Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) estimates that there were 10,400 pedestrian crashes involving injuries or fatalities in Georgia between 2014 and 2017.

Yes, pedestrians have the right of way in Georgia.

Yes. However, there are some rules that you should keep in mind.

Yes, it is legal to cross the street when there is no crosswalk available.

Pedestrians are more likely to be distracted when traveling than drivers.

The best way is to walk behind the car on a path or sidewalk.

Yes, you can still file a claim if you were jaywalking.

If you have been injured, your property has been damaged or destroyed, a family member has died, the cause of an accident is unclear, and/or there are legal issues involved with settling insurance claims.

A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate through the legal process and get you the compensation you deserve.

If your actions contributed in any way to the pedestrian accident, then you may be partially responsible for the damages suffered by the injured party, but you should contact an attorney immediately.

The length of time it takes to resolve a case depends on several factors, including case complexity, available court calendars and dockets, and the type of case (civil or criminal).

You’ll need to provide some basic information about your claim, such as: the date of your injury and where it occurred; a description of how you were injured; information about medical expenses related to the injury; and other relevant details regarding the accident.

A pedestrian is defined as someone who walks along a road or in a developed area like a neighborhood. While walking on the road can sometimes be unavoidable, whenever a person chooses to walk along roadways they put themselves at an increased risk for an accident. Even pedestrians who remain on the sidewalk can become involved in an accident when crossing an intersection. The majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by the inattentiveness of a motorcycle or automobile driver. Other top causes of pedestrian accidents include: Speeding (8.3%), Failure to Yield Right of Way (20.6%), Pedestrian Mistakes (21.5%), Distracted Drivers (36%). In busy cities with higher traffic rates, pedestrian accidents are often linked to aggressive driving. Drivers are more likely to engage in road rage, drive at unsafe speeds, violate traffic signals, and make unlawful turns. In some instances the pedestrian is at fault. This may occur when a pedestrian fails to use a designated crosswalk or does not cross at an intersection. In some instances, a pedestrian may dart out in front of a vehicle making it impossible for the car to stop in time. Pedestrian accidents are more common at night due to low visibility and a lack of reflective gear.

Injuries from a pedestrian accident can range from a few bumps and bruises to broken bones and brain injuries. However, injuries can vary based on the type of vehicle, the speed of the driver, as well as the age and overall health of the pedestrian. Pedestrians who have been hit by vehicles often suffer injuries to the chest, abdomen, head, and extremities. Common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
Lacerations - Lacerations appear as deep tears or cuts in the skin. The treatment needed and length of recovery depends on the location of the laceration and how deep it is.
Bone Fractures - A bone fracture is the partial or complete break in the continuity of a bone. This is one of the most common types of injuries suffered by pedestrians caused by the external force of the vehicle.
Pelvic Injuries - Due to the hood design of many modern vehicles, pedestrian accidents often result in pelvic injuries. If the injury caused numerous breaks in the pelvic region, it may be life threatening.
Head Trauma - Trauma to the head and brain are of major concern after a pedestrian accident. Head trauma can be minor, such as a contusion or cut to the head, or can be more severe like a concussion or fractured skull bone.
Spinal Cord Injuries - The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals between the body and brain. Even minor spinal cord injuries can have devastating long-term health effects.
Internal Injuries - Bleeds to the brain, rib fractures, internal bleeding, and other types of internal injuries can be very serious as they cannot be seen without proper medical intervention. It is important to see a doctor following a pedestrian accident to rule out internal injuries.
Death - In severe pedestrian accidents, death can occur.

According to the CDC:
Older adults - Pedestrians ages 65 and older accounted for 20% of all pedestrian deaths in 2016 and an estimated 15% of all pedestrians injured in 2015
Children - In 2016, one in every five children under the age of 15 who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
Drivers and pedestrians who are alcohol-impaired - Almost half (48%) of crashes that resulted in pedestrian deaths involved alcohol for the driver or the pedestrian. One in every three (33%) of fatal pedestrian crashes involved a pedestrian with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) and 13% involved a driver with a BAC of at least 0.08 g/dL.
Additional Risk Factors - Additionally, higher vehicle speeds increase both the likelihood of a pedestrian being struck by a car and the severity of injury. Most pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas, non-intersection locations, and at night.