Pedestrians have little protection when a vehicle hits them, so even a low-speed crash can cause serious injuries. On busy streets or at intersections, one careless driver can leave someone facing serious medical bills and time away from work.
If you or someone you love was hit by a car, a lawyer experienced in these types of accident cases can help you understand your options and what steps may come next.
At Fox Injury Law, we represent injured people throughout Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding communities. Call (404) 777-7778 to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer.
Why choose Fox Injury Law for a pedestrian accident case?
Being hit by a car can turn an ordinary day into a life-altering event. Serious injuries and mounting medical bills can leave victims overwhelmed and unsure about their next steps.
Fox Injury Law was founded by attorneys Melody M. Fox and Chris J. Fox, who created the firm to provide clients with a more personal and attentive legal experience. When you work with our law firm, your case receives direct attention from experienced attorneys rather than being passed off to support staff.
Clients choose Fox Injury Law because:
- Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling serious accident injuries.
- We prepare every pedestrian accident case as though it may go to trial.
- Our team works directly with insurance companies to pursue fair settlements.
- Clients receive clear communication and guidance throughout the legal process.
Insurance companies might try to minimize pedestrian accident claims, particularly when catastrophic injuries lead to large damages. Our attorneys focus on the facts, investigating what happened so the full story is clear.
How Fox Injury Law handles pedestrian accident claims
Pursuing a pedestrian accident case involves several important steps. Our attorneys guide clients through each stage while working to build a strong claim.
Free consultation and case review
Your case begins with a free consultation. During this meeting, an attorney will review the details of the pedestrian accident in Atlanta, explain potential legal options, and determine whether negligence may have played a role.
Investigation of the accident
Our legal team gathers evidence to support your claim. This may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photos or videos of the accident scene.
Negotiating with the insurance company
Insurance companies often attempt to reduce the value of injury claims or deny responsibility. Our attorneys handle all communication with insurers while pursuing compensation for damages.
Litigation if necessary
Many pedestrian accident claims settle outside of court, but not all insurance companies negotiate fairly. If necessary, our accident attorney in Atlanta can file a lawsuit and present your case in court.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Atlanta
Pedestrian accidents often happen when drivers fail to pay attention or ignore traffic laws. In a busy city like Atlanta, heavy traffic and distracted driving can increase the risk of serious collisions.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers using phones, navigation systems, or other devices may fail to see pedestrians in crosswalks or along the roadway.
- Failure to yield: Georgia law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, but many crashes happen when drivers ignore this rule.
- Speeding: Higher speeds make it harder for drivers to stop in time to avoid hitting someone crossing the street.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of striking a pedestrian.
Types of pedestrian accidents in Atlanta
Pedestrian accidents can happen in many different situations across Atlanta. Busy areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and around major MARTA stations often see heavy foot traffic mixed with constant vehicle congestion. When drivers fail to pay attention or rush through intersections, pedestrians are at risk.
Some of the most common types of pedestrian accidents include:
- Crosswalk accidents: Drivers fail to stop for pedestrians who are legally crossing streets near busy intersections, such as those found throughout Midtown or Downtown.
- Turning vehicle accidents: A driver making a left or right turn may focus on oncoming traffic and overlook someone walking through a crosswalk.
- Parking lot accidents: These crashes often occur in crowded areas, such as shopping centers and retail districts in neighborhoods like Buckhead and Atlantic Station.
- Hit-and-run accidents: In some cases, a driver strikes a pedestrian and leaves the scene, which can make the situation even more stressful for victims.
- Distracted driving accidents: Drivers who are texting or using their phones may fail to notice pedestrians crossing streets near restaurants, offices, or transit stops.
Serious injuries often seen in pedestrian accidents
Pedestrians have almost no protection when a vehicle hits them, so injuries are often serious. Even a crash at lower speeds can leave someone badly hurt. Many people need emergency medical care and may face a long recovery after being hit by a car.
Some of the most common accident injuries in pedestrian cases include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and deep lacerations that may lead to permanent scarring. In the most serious cases, victims may suffer catastrophic injuries that result in long-term disability.
Injuries like these can affect nearly every part of a person’s life. Many victims face ongoing medical care, time away from work, and a long recovery process. In situations like this, a personal injury claim may help cover medical bills, lost wages, and the physical and emotional impact of the accident.
What parties may be liable for a pedestrian accident?
Figuring out who is responsible is one of the most important parts of a pedestrian accident case. In many situations, the driver who hit the pedestrian may be liable if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to stop at a crosswalk as required by Georgia law. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91, drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians who are crossing within a crosswalk.
Liability is not always limited to the driver. In some cases, another party may also share responsibility. For example, a company may be liable if a commercial driver caused the crash while working. A property owner or government agency could also be involved if poor lighting, unsafe road design, or broken signals contributed to the accident.
Georgia law also places certain responsibilities on pedestrians. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-92, pedestrians who cross outside a crosswalk generally must yield to vehicles already on the roadway. Because these rules can affect how fault is determined, a careful investigation is crucial.
Compensation available after a pedestrian accident
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Atlanta can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages
Economic damages compensate victims for measurable financial losses related to the accident. These damages can include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Hospital bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage related to the incident
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of the injuries. Examples may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on relationships with family members
In cases involving extreme negligence, additional damages may be available under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1.
What our clients say about working with Fox Injury Law
Choosing a law firm after a serious accident is a big decision. Many clients come to Fox Injury Law because they want experienced attorneys who will treat them with respect and keep them informed throughout the process. Here is what some former clients have shared about their experience.
“I had a great experience with Fox Injury Law Firm. They were professional, responsive, and truly cared about my case. My attorney handled everything smoothly and kept me informed from start to finish. They fought hard for my compensation, and I always felt supported. Highly recommend this firm for any personal injury matters.”
— Martin L
“The experience and professionalism were outstanding. Fox Injury Law answered all my calls and questions in a timely manner. They were very polite on the phone and in person.”
— Lawanda J
“Fox Injury Law is the gold standard. Their staff treated me with the utmost respect and listened to what I had to say, gave their input, and it worked out the best. I highly recommend reaching out to them. Very professional and will fight for you.”
— Billy K
Frequently asked questions about pedestrian accident claims
How much is a pedestrian accident case worth?
The value of a case depends on several factors, including the seriousness of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, time missed from work, and how the accident affects daily life. Cases involving long-term injuries or permanent disabilities often result in higher compensation because of ongoing medical needs and lost earning potential.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. This means an injured person may still recover compensation as long as they were less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. However, the amount of compensation may be reduced based on their share of fault.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Georgia?
Georgia law generally allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, missing this deadline may prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation, which is why it is often important to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later.
Do I need a lawyer to deal with the insurance company?
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than they may be worth. A lawyer can handle communication with the insurer, gather evidence, and work to recover compensation that reflects the full impact of the accident.
If you have more questions about accident claims, visit our personal injury FAQs for more information.
Local resources for pedestrian accidents in Atlanta
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, these local agencies may provide assistance or help document the incident.
Atlanta Police Department
226 Peachtree St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
The Atlanta Police Department investigates traffic crashes throughout the city and prepares official accident reports that may be used in injury claims.
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
One Georgia Center
600 West Peachtree NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
GDOT manages statewide crash reporting systems used to document accidents and generate official reports.
Grady Memorial Hospital
80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Grady Memorial Hospital is one of the city’s main trauma centers and treats many victims of serious pedestrian accident injuries.
Talk to an Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer today
Fox Injury Law is committed to helping injured pedestrians pursue the compensation they need to move forward. If you were hit by a car in Atlanta, our experienced legal team is ready to review your case and explain your options. Call (404) 777-7778 to schedule a free consultation, or contact Fox Injury Law online to discuss your situation with an experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer.