Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Experience & Service Matter for Injured Pedestrians.

Hit By a Car? Our Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help.

Walking down the side of the road seems, at first, safer than driving. As a pedestrian in Atlanta, you must share the road with other vehicles.

Unfortunately, sometimes those vehicles fail to share the road with you. In a pedestrian accident with a vehicle, the pedestrian often comes out with significant, severe injuries, many of which can cause life-changing results or, in some cases, lead to death.

You may be entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence was the cause. If you or a loved one were a pedestrian hit by a car, the lawyers at The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., can navigate the legal system, protect you, and pursue the maximum amount possible. Call, text, or chat for a free consultation.

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Our Atlanta Lawyers Help Injured Pedestrians

Investigate & Gather Evidence: The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to determine fault in a pedestrian-involved auto accident. We can also obtain police reports and medical records related to the collision.

Evaluate Your Damages: Our pedestrian accident lawyers can help evaluate the damages you incurred, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Deal with the Insurance: We can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to negotiate a fair and full pedestrian injury settlement.
Representation in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached for your pedestrian accident, we will represent you and seek max compensation from the liable parties.
Advocacy for Injured Pedestrians: Our lawyer can speak on your behalf throughout the legal process, providing guidance and support to ensure your rights are protected, and the right party is held accountable.

Types & Causes of Atlanta Pedestrian Accidents

Negligence and human error are the most common cause of car accidents involving people on foot. However, some of the frequently seen causes and contributing factors are:

Crosswalk Accidents: Pedestrians who are crossing the road within designated crosswalks can be struck by negligent drivers who fail to yield or disobey traffic signals.
Jaywalking Accidents: Pedestrians who cross the road outside designated crosswalks or against traffic signals are at a higher risk of being hit by vehicles that may not anticipate their presence.
Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phones, passengers, or other activities may not notice pedestrians and collide with them while driving.
Speeding Drivers: Drivers who exceed the speed limit have reduced reaction times and may be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Right Turn Accidents: Pedestrians are vulnerable to accidents when drivers make right turns without properly checking for pedestrians crossing the intersection.
Left Turn Accidents: Pedestrians can be struck by vehicles making left turns when the driver fails to yield or misjudges the pedestrian’s crossing speed.
Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers may have impaired judgment, reduced reaction times, and decreased ability to spot pedestrians, leading to accidents.
Poor Visibility: Low-light conditions, bad weather, or obstructed views due to objects like parked cars or trees can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and increase the risk of accidents.
Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as running red lights, tailgating, or erratic lane changes can result in collisions with pedestrians.
Failure to Stop for School Buses: Drivers who fail to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children can endanger pedestrians, including students.
Backing-Up Accidents: Pedestrians can be struck when drivers reverse their vehicles without checking their surroundings adequately.
Vehicle Malfunctions: Brake failures, steering issues, or other mechanical problems can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and collide with pedestrians.

Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents

After a pedestrian accident, you may find yourself left with serious injuries that make it difficult to move forward with your life. You may suffer:

Spinal cord damage, including limited or even permanent paralysis
Amputations
Traumatic brain injuries
Organ damage

Pedestrian accidents can leave you struggling with lifelong complications that transform your ability to do the things you have always done in the past: your ability to work, participate in leisure activities, and even care for yourself. If you’ve sustained an injury after a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys.

How to Handle an Atlanta Car vs. Person Car Accident

If you or a loved one are struck by a car, truck, or another vehicle while walking, follow these steps:

Seek medical attention: Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is seriously injured. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately.
Move to a safe location: If possible, move yourself to a safe place away from traffic.
Call the police: Call the police and report the accident, providing your location and any other relevant details.
Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the car’s driver and any witnesses to the accident.
Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the car and any visible injuries.
Report the accident to your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company, even if you were not at fault.
Contact a lawyer: Contact a lawyer with experience in pedestrian accident cases to help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your damages.
Follow up with medical treatment: Follow up with any recommended medical treatment and keep records of all medical expenses and treatment.

In addition to these steps, it is crucial to be aware of the laws and regulations related to pedestrian safety in Atlanta, such as obeying traffic signals and staying in the crosswalks.

Georgia Pedestrian Laws

Whether you were struck by a car while walking down the street, crossing a busy road, or hit by a reversing driver, it is essential to be aware of the laws that apply to pedestrian safety and identify instances of negligence and liability.

Right-of-Way at Crosswalks (§40-6-91): Motor vehicle drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Jaywalking (§40-6-92): Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the road anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection unless otherwise directed by a traffic control device.
Walking on Roadways (§40-6-92): Pedestrians are generally required to use sidewalks when available. If sidewalks are not provided, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic.
Use of Sidewalks (§40-6-93): Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when entering or crossing a roadway from a sidewalk or crosswalk.
Pedestrian Traffic Control Signals (§40-6-21): Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals specifically designed for pedestrians, such as “walk” and “don’t walk” signals.
Intoxicated Pedestrian Laws (§40-6-95): Pedestrians who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that they are a hazard to themselves or others may be subject to penalties.

We Demand Maximum Settlement for Injured Pedestrians.

Compensation for Atlanta Pedestrian Accidents

We know the costs add up quickly for injured pedestrians. While some things take some time, we don’t wait around. As soon as it’s possible, we’ll demand a fair settlement. Our experiences and commitment help us resolve your claim quickly.

WATCH: How much is my personal injury case worth?

The compensation an injured pedestrian can expect will vary based on the severity of your injuries and the policy limits. Depending on the extent of your injuries, however, you can ask for several common elements of compensation:

Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Lost earning potential

Working with a lawyer can help you understand exactly what compensation you deserve.

Insurance Claims & Pedestrian Lawsuits

After a pedestrian-involved accident, you may need to file a pedestrian accident insurance claim and potentially a lawsuit to recover the necessary compensation. Here are the basic steps involved:

File an insurance claim: If another driver hits you, you could file a claim with their insurance company. You will need to provide details about the accident, including photos of the damage, medical bills, and any other expenses related to the accident. The insurance company will then investigate and make a settlement offer.
Negotiate a settlement: You and your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement for your injuries and damages. You may need to file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement.
File a lawsuit: If negotiations fail, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. You must provide evidence that the another driver was at fault for the accident and that you suffered injuries or damages. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and represent you in court.

Who is At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?

Fault is typically determined by the actions of each party involved in the accident. If the car’s driver was at fault, they or their insurance carrier might be liable for paying for any damages or injuries caused.

How Do You Prove Driver Negligence?

If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care and causes harm to a pedestrian, they may be deemed at fault. Driver negligence can include distracted driving, speeding, running a red light, failing to yield at a crosswalk, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system which means that if a pedestrian is found to be partly at fault for their injuries, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.

Therefore, if you were hit by a motor vehicle in Georgia and were not in the crosswalk or breaking another pedestrian safety law, it may affect your compensation. However, it does not necessarily mean that you are automatically at fault for the accident injuries. The actions of each party determine fault, and other factors, such as driver negligence or road conditions, may also be considered.

Will My Case Go To Court?

Not necessarily. The first step will be to determine the value of your case and seek a settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Most pedestrian accident injury claims are settled before they reach the courtroom. However, your attorney should feel comfortable with providing pedestrian injury legal representation in court if it becomes necessary to do so.

Contact Champion for Pedestrian Accident Legal Advice

If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident in the Metro Atlanta area, we can help. Contact The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. and our Atlanta injury lawyers today at 404-999-4627 by phone, text, or chat. We don't charge upfront fees unless we win.