Road accidents have devastating consequences, causing physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. The aftermath of such incidents can disrupt your daily life in ways you never imagined.
Whether you're a driver or a pedestrian, the roads of Athens, Georgia, are risky.
In Athens, GA, certain roads pose a higher risk to drivers and passengers due to poor visibility, heavy traffic, and inadequate infrastructure. You may be entitled to compensation after being injured in a road crash caused by someone else's fault.
Even so, you must prove fault by the at-fault party to obtain damages for your losses. You should, therefore, work with a legal professional who can guide your steps during the settlement claim.
A personal injury attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and initiate a claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
Five Most Dangerous Roads in Athens for Drivers & Pedestrians
Georgia 400
Georgia 400, also known as US-19, is one of the most dangerous roads in Athens for drivers and pedestrians. This highway stretches for approximately 59 miles and connects the city to Atlanta.
The high-speed limits and heavy traffic make it a hotspot for accidents. The narrow lanes and lack of adequate lighting also pose significant risks for drivers, especially at night.
Interstate 75
Interstate 75 poses significant risks for both drivers and pedestrians. This major highway connects Athens to other cities, resulting in heavy traffic flow and congestion. The high volume of vehicles and varying speeds increase the likelihood of accidents and collisions on this road.
Further, large commercial trucks and distracted drivers heighten the danger levels on Interstate 75.
The layout of Interstate 75 also contributes to its reputation as a hazardous roadway. With multiple lanes, frequent lane changes, and complex interchanges, passengers and drivers are at increased risk of accidents.
The speeding nature of traffic on Interstate 75 can lead to reckless driving behaviors, increasing the chances of accidents and injuries for motorists and pedestrians.
Barnett Shoals Road and College Station Road Intersection
Located in the heart of Athens, the intersection of Barnett Shoals Road and College Station Road is infamous for its high accident rates. The heavy flow of traffic combined with confusing lane changes makes it a dangerous spot for drivers and pedestrians.
Limited visibility and erratic driver behavior also expose road users to the risk of accidents.
The proximity to popular shopping centers and residential areas adds to the chaos, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Pedestrians trying to cross the busy streets face significant hazards due to speeding vehicles and inadequate crosswalks.
The I-20 Interstate Highway
The I-20 road in Athens, GA, is notorious for posing significant risks to pedestrians and vehicles. With heavy traffic, high speeds, and limited pedestrian crossings, this road is a hotspot for accidents.
Pedestrians often struggle to traverse busy intersections safely, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions with oncoming vehicles.
Drivers also face challenges on the I-20 road, dealing with congestion, distracted pedestrians, and limited visibility at specific points. These factors combine to create a hazardous environment, contributing to the high rate of accidents.
Lexington Road in Athens
Lexington Road is part of U.S. Route 78 in Athens, Georgia. It is a major east-west thoroughfare connecting the city to surrounding areas. The road's high traffic volume, poor lighting, and limited crosswalks make it hazardous for road users.
Pedestrians using Lexington Road face challenges due to the lack of proper infrastructure, forcing them to take significant risks when crossing the street. Additionally, the fast-moving traffic and frequent congestion contribute to a heightened risk of accidents.
If you get injured in a Lexington road crash, a personal injury attorney investigates the accident and pursues compensation for your losses.
What to Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault
Although being injured in a car accident is an overwhelming experience, your actions after the crash can enhance your wellness and legal rights.
Here’s what you should do after a car accident that's not your fault:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After being involved in a car accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Here are a few reasons why you should prioritize your health and well-being by seeing a doctor as soon as possible:
- Hidden Injuries and Treatment Plan - Symptoms of some injuries, including concussion, may not be immediately apparent after a crash. Seeking medical attention allows healthcare professionals to identify hidden injuries and develop an effective treatment plan, promoting your well-being.
- Documentation of the Injury - Seeking immediate medical attention also creates documented evidence of your injuries. A healthcare provider will generate a medical bill, doctor’s note, prescription note, and other records you can use to prove your injury.
- Delayed Treatment Can Affect Your Settlement Claim - If you delay seeking medical treatment, it can hurt your settlement claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed if you did not seek prompt medical attention. When you seek immediate medical attention, you demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries and protect your legal rights.
A personal injury attorney can use medical records to demonstrate the extent of your injuries in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
File a Police Accident Report
You should notify the police after being injured in a car or pedestrian accident. Notifying the authorities ensures an official record of the incident, which can be invaluable when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
The report captures details of the accident, including the parties involved, witnesses, and any injuries sustained.
By involving the police, you ensure a neutral party assesses the situation and creates an unbiased report of the accident. A personal injury lawyer can use a police accident report to establish liability or support your claim.
Moreover, reporting the accident to the police is legally required in many jurisdictions, including Athens, GA. In Georgia, you should report a crash to the police if it results in:
- Injury
- Death
- Property damage exceeding $500
Inform Your Insurer About the Crash
You should also inform your insurance company about the crash. Many insurers require policyholders to notify them about a collision within a specific timeline. Your insurer can cover the losses if the at-fault party has no coverage or holds insufficient insurance.
You should not negotiate with your insurer without legal representation. Insurance companies may play down your claim or offer a settlement that does not fully cover your expenses. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate the offers and advise you whether to accept or negotiate for a better deal.
Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
A skilled personal injury lawyer can assess your case, helping you understand your rights and options. They will guide you through the details of insurance claims, negotiations, and potential lawsuits following the crash.
A personal injury attorney has vast knowledge about car and pedestrian accidents. They will tirelessly protect your interests and seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
By entrusting your case to a reliable personal injury lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When pedestrians are involved in accidents, many sustain injuries with varying severity. Here are common types of injuries that can occur in pedestrian accidents:
- Head Injuries: This type of injury can occur when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, leading to traumatic brain injuries, concussions, or skull fractures.
- Amputations: In severe cases, the force of a pedestrian accident can lead to traumatic amputations of limbs, forever changing the individual's quality of life.
- Burn Injuries: If a pedestrian accident involves a fire or explosion, injuries can occur, ranging from minor to severe third-degree burns.
- Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of a pedestrian accident can result in emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Cuts and Bruises: Abrasions and contusions are common in pedestrian accidents caused by vehicle or ground contact.
- Whiplash: Sudden jerking movements in a pedestrian accident can cause whiplash, resulting in neck and shoulder pain
- Broken Bones: The impact of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian can easily lead to fractures in bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and hips.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A pedestrian accident can result in damage to the spinal cord, causing paralysis or loss of motor function.
- Internal Injuries: The blunt force trauma from a pedestrian accident can cause damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
You have a right to pursue compensation if injured in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else’s fault. A personal injury attorney can use medical records to prove the impact of your injury and pursue a fair settlement value for your losses.
Compensation for Pedestrian Hit by Car
You can initiate a compensation claim after a pedestrian accident to cover financial and non-financial losses resulting from the accident. A clear understanding of the damages you can seek and how to proceed with the claim can protect your rights.
Here are the damages you can pursue in a pedestrian crash:
Medical Expenses
In the unfortunate event of a pedestrian accident, medical expenses can quickly pile up, causing a significant financial burden. You deserve compensation for the medical expenses you incur during the treatment plan.
These may include hospital bills, rehabilitation, medication, and long-term care expenses. By working with a personal injury lawyer, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve to cover these necessary medical costs.
Lost Income
Lost income includes the earnings you cannot earn due to the injuries sustained in the accident. While recovering from your injuries, you cannot work, resulting in lost earnings that can add to the financial burden you are already facing.
Calculating lost income requires an analysis of your earnings before the accident and any potential future income that may be affected by your injuries.
An experienced personal injury attorney can use pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or a letter from your employer to substantiate your lost income claim.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensate injured victims for the physical and emotional trauma they endure as a result of the injuries. These damages account for chronic pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life as a result of the injury.
For example, a person who can no longer comfortably walk due to an injury may receive compensation for these losses.
Emotional Anguish
After a pedestrian accident, you may qualify for emotional anguish compensation if you have suffered severe distress, anxiety, or grief as a result of the incident. If the events leading to the traumatic accident were traumatic, you may experience emotional anguish.
Learning you’ll be permanently disabled or disfigured after a pedestrian accident can worsen your mental health. Compensation for mental anguish allows you to cater for treatment interventions for your mental health.
Loss of Companionship
In addition to physical injuries, the loss of companionship and emotional support from a loved one can have a profound impact on your life. You may be eligible to seek compensation for loss of companionship damages after losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident.
These damages provide financial support for the emotional suffering and void left by the absence of your loved one. A personal injury lawyer can use medical records or witness statements to demonstrate the impact of losing a loved one.
Punitive Damages
You can obtain punitive damages in a pedestrian accident lawsuit. As the name suggests, punitive damages punish the defendant for disregarding the safety of the injured victim. They also deter the at-fault party and others from engaging in similar actions that led to the accident.
Don’t Face the Aftermath of an Accident Alone
Your quality of life is likely to worsen after being injured in a car or pedestrian accident. You may endure hefty medical bills, inability to work, and chronic pain. Although you may be entitled to compensation, you may face resistance from an insurer.
A personal injury attorney understands the impact of an accident and is ready to protect your rights. They can gather evidence, establish the value of damages, and negotiate with insurance providers to maximize your settlement value.
Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer for legal support.