A car accident is a traumatic experience, no matter how it happens. Still, it’s especially overwhelming when you’re on foot. A vehicle crashes into you, so immediately filing an accurate accident report is essential for protecting your rights and documenting what happened. Luckily, in Georgia, pedestrians using the crosswalk have legal rights and protections. If a driver hits you in a crosswalk, you must understand your rights and what steps to take after a pedestrian accident in a crosswalk to protect your health, finances, and future.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in a Crosswalk
After a pedestrian accident, it’s natural to feel very shaken up. It can be hard to think clearly and figure out what to do. So you can be prepared, these are the steps you should take:
Seek Medical Attention
Your number one priority should be your physical safety. First, move out of traffic if possible. Once you’ve moved to a safe location, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you think your injuries aren’t bad, getting cleared by a doctor is essential—not just for your health, but also to create a clear medical accident history that can support your case if complications arise later.
Not only do you want to document medical evidence to support your claim, but it’s also important to remember that some serious injuries may not appear immediately, especially in the chaos of the moment. If you’re wondering what happens if I get hit in a crosswalk, getting checked by a doctor is a crucial first step.
Call 911
With an evidence trail in mind, you should call 911 immediately. Law enforcement will come to the scene and write a report, which will serve as evidence later on if you make a claim.
Collect Evidence
If you cannot collect evidence independently, you may need to rely on the police report to help fill in the gaps, especially when gathering the required evidence to support your personal injury claim. However, documenting a few things is a good idea. Grab the driver’s information, vehicle make, model, and license plate number, and take pictures of the scene and your injuries. If there are witnesses, try to get their information as well.
Avoid Discussing Fault
The driver might approach you and apologize, yell at you, or insist that something happened that makes them less at fault. You might feel too overwhelmed and delirious to argue, so you agree with them and apologize immediately, if only to be polite. In this case, it’s better to stay quiet and let them do all the talking. Anything you say could be used against you when you file a claim.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Pedestrians have rights, but insurance companies and at-fault drivers will do everything possible to minimize or deny your claim outright. A personal injury attorney takes a settlement and won’t back down in the fight for your compensation.
It might be hard to remember this list in the heat of the moment. If you can only remember a couple of things, remember to call 911 and find an attorney. Your lawyer will help fill in as many gaps as possible.
Who Has the Right of Way in a Crosswalk?
According to Georgia law, drivers must stop and remain stopped to give pedestrians time to cross the road if they are in a crosswalk. It’s crucial for drivers and pedestrians to know that this includes marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers are legally obligated to stop for pedestrians with the right of way. If you were injured because a driver failed to yield, you have legal avenues to help cover the expenses that come with those injuries.
What Compensation Can Injured Pedestrians Seek?
After you’ve suffered in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to several kinds of compensation through a crosswalk accident claim, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
You may be eligible for one, a combination, or all types of compensation. The amount you qualify for can also vary. Both of these factors are dependent on the details of your case. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine what your case is worth.
Understanding Pedestrian Traffic Laws
In Georgia, a pedestrian does have a few responsibilities:
- Obey traffic signals
- Use crosswalks
- Yield outside of crosswalks
It’s important to note the difference between jaywalking vs. crossing at a crosswalk. If you are not using a crosswalk, this is called jaywalking. In this case, it is the pedestrian’s responsibility to yield to the driver. The fault may still lie with the driver even if you are hit while jaywalking. Keeping to the crosswalks, however, helps protect your rights and makes it easier to prove negligence.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If a driver hit you while you were crossing a crosswalk on foot, you are likely suffering significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and take the first step toward securing the necessary benefits. Taking the appropriate steps after a pedestrian accident is essential in protecting your legal rights. If you are in this situation, contact Chris Hudson Law Group at (706) 863-6600. Let our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Georgia fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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