Hit by a Car in Georgia? Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Explains Common Injuries
Being hit by a car can be a devastating, life-altering experience. Unfortunately, despite being taught from a young age to watch out for cars, many drivers fail to exercise the necessary caution around pedestrians, leading to tragic accidents. According to recent statistics, approximately 7,500 pedestrians lose their lives annually in traffic accidents across the United States. This figure represents about 17% of all traffic fatalities, with the most affected age groups being individuals between 35-44 and 55-65 years old. Contrary to common belief, pedestrian fatalities and injuries are not limited to children; able-bodied adults often suffer severe consequences in these incidents.
In Georgia, the situation is even more alarming, as the state ranks eighth in the nation for pedestrian fatalities. At K. Hall Law Group, we are committed to representing victims of pedestrian accidents throughout Georgia, particularly in Atlanta. Our team handles severe and life-altering pedestrian accident cases, including those resulting in catastrophic injuries, prolonged hospitalizations, permanent disabilities, and wrongful death. If you or a loved one have been injured, reach out to our compassionate and skilled Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win compensation for you.
Why Pedestrians Often Suffer the Most Severe Injuries
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable victims in motor vehicle accidents. Unlike drivers, cyclists, or motorcyclists, pedestrians have little to no protective gear. The unexpected nature of pedestrian accidents often leaves victims unprepared for impact, resulting in serious injuries. Helmets, airbags, or seatbelts are not an option for those walking on foot, making their injuries particularly severe compared to other road users.
Common Types of Pedestrian Injuries in Georgia
Pedestrian injuries can range from minor scrapes to life-threatening trauma. Various factors influence the type and severity of injuries, such as the speed of the vehicle, direction of impact, location of the accident (crosswalk, sidewalk, roadway), and the type of vehicle involved. Below are some of the most common types of pedestrian injuries our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer handles:
1. Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs occur when a jolt or impact causes direct damage to the brain. The most common type is a concussion, but more severe injuries such as diffuse axonal injuries, brain bleeds, penetrating injuries, and whiplash-related coup-contrecoup injuries can also occur.
Cranial Nerve Damage: Injuries to cranial nerves can lead to pain, numbness, facial asymmetry, or difficulty moving parts of the face. Such injuries often have long-term consequences and require complex care.
2. Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Paralysis: A spinal cord injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia (loss of function in the lower half of the body) or quadriplegia (loss of function below the neck). Victims face a lifetime of medical care and rehabilitation.
Herniated Discs and Vertebral Injuries: Not all spinal injuries involve the spinal cord itself. Torn ligaments, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and often require surgical intervention, such as spinal fusion.
3. Broken Bones and Fractures
Bone fractures are common in pedestrian accidents due to the impact of being struck by a vehicle and the subsequent fall. These injuries may require casts, surgical intervention, and sometimes permanent hardware placement.
4. Amputations and Loss of Limbs
Traumatic amputation or the surgical removal of a limb may occur due to the severity of impact injuries. The loss of a limb profoundly affects a victim’s quality of life, mobility, and independence.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
Pedestrians often sustain soft tissue injuries, including torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can cause significant pain and impair mobility.
6. Organ Damage
Internal injuries and damage to organs can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery or long-term medical care. Common organ injuries involve the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.
7. Loss of Vision and Eye Injuries
Severe trauma to the head can lead to partial or complete loss of vision, profoundly affecting a person's daily life and career.
8. Disfigurement and Scarring
Injuries that cause permanent scarring and disfigurement can have lasting physical and psychological effects, often requiring reconstructive surgery.
9. Wrongful Death
In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents can lead to fatal injuries. Families of victims may pursue compensation for the wrongful death of their loved ones.
Seeking Justice and Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Georgia
If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries due to being hit by a car in Georgia, it’s crucial to contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Atlanta. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims or blame the victim. At K. Hall Law Group, we understand the tactics used by insurers and are dedicated to fighting for your rights. We handle the upfront costs of litigation and only receive payment once we have secured compensation for you.
Contact Our Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
For a free consultation and to learn more about your rights and options, contact us at 678-367-3339 or fill out the Contact Us form on our website. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
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