Reckless and negligent drunk drivers cause automobile accidents that injure and kill tens of thousands of people every year.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2018 statistics, out of over 36,000 people killed in traffic accidents that year, roughly 10,511 people were killed by drunk drivers.
When pedestrians are struck by drunk drivers, injuries are more devastating when compared to drivers who are protected by their vehicles, seatbelts, and airbags.
An attorney who has experience handling pedestrian accident cases drivers can represent victims and hold at-fault drunk drivers accountable for their negligence.
Drunk Driving Risks Georgia Pedestrians Face Each Day
Cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles can hit and run over unsuspecting pedestrians. Fractures, sprains, and lacerations are common injuries. More severe injuries to the head, neck, and back can lead to lasting and catastrophic injuries.
Pedestrians struck by vehicles can suffer internal damage to the organs, such as the liver, stomach, heart, and lungs. Facial injuries can cause permanent damage to the eyes, mouth, ears, and nose.
Drunk drivers run red lights, exceed legal speed limits, or lose control of their vehicles. Pedestrians may be struck while walking on a nearby sidewalk or through a crosswalk. They could be inside their home or in a place of business when struck by a drunk driver.
Why You Need to Consult With an Attorney
What you do after an accident can influence the outcome of your legal claim. There are different avenues for getting compensated under Georgia law. The severity of your injuries may also play a role in your case.
Consulting with a skilled attorney helps you determine the best legal options for you and your family. Your attorney can assess the extent of your injuries and damages.
They can help you determine the value of your case by gathering evidence and considering the long-term effects that your injuries will have on your personal and financial wellbeing.
Attorneys can represent you in a court of law. They can negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies that try to avoid paying compensation to pedestrians who’ve been injured by their insured driver.
Having an expert personal injury attorney who can handle your accident claim will help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, recoup lost wages, and have the financial security your family needs.
How Pedestrians Who’ve Been Hit by Drunk Drivers Can Win
Your attorney will help you get the highest amount of compensation allowed under Georgia law.
In order to get the outcome you need, your attorney will submit evidence proving that the at-fault driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
They can submit evidence gathered from police reports, medical records, and surveillance video.
Third parties who contributed to the accident can also be held accountable. These include the owners, managers, and staff at bars or restaurants where a drunk customer may be knowingly served alcohol.
In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, pedestrian accident attorneys help you get compensated for pain and suffering endured as a result of your injuries.
If you’ve lost a loved one, your compensation may be based on the loss of consortium and companionship.
Other damages include the loss of enjoyment of life as well as punitive damages for the reckless, willful, and criminal behavior of a drunk driver.
The damages caused by drunk drivers are more severe when they hit pedestrians. Having the right legal protection is critical to getting compensated for your injuries.
Working with an attorney who understands and can help you navigate the complex legal system will ensure that you and your family get the compensation you deserve.
