. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it’s important to have the police and an ambulance come to the scene.
The police report will be a key document for your personal injury claim. This report provides a neutral third-party account of the accident, which is critical for establishing fault.
Mention any injuries, even if they seem minor. Sometimes, adrenaline can mask pain, and you may not fully realize the extent of your injuries until later.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured right away, seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be apparent immediately after the accident.
At this time, you should be starting to document your injuries. Your medical records will form a key part of your evidence when seeking compensation from the driver’s insurance company or filing a personal injury claim.
Long-term recovery may require physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other treatments. These costs should be covered as part of your compensation claim.
4. Document the Scene
Take as many photos and videos as possible, such as:
- The vehicle that hit you
- The accident scene
- Road conditions
- Your injuries
- Any traffic signals or signs nearby
This documentation is important in proving fault, which is key to receiving compensation for your injuries.
5. Obtain Contact and Insurance Information
Exchange information with the driver who hit you, including their name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance policy information.
If there were witnesses, gather their contact information as well. Their statements could support your case if the driver disputes what happened.
Keep any conversations brief. Do not discuss fault or downplay your injuries, as these statements can be used against you later by the driver’s insurance company.
6. Avoid Admitting Fault
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault, such as apologizing or saying, “I didn’t see you.” These statements could harm your claim, even if you are not legally liable.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company immediately of the accident, even if you believe the other driver was at fault.
In Georgia, while there isn’t a specific law that dictates an exact timeframe for notifying your insurance company after being hit by a car as a pedestrian, most insurance policies require “prompt” or “timely” notification.
This generally means that you should inform your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Failing to do so could result in a denial of coverage.
Check the specific terms and conditions of your policy, as some policies might define the notification period, such as within 30 days of the accident. Additionally, Georgia law does set a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, which is typically two years from the date of the accident, but that is separate from the internal requirements of your insurance policy.
Depending on your insurance policy, you might be eligible for coverage under your uninsured motorist policy, which could help cover medical bills and other expenses if the driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Keep communication with the insurance company limited to basic facts. Let your pedestrian accident lawyer handle most of the discussions to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
Take Action After Your Pedestrian Accident
Don’t let a pedestrian accident define your future. Our experienced Augusta pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
8. Keep Records of All Expenses
Document all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and any modifications to your home or lifestyle to accommodate your injuries.
If your injury causes you to miss work, keep detailed records of lost wages and changes in your ability to perform job functions.
These records are critical when determining the value of your claim and ensuring that you’re fully compensated for all losses.
9. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys
Consult an accident lawyer for free to evaluate your case and protect your legal rights. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer from our law firm will help you negotiate with insurance companies and explain your legal rights in Georgia.
Our lawyer assigned to your claim will gather evidence, speak with insurance adjusters, and ensure that your claim is handled properly from start to finish.
Georgia’s personal injury laws can be complex, and having a skilled attorney by your side will increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
10. Focus on Your Recovery
Recovery after being hit by a car can take time, depending on the severity of your injuries. Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and counseling may be necessary for both physical and emotional recovery.
Accident victims should also address mental health issues that can arise after an accident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. If you notice any signs of emotional distress, seek help from a mental health professional.
Your personal injury lawyer will help secure compensation to cover medical expenses and any ongoing treatments or therapy you may need to recover fully.
The Legal Process After Being Hit by a Car in Georgia
The legal process in Georgia typically follows these steps:
- Filing a Claim: Our lawyer will file a claim with the driver’s insurance company, providing evidence such as medical records, the police report, and witness testimony.
- Investigation: The insurance company will investigate the accident, reviewing the evidence and determining fault. This step can take several weeks or months.
- Negotiation: We will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. You may have to proceed to litigation if the insurance company offers insufficient compensation.
- Trial (if necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take the case to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome. While most cases are settled before this stage, preparing for this possibility is important.
Georgia Pedestrian Accident Laws
Georgia law has specific protections for pedestrians:
- Right of Way: Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, and drivers must yield to them. Failing to do so can make the driver liable for the accident.
- Negligence and Fault: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If a pedestrian is partially at fault for an accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally. However, pedestrians can still recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault.
- Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the accident date. It’s essential to act quickly, as failing to file within this time frame may result in losing the right to compensation.
How We’ve Helped Pedestrians After They’ve Been Struck by a Vehicle
Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys have helped many pedestrians who were hurt by cars get justice. Our company will always work hard to get clients the money they deserve.
Insurance companies will try to downplay your injuries and deny your claims. We’ve been fighting for decades to get the most money possible for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, so we know how to deal with those strategies.
Additional Reading: Average Payout for a Pedestrian Hit By a Car in Georgia
A $310,000 settlement was secured for a pedestrian who was struck while in a crosswalk, showcasing our commitment to achieving justice in pedestrian and car accident cases.
Let Us Help You Secure the Maximum Compensation You Deserve
Pedestrians who are hit by a car must act quickly to protect their legal rights. Get in touch with Jamie Casino’s injury lawyers immediately for a free consultation. After we look over your case, we will help you through the legal system and aggressively pursue your compensation.
Our team has the experience and resources required to take on insurance companies and win. Don’t let a pedestrian accident derail your life—let us help you recover and move forward.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident and want to know your legal rights, contact us today for a free consultation.
Call us at 912-405-2978 or fill out our online contact form. We’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaways
To file a claim for a pedestrian accident in Georgia, you must get medical help, call the police, and talk to a lawyer. Georgia law protects pedestrians, so even if you caused the accident, you may be able to get money.
Filing a claim, negotiating, and maybe even going to court are all parts of the legal process. Talking to a lawyer will help your chances of success.
FAQs
How much money can you get from getting hit by a car in Georgia?
Compensation varies based on injury severity, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Settlements range between $10,000 and over $100,000, but compensation can exceed these amounts for serious injuries, depending on factors like long-term care and insurance policy limits.
How long is recovery after being hit by a car?
Your recovery depends on your injuries. Broken bones and traumatic brain injuries can require months or years of rehabilitation and medical care. Minor injuries may heal in weeks.
How serious is getting hit by a car?
Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries. Common injuries include broken bones, head, spinal, and internal damage. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and can lower the quality of life.
Can you still claim compensation if you were partly at fault?
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still receive compensation if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.