Stockbridge Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The rules of the road are meant to help keep both drivers and pedestrians safe, but these rules are only helpful if drivers abide by them. When drivers negligently or purposefully ignore rules regarding pedestrians on the road, serious accidents may occur.
If you were injured in such an accident, a dedicated Stockbridge pedestrian accident lawyer could help ensure that your case is filed within the applicable time limits. An experienced personal injury attorney could also help you obtain evidence to support your claim and work to secure fair compensation from a negligent party.
Time Allowance to File a Pedestrian Accident Case
One of the essential elements of pedestrian accident cases that potential plaintiffs should understand is the statute of limitations. This is the strict time limit given by Georgia state law to file a civil claim. Official Code of Georgia §9-3-33 establishes that this deadline for pedestrian accident cases is two years from the date of the accident.
Some plaintiffs do not realize that they may have a valid legal case, or they may want to focus on their health and worry about a lawsuit later. However, delaying a consultation with a seasoned pedestrian accident lawyer in Stockbridge could be detrimental to an injured person’s future and finances. If they wait until after the statute of limitations expire, they may have their case dismissed and be unable to recover anything at all. Given the risk of the statutes expiring, individuals are recommended to speak with a hard-working attorney immediately.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
The law allows for some exceptions to the statute of limitations. According to O.C.G.A. §9-3-94, if the defendant leaves the state after the pedestrian accident but before they are served with a subpoena for the case, the statute of limitations could potentially be tolled or paused. Similarly, if the injured individual has not yet reached the legal age of majority or is not legally competent—due to either intellectual disability or mental illness—at the time of the accident, the deadline tolls until they turn 18 or until they are no longer incompetent, as per O.C.G.A. §9-3-90.
What Types of Evidence Pertains to Pedestrian Accident Cases?
Credible evidence is one of the most vital pieces of any successful civil case. A plaintiff’s Stockbridge pedestrian accident attorney could potentially use several different types of evidence to help prove the negligence of the defendant as well as the injury damages that the plaintiff suffers. Applicable evidence may include:
- Medical records from before and after the accident
- Employment records and pay stubs
- Sworn deposition testimony of expert medical witnesses
- Sworn deposition testimony of witnesses to the accident
- Sworn deposition testimony of the plaintiff’s friends, family, and coworkers
- Sworn deposition testimony of the plaintiff and the defendant
- Medical bills
- Results of an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
Contact a Stockbridge Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrians usually do not come away from motor vehicle accidents unscathed. They may face tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills and long-term pain and suffering as a result of their injuries.
A steadfast Stockbridge pedestrian accident lawyer could review the factors involved in your case and work to hold a careless individual responsible. Call today to set up an initial consultation and get started exploring your legal options.
