Everyone is a pedestrian at some point during the day. Savannah is known as a walking city, and while that is enjoyable for tourists and residents alike, it also means there is a greater likelihood of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Bass Law has the experience you need to ensure your legal rights are protected and your injuries are fully and fairly compensated if you or a loved one is the victim of a pedestrian accident.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Some of the most common causes of vehicle and pedestrian collisions are distracted driving, impaired driving, impatient driving, speeding and reckless driving. Often, pedestrians are hit while lawfully crossing a road or in a crosswalk. When drivers become distracted – by texting or talking on a cell phone, eating, adjusting the radio or GPS, or doing something else that takes their attention off the road – they are responsible for any resulting damage and injuries. The same is true when drivers are impaired, impatient, speeding or otherwise not obeying traffic laws and signaling devices.
Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When a car collides with a pedestrian, the resulting injuries can be severe and even fatal. Immediate medical attention is paramount, and the road to recovery can be grueling. Because pedestrians are without any protection when struck by a moving automobile, the list of possible injuries is endless. The most common serious injuries we generally observe in pedestrian accidents are open head injuries, closed head injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken leg(s), broken arm(s), torn rotator cuff, broken ankle(s), crush injuries, serious skin burns and internal trauma.
Unique Legal Issues in Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, there are unique legal issues which must be addressed as quickly as possible. The injured pedestrian is often quickly transported from the scene by ambulance, thereby not having an opportunity to tell the investigating officer his or her account of the accident. As a result, the accident report may be inaccurate and an attorney is needed to obtain evidence and witnesses which are critical for establishing liability on the part of the at-fault driver. Many pedestrian accidents involve commercial drivers, and an attorney’s assistance is necessary to uncover all of the negligent parties and insurance policies to obtain full compensation for the injured victim. Finally, drivers of vehicles that hit pedestrians sometimes leave the scene of the accident, and an attorney can assist in locating the hit-and-run driver to make sure he or she is held accountable.
Being struck by a car while you are on foot is a terrifying experience. When you hire Bass Law, you can ensure your legal rights are protected while relying on an experienced and compassionate Savannah pedestrian-accident attorney to represent you or a loved one. Because we work on a contingency basis, your legal fees and litigation costs are paid out of your recovery. You only pay if we win! At Bass Law, we are motivated to recover the best result for you in the most efficient and effective way possible. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.