Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers represent people who have been struck by any motor vehicle. People don’t realize just how many victims are injured in pedestrian accidents in Atlanta every year. These accidents are so dangerous because a human being can’t withstand the impact of a motor vehicle. If this happens to you, it’s important that you call an experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer right away. They’ll focus on getting you damages for your injuries. This way, you can focus on what is important – recovering from your injuries. The attorneys at TorkLaw have decades of experience handling pedestrian accident cases. They seek fair compensation for their clients in Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Costs
As personal injury lawyers, Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that they are not paid until your case is resolved. This could be either through a settlement or a judgment. When you first decide to retain TorkLaw, you will be asked to sign something called a contingency agreement. This document outlines how your attorney’s fee will be paid.
The percentage of your settlement that will be paid to your lawyer can vary. Typically, this rate ranges from 20% to 45%. If your case goes to trial, the percentage will be on the higher end of the spectrum. This is based on the fact that your lawyer will need to dedicate more time and resources to your case. The firm will also need to deduct any costs related to your suit from your settlement or judgment. This may include the following costs and expenses:
- Postage and supplies
- Costs of depositions
- Travel expenses
- Fees for expert witnesses such as an accident reconstruction specialist
- Special filing fees
At the conclusion of your case, your settlement proceeds will be applied toward these outstanding fees and costs. These proceeds will also be used to pay any outstanding medical bills. After these mandatory expenses are paid, you will receive the remainder of your settlement or award.
The Initial Consultation
Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers would love to be able to represent every potential client that enters their office. However, in order to adequately serve their clients, they need to ensure that they only accept cases with clients that have a legitimate claim for damages. This is why it’s important that you prepare for your free initial consultation. This is your first meeting with your future lawyer. It gives both of you a chance to ask any questions you may have regarding your accident. It also allows your lawyer the opportunity to determine how much your case may be worth.
To ensure that your initial consultation is fruitful, be prepared to bring the following information with you:
- A copy of the police report
- Any correspondence sent to you by the defendant’s attorney
- Information and paperwork you have received by the insurance companies
- Pictures of the accident scene if available
- Medical records showing the extent of your injuries
- Any settlement offers communicated to you by the defendant
Potential Outcomes of Your Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Case
There are several ways in which your pedestrian accident case may be resolved. More than 95% of all personal injury cases settle long before they go to court. Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers know this. The lawyers at TorkLaw will work hard to negotiate a settlement of your claim. They understand that you want as much money as possible. But they also know that you don’t want to have to wait for years to get this money.
Some of the benefits of settling your Atlanta pedestrian accident case rather than going to trial include the following:
- Trials are expensive and time-consuming.
- There’s always the chance that you could lose if your case goes to trial.
- Georgia is a comparative negligence state. If the court finds that you were partially at fault, they’re going to discount your damages by your percentage of fault.
- Even if you win in court, it could take years to get your money. Your judgment is only as good as the paper it’s printed on. If the defendant doesn’t have any assets, it will be hard to collect on your judgment.
If you are unable to settle your case, your attorney will file suit on your behalf. Once the suit is filed, your case can still be settled. In fact, it can be settled up until the day your trial concludes.
Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Pursue Your Damages
When you meet with your Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer for the first time, they’ll review your case in order to see what it’s worth. They’ll assess your claim and determine what sort of damages you can demand in your lawsuit. These damages may include all or some of the following:
- Medical bills and future medical bills
- Lost wages and lost future earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Very rarely will Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers be able to get their clients’ punitive damages. These are reserved for cases in which the defendant acted intentionally, recklessly, or criminally. There are times when they will apply to your case. Drunk driving cases often carry the penalty of punitive damages. In Georgia, there is no cap on punitive damages. This means that if your case qualifies for this type of compensation, it could make up the lion’s share of your award.
Your Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, you’re going to have some pretty serious injuries. The last thing you’ll want to do is fight with an insurance company. If your claim is denied, you need to call an experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer. They know how insurance companies work. They also have the skills to negotiate a settlement of your accident claim.
Call our office right away and schedule your free initial consultation. Take the time to sit down with someone who’s handled dozens of cases like yours before. They can answer any questions you have. They’ll also review your information and let you know what your case may be worth.
The defendant is going to have a team of lawyers on their side. The insurance company is required to defend the other driver. You don’t want to be at a disadvantage. Call today and set up a date and time that works for you. The consultation is free, and you won’t have to pay anything until you resolve your case.