The average payout for a pedestrian hit by a car in Georgia is $10,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident. In cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, settlements can exceed $1 million.
The payout will depend on several factors, such as:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical costs and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Fault and liability
- Insurance policy limits
- Long-term impact on the victim’s quality of life
- Pain and suffering compensation
Need help with Georgia pedestrian injury compensation?
If you or a loved one was a pedestrian hit by a car in Georgia, you may be entitled to a settlement covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, operates across Georgia and is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you are a pedestrian hit by a car and need expert tailored guidance, contact a Duluth pedestrian accident lawyer from our law firm for a free consultation
Pedestrian hit in a crosswalk settlement average
The average settlement for a pedestrian hit in a crosswalk is $10,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of injuries, medical costs, and fault. In cases involving severe injuries or death, settlements may exceed this range, especially when negligence by the driver is evident.
In Georgia, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. If a driver fails to do so and causes injury, the victim can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Settlements are often influenced by the victim’s long-term medical needs and the impact on their quality of life. In cases where the driver’s negligence is particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded.
How to maximize pedestrian accident compensation
Maximizing compensation in a pedestrian accident case involves taking several important steps. By following these guidelines, you can strengthen your claim and ensure that you receive the highest possible settlement for your injuries and damages:
- Seek immediate medical attention to document your injuries, even minor ones.
- Photograph the accident, injuries, and surroundings, such as traffic signals or crosswalks, to collect evidence at the scene.
- Gather witness information by obtaining contact details and statements from anyone who saw the accident.
- File a police report to officially document the incident and establish driver accountability.
- Keep detailed medical records of all treatments, doctor visits, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Hire an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm to help you through the legal methodology and negotiate with insurance companies.
- Avoid early settlement offers and allow our lawyer to negotiate a settlement that fully covers your medical expenses and future needs.
- Track all related expenses such as lost wages, transportation for medical visits, and home modifications due to injuries.
Factors that affect pedestrian injury settlements in Georgia
When filing a lawsuit for car accident settlements related to pedestrian injuries in Georgia, various factors influence the final payout. Each pedestrian accident case is unique, and the compensation amount depends on several key elements.
Below are the critical factors that impact pedestrian injury settlements:
Severity of injuries
- Minor injuries, such as bruises or minor fractures, typically result in lower compensation, while severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or broken bones, often result in higher settlements.
- Long-term or permanent injuries that require ongoing care, rehabilitation, or surgeries tend to increase the overall payout due to medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Medical expenses
- Immediate medical costs like emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays are often reimbursed.
- Future medical needs, such as physical therapy, prescription medications, and long-term care, are also considered in the settlement. Accurate documentation of all medical treatments is important in maximizing the settlement.
Lost wages and earning capacity
- Lost wages include the amount of money the injured party would have earned if they could have continued working.
- Diminished earning capacity refers to the long-term impact of the injuries on the pedestrian’s ability to work in the future. A severe injury that permanently limits the ability to perform certain tasks or jobs can result in compensation for future income loss.
Pain and suffering
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are another major component of pedestrian injury settlements.
- Physical pain from injuries and the emotional distress caused by the accident can substantially increase the settlement.
- Mental health impacts, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident, are considered when calculating pain and suffering compensation.
Fault and liability
Georgia follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning the degree of fault each party holds can affect the payout.
- If the pedestrian shares some responsibility for the accident (e.g., jaywalking or crossing against a signal), their compensation may be reduced.
- However, if the driver is found fully liable, the pedestrian may be eligible for the maximum compensation available.
Insurance coverage
- If the driver’s insurance coverage does not cover all the damages, the pedestrian may need to pursue additional compensation through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- The driver’s financial resources and available insurance policies will ultimately affect the total payout.
Location of the accident
- Urban areas with more traffic and higher risks for accidents may lead to higher settlement amounts due to the increased likelihood of severe injuries.
- Rural accidents may involve fewer witnesses and resources, which can complicate gathering evidence and determining liability.
Legal representation
Our experienced attorneys from firms like Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, understand Georgia’s laws and have the expertise to negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation.
Proper legal counsel ensures that all aspects of the case are handled professionally, from evidence collection to court representation if necessary.
Contact a Duluth personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation and assistance in receiving a fair settlement
Pedestrian hit-by-car compensation examples
These cases truly show the severity and complexity of pedestrian injury cases, including hit-by-car incidents that often lead to serious or fatal outcomes.
Fatal pedestrian incident in Chattooga County
The Georgia State Patrol is currently investigating a tragic pedestrian accident that occurred in Trion. According to official reports, a 2011 Ford Edge struck a male pedestrian who was improperly crossing GA 1 from a convenience store.
The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the Atrium Chattooga Emergency Department. This case is being actively investigated by the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT).
This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face when crossing busy roads in improper areas.
Pedestrian vs. Dodge Ram incident near State Route 196
In another incident, the Georgia State Patrol responded to a pedestrian versus vehicle accident on Airport Road near State Route 196. The investigation revealed that an intoxicated pedestrian stepped into the road in a dark, unlit area and was struck by a Dodge Ram.
The identity of the pedestrian remains unknown, and next of kin has yet to be notified. This tragic case underscores the risks associated with walking in unlit areas and the potential for severe accidents involving vehicles.
In both of these tragic cases, factors such as fault for the accident and the circumstances surrounding the accidents play a critical role in determining compensation for the victim or their families. If you’ve been involved in an incident similar to this, our car accident lawyers can help you with serious injuries and to seek the compensation you deserve.
We offer expert legal guidance and representation, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process.
We’ll get you the maximum compensation for getting hit by a car that you deserve
If you’ve been a pedestrian hit by a car, you deserve maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and suffering. We specialize in pedestrian accident cases at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. We are dedicated to ensuring you receive the settlement that fully covers your medical expenses and future financial recovery.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers will fight for fair compensation through settlement or legal action.
Don’t settle for less.
Contact us today at 404.905.1346 for a free consultation to discuss your pedestrian accident claim and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve and file a claim.
Final points on the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car in Georgia
At Brauns Law, we focus on helping you secure the maximum settlement for your pedestrian accident. The final payout will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, property damage, and the percentage of fault.
Our team will ensure you can recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We handle all aspects of your injury claim and will guide you through the legal process to get the results you deserve.
Reach out to us for dedicated support and expert legal representation to hold the at-fault party accountable.
FAQs
What is the law on hitting a pedestrian in Georgia?
In Georgia, drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Failing to do so can result in significant penalties, including fines, license suspension, and criminal charges if the pedestrian is injured. Drivers may also face civil lawsuits for damages.
Georgia law considers the driver’s duty to exercise caution around pedestrians, and hitting one can lead to both criminal and civil consequences. Pedestrians are also responsible for following traffic signals and using crosswalks to avoid contributory negligence, which may affect compensation in a legal claim.
Does insurance cover hit-and-run in Georgia?
Yes, insurance can cover a hit-and-run in Georgia if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage helps compensate for damages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Without UM coverage, collision insurance may help with vehicle repairs, but you’ll still be responsible for the deductible.
In hit-and-run cases, uninsured motorist coverage is essential. It covers medical bills and lost wages and compensates for pain and suffering. Always review your policy to ensure adequate coverage in case of a hit-and-run accident.
Where do most pedestrians get hit by cars?
Most pedestrians are hit by cars at intersections and crosswalks, where foot traffic meets vehicular traffic. Distracted driving, failing to yield, and poor visibility are common causes of pedestrian accidents in these areas. Pedestrians are also at risk on busy city streets and in parking lots.
Accidents are more likely to happen in urban areas, especially when drivers or pedestrians ignore traffic signals or engage in unsafe behaviors like jaywalking or speeding. Intersections with poor lighting or heavy traffic can also increase the chances of an accident.
