If you are reading this, it likely means you or someone you love has been hurt as a pedestrian by a driver who didn’t have insurance or didn’t have enough. We know how confusing, stressful, and scary this time can be. You may be wondering how to pay for your medical bills, how long your recovery will take, and whether you will be treated fairly. At our firm, we understand the fear and frustration you’re feeling. You don’t have to go through this alone. We are here to help you understand your rights and take steps toward getting what you deserve.
Understanding What It Means When a Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured
When a driver is uninsured, it means they don’t have car insurance at all. That’s against the law in Georgia, but sadly, some people still drive without it. When a driver is underinsured, they have insurance, but it’s not enough to cover the damage they caused. In pedestrian cases, the damage can be very serious. A person walking doesn’t have the protection of a car around them. That means injuries can be worse than in a regular crash between cars. Medical costs can be very high. If the driver doesn’t have enough insurance, it can feel like there’s no way to get help.
What the Law Says About Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia
Georgia law says drivers must carry a minimum amount of insurance. But this minimum often isn’t enough when someone is badly hurt. The law also allows injured people to seek money for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Pedestrians who are hit by cars have the right to ask for this help, no matter if they were on the sidewalk, in a crosswalk, or even crossing a street outside a crosswalk, as long as they weren’t breaking the law. The problem comes when the driver doesn’t have the money or insurance to pay.
Adam Princenthal
Attorney At Law
David May
Attorney At Law
Matthew Wilson
Attorney At Law
Steps You Can Take Right Away After a Crash
Right after a crash, it’s very important to get medical help. Even if you feel okay, some injuries don’t show up right away. It’s also important to call the police. A police report can be very helpful later. If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the car that hit you. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. These steps can make a big difference when you try to get help. If the driver leaves the scene or won’t give you their insurance, that should go in the report too.
Finding Help When the Driver Can’t Pay
When a driver is uninsured or underinsured, many people think they are out of options. But that’s not true. If you have car insurance, you might have uninsured motorist coverage, also called UM coverage. Even though you were walking, your own policy may cover your injuries. This can be confusing, but it’s one of the ways you may still be able to get help. If a family member you live with has UM coverage, you may be able to use their policy too. We can help you look at every possible source of money to cover your losses.
After a car accident, I contacted David May at the Lagrange office. He, and his staff, helped me with medical advice and follow up doctors visits, along with dealing with my insurance and the insurance of the woman that hit me. I have been very pleased with the service I received from David May and the Lagrange staff. They are warm and open, always there to help with advice and answer questions.”
- Debau
I highly recommend Adam Princenthal .I was looking for someone with years of experience in personal injury.They needed to be knowledgeable, transparent and honest.I wanted to know I was dealing directly with the lawyer I hired.Adam Princenthal could answer all the difficult questions and phone calls were returned.Adam got the settlement I was looking for in a timely manner."
- Nancy K.
I am glad that I was referred to Princenthal & May. Matthew met with me and gained my trust with the case. I was never left in the dark on any matters, My phone calls were either answered or returned quickly. The office staff are very friendly as well. My case was settled, with both Matthew and Adam present. Both are very professional in their work.. They work for you !!!"
- Jacque Minor
Why These Cases Can Be Hard to Handle on Your Own
Insurance companies don’t always want to pay what they should. They may say you were at fault or that your injuries aren’t that bad. In cases with uninsured drivers, they may say they can’t help at all. It can be hard to know what to say or do. That’s where having the right legal support matters. These cases need a lot of careful work to find the right insurance and show how badly you were hurt. There may be paperwork to fill out and deadlines to meet. Missing even one step could hurt your case.
How We Work to Get Results in These Cases
Our approach is simple. We listen carefully to your story. Then we look at every piece of your case to see how we can help. That means checking the police report, going over your medical records, and seeing if there’s any video from nearby cameras. We talk to witnesses and follow up on every clue. If you have UM coverage, we help you file a claim the right way. If the driver has some insurance but not enough, we push to get every dollar available. Our goal is to build the strongest case possible for you, so you can get what you need to heal.
The Pain Pedestrians Suffer After These Crashes
Being hit by a car is a life-changing event. People often suffer broken bones, head injuries, back problems, or worse. They may need surgery, physical therapy, and months away from work. Some people never fully heal. The emotional toll is just as big. Many people feel scared to walk near traffic again. Some have nightmares or anxiety. The law says you can get help for all of this, not just your hospital bills. You deserve to be treated with care and dignity during this hard time.
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What You Can Do if a Loved One Was Killed
In the worst cases, a pedestrian dies from their injuries. When that happens, the family may be able to file a wrongful death case. This type of case asks for money to cover things like funeral costs, lost support, and the pain of losing someone too soon. If the driver had no insurance, or not enough, the family may still be able to get help through their own policies or through other legal steps. These cases are especially emotional and complex, and we treat them with the care they deserve.
Time Limits That Matter in Georgia
In Georgia, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a case. But if the driver can’t be found or if there are other factors, the rules may be different. Also, insurance companies often have much shorter deadlines for you to report a crash or make a claim. That’s why it’s important to talk to someone quickly. Waiting too long could mean you lose the chance to get help, even if you have a strong case.
Representative Cases
We Are Here to Help You Through Every Step
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of dealing with insurance companies or the courts, we are ready to help you. We understand that this is a painful and confusing time. You deserve someone who will listen, care, and fight for you. Whether it’s looking into UM coverage, talking with doctors, or going to court if needed, we are ready to stand by your side.
If you or a loved one were hurt as a pedestrian by a driver without enough insurance in Georgia, now is the time to take action. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of getting what you need to recover. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC. Let us help you move forward with strength and confidence.