Columbus, GA Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Columbus, GA, Who Win Big Cases

Walking is a healthy activity and an essential part of our everyday lives. People rely on walking to get around town, visit friends, and perform their daily activities. College students do a lot of walking, and the Columbus area is home to several colleges and universities, including Columbus State University, Columbus Technical College, and Columbus Baptist College.

Pedestrians have the right to be safe when they are out walking—unfortunately, careless drivers who break traffic laws and fail to look out for pedestrians cause catastrophic accidents. A pedestrian struck by a car, delivery van, or a big-rig truck may face serious medical costs and other expenses. These injuries often require a lifetime of medical treatment and assisted living care.

At Butler Prather LLP, we’ve been helping injured accident victims for over 35 years. We’ve won landmark cases for patients suffering from catastrophic injuries in Columbus, GA, and across the nation. Our firm has won cases in over 30 states, including nine verdicts that exceed $100 million and over 60 verdicts and settlements of over $10 million.

Call us at (706) 322-1990 to learn more today.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

When these horrible accidents occur, it’s usually because drivers don’t see the pedestrian until it’s too late. Drivers who are traveling too fast have less time to react, and the injuries they cause to a pedestrian in an accident will be devastating.

Pedestrians in Georgia have the right of way when they enter a crosswalk or an intersection under safe conditions. Drivers are expected to be aware of their surroundings, and they must obey traffic laws and keep an eye out for pedestrians.

Distracted or intoxicated drivers are a huge threat to pedestrians. That’s why drivers must refrain from activities that cause them to lose sight of the road, such as reaching for an object inside the vehicle. Georgia has a “hands-free” law that carries strict penalties for drivers who use a handheld device to talk, text, check their social media, or watch videos while driving.

Unsafe and poorly designed roadways create conditions that increase the chances that crashes involving pedestrians will occur. Factors that contribute to the number of pedestrians struck by motor vehicles include:

• Distracted driving
• DUI
• Speeding
• Drivers who fail to yield
• Drivers who ignore crosswalks
• Drivers who disobey traffic signals
• Drivers who run stop signs
• Drivers who don’t adjust their speed for rainy, snowy, or foggy weather
• Inadequate lighting
• Lack of proper signage
• Poorly maintained infrastructure
• Signs and traffic lights that are obscured by foliage

What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Columbus, GA

Being struck by a motor vehicle when you are out walking is a traumatic experience. Your first instinct might be to seek medical care for anyone injured, including yourself, and that’s the correct thing to do. There are several steps you can take to protect your health and well-being, including:

1. Dial 911 to summon first responders, who will ensure that you receive the appropriate medical care. Law enforcement officials who respond to the accident will provide a police report.
2. Medical treatment. Be sure to mention any symptoms you are experiencing to your doctor, even if they seem minor at the time. Attend all your follow-up appointments and keep records of the medical treatment you receive.
3. Collecting evidence. When you get a chance, use your cell phone to capture photos of the accident scene, or you can ask a friend to take pictures for you if you’re not up to it. You will also want to collect contact information from the driver and any witnesses.
4. Don’t talk about the accident with anyone other than your attorney, and don’t reveal details about your case on social media.
5. Contact a Columbus pedestrian injury attorney right away, and don’t speak with an insurance agent unless your attorney is present.

How Your Columbus Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help

The big insurance companies and corporations that employ truckers and delivery drivers will do everything they can to save money. They will argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident, or they will try to blame others for their own negligent actions. At Butler Prather LLP, we’ve won lawsuits against some of the most powerful interests in the nation, and we have the resources to take on anyone who harmed you.

Our investigators will interview witnesses and collect crucial information. These days, many businesses and residences have surveillance cameras that record what’s happening around them. If there’s a video recording of your accident, we will find it. We can also subpoena company records to find out if they hired drivers with unsafe records or failed to inspect and service their vehicles on a regular basis.

Butler Prather LLP relies on expert witnesses who know how to break down an accident and describe its causes to a jury. When our investigation is complete, our experienced trial attorneys will file a claim or a lawsuit against anyone who committed a negligent act that caused you harm. This may include:

• Careless drivers
• Trucking companies
• Rideshare companies
• Delivery companies
• Contractors who do roadwork
• Mechanics
• Public officials
• Manufacturers of defective vehicle

Damages Available After a Pedestrian Accident

You and your family will be facing astronomical medical bills after a Columbus pedestrian accident that causes severe injuries, and your life will be disrupted in other ways as well. You may not be able to resume your career due to injuries such as paralysis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), organ failure, or amputation. You may also be living with chronic pain caused by conditions such as nerve damage or whiplash.

A claim or a lawsuit filed by Butler Prather LLP after a pedestrian accident includes the following types of damages:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Reduced enjoyment of life
• Medical devices
• Wheelchair ramps and lifts
• Reduced earning potential
• Disfigurement
• Occupational therapy
• Loss of consortium
• In-home nursing care
• Wrongful death

We’ve Won Over a Billion Dollars for Our Clients

The world-class litigators at Butler Prather LLP have dedicated our law practice to helping people harmed by the negligent actions of others. Every case is important to us, and we appreciate how much your case means to you. That’s why we always have time to speak with our clients. You can trust our Columbus personal injury lawyers to always treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.

Contact us at (706) 322-1990 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.