Choosing to walk to school, work, or run errands may seem like the safest possible option. However, it is not uncommon for negligent drivers to injure pedestrians at crosswalks or even if the pedestrian never leaves a sidewalk.
The simple fact remains that walkers may be just as vulnerable to accidents as drivers. Worse, pedestrians have no protection from the forces that may inflict severe physical injuries, financial problems, or emotional trauma.
Any person who suffers a personal injury because of the negligence of others has the right to demand compensation. A Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help you to set things right.
Moreover, a Georgia pedestrian accident attorney could provide essential information about the rights of pedestrians, explain how a defendant’s actions violated those rights, and work to demand fair compensation for your losses. For a free consultation, call our Georgia pedestrian accident lawyers and get the dedicated and compassionate representation you deserve from a personal injury lawyer.
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable on our roads—we fight to make them the most protected in court.
Driver Duty to Pedestrians (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91) – Drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks. Failing to yield is a violation of Georgia law. Comparative Negligence (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) – Even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still recover damages if they are less than 50% responsible. Statute of Limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) – Pedestrians injured in traffic collisions generally have two years to file a personal injury claim.O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91 – Drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks. O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33 – Georgia’s comparative negligence law allows injured pedestrians to recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault. O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 – Personal injury claims must be filed within two years.
HOW DO MOST PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN IN GEORGIA?
There are a number of ways that pedestrian accidents can happen, but some are more common than others. In order to help keep yourself safe when walking, it’s important to be aware of the most common causes of these accidents.
The most common cause of pedestrian accidents in Georgia is distracted driving. When drivers are not paying attention to the road, they may not see pedestrians in their path. This can lead to severe injuries or even death.
Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is drunk driving. Drivers who have been drinking are more likely to make mistakes and may not see pedestrians until it’s too late. If you’re out walking, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of drivers who may be under the influence.
Speeding is also a major factor in pedestrian accidents. When drivers are going too fast, they may not have time to stop if someone walks out in front of them. This can lead to catastrophic severe injuries or death.
Pedestrian accidents can also happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way. In some cases, drivers may not see pedestrians and will continue driving even though the pedestrian has the right of way. This can be a very dangerous situation and can easily lead to an accident.
If you’re an injured pedestrian, it’s important to be aware of these common causes of accidents. By being cautious and paying attention to your surroundings, you can help avoid becoming injured in an pedestrian accident in Georgia. However, even taking all of these precautions can still leave you reeling. Our law firm can help you with your pedestrian accident case and make the most out of your situation.
THE OBLIGATIONS OF GEORGIAN DRIVERS TO PROTECT PEDESTRIANS
Every driver assumes a duty to protect all other people whenever they get behind the wheel. Naturally, this duty extends to pedestrians who may be walking in a parking lot, crossing the street using a crosswalk, or even getting out of their cars from a parked position.
Specifically, O.C.G.A. §40-6-91 states that drivers must yield the right of way to any pedestrian who is within the road using a crosswalk. However, this statute also places a burden on pedestrians to not suddenly leave the curb in such a way as to make it impractical for a driver to yield.
Indeed, most cases involving pedestrian accidents are a balancing act between evaluating the actions of drivers and those of pedestrians. O.C.G.A. §40-6-90 requires all passengers to follow traffic control signals in the same way as motorists.
As a result, courts in Georgia pedestrian accident cases will evaluate the actions of all involved parties to determine who was at fault for a collision. This is especially important since state law says that a plaintiff who is more than 50 percent to blame for an accident cannot collect compensation. A Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer from Scott Pryor Law could help to explain the pedestrian safety laws and to prove that a defendant’s negligence was the cause of the accident.
How Are Pedestrian Accident Damages Calculated in Georgia?
In Georgia, there is no cap on damages in pedestrian accident cases. Economic damages are easily quantifiable as they are concrete, monetary values. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney from our firm could gather and add up any bills relating to the plaintiff’s injuries.
In terms of lost wages, an attorney could determine whether an individual is temporarily or permanently unable to work and calculate the wages lost by referencing a plaintiff’s salary and bonuses. If somebody is self-employed, a lawyer would look at the individual’s tax returns for the past three to five years and quantify their potential compensation this way.
Unlike economic damages, emotional losses are not as easily calculated. As these losses are subjective, retaining a lawyer experienced with calculating damages in pedestrian accident claims is vital. They have the knowledge and experience to ensure a plaintiff is sufficiently compensated.
Punitive damages are reserved for malicious and intentional behavior on the part of the driver. A jury usually decides these damages, but the parties can agree on an amount as well.
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Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia
If a plaintiff fails to file a claim before the legal deadline expires, they could be permanently barred from receiving compensation. In Georgia, a pedestrian accident claimant has two years from the date of the incident to file a claim for damages. If a minor is involved, that statute runs until their 18th birthday.
If you or a loved one was hit by a car while traveling on foot, you might not know what to do. It is important to know what steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Georgia to prevent further losses. An accomplished injury attorney could explain these steps in a free initial case consultation.
Our 6-Step Litigation Process
Summons & Complaint
Services of Process
Defendant’s Answer
Client Involvement
Elements to Prove (First Party No-Fault, MedPay/PIP, Third Party Auto)
Negligence (Treatment)
Interrogatories
Request to Produce
Subpoena Medical Records
Motions
Depositions
Experts
Meet with Doctors
Witness List
Attempt Settlement
Prepare for Trial
NOTE: A case can settle at any time during this process. Very few cases go all the way to trial.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN I RECOVER IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CASE WITH THE HELP OF SCOTT PRYOR LAW’s ATTORNEYS?
The goal of damages is to make an injured pedestrian whole again through financial compensation. A plaintiff may be eligible to seek economic, noneconomic, and punitive damages following a pedestrian accident, just like in car accident cases.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate an injured party for any out-of-pocket expenses they faced following an accident. This may include medical bills, lost wages, and costs of home modifications should the injuries require it. In addition, if the claimant requires future medical treatment, physical therapy, or is permanently unable to work, a skilled attorney could help calculate those future expenses and include them in the civil claim.
Non-economic Damages
These damages aim to compensate an injured party for the physical and emotional trauma they suffered from an accident. Since a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle could face catastrophic injuries, these damages could be substantial. They may include compensation for pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, and loss of companionship.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are reserved for cases where a defendant’s behavior is especially egregious. For example, if a driver was operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and they strike a pedestrian as a result, a court may award an individual additional compensation. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant rather than make a plaintiff whole.
Why Choose Scott Pryor Law Group as Your Georgia Pedestrian Accident Attorneys?
At Scott Pryor Law, we specialize in handling pedestrian injury claims. We ensure our clients receive expert legal guidance and aggressive representation. Pedestrian accidents are rarely straightforward. Determining liability often involves proving who had the right of way, whether traffic laws were violated, and how negligence played a role. Our Georgia pedestrian injury lawyers have extensive experience handling these cases, ensuring all factors are considered.
We Build a Strong Case for Maximum Compensation
Winning a settlement or a verdict in a pedestrian accident in Georgia requires more than just legal knowledge—it demands a strategic approach backed by solid evidence. Our pedestrian accident legal team in The ATL collects and analyzes:
- Police reports to establish fault
- Medical records to document injuries
- Witness statements for firsthand accounts
- Traffic camera footage & accident reconstructions to strengthen your claim
When we present clear and compelling evidence, we manage to prove negligence and secure the highest possible settlement for your injuries.
We Fight Insurance Companies on Your Behalf
Insurance adjusters often offer settlements far below what victims deserve. Their goal is to minimize payouts, not to help you recover. At Scott Pryor Law, our pedestrian injury attorneys handle negotiations aggressively, ensuring insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. If they refuse a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.
We Have Proven Success in Securing Maximum Compensation for Injury Victims
Our firm has won numerous high-value settlements and verdicts for pedestrian accident victims. We put in a lot of effort to make sure our clients get full compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages because we recognize the emotional and financial toll these tragedies have.
Experienced Trial Attorneys Who Won’t Back Down Against Insurance Companies
Many law firms push clients to accept quick settlements, but we are prepared to go to trial if necessary. Insurance companies know that we don’t settle for less than what our clients deserve. Our strong courtroom presence and aggressive negotiation tactics give you the best chance at a successful outcome.
Personalized Legal Support with Direct Communication and Guidance
At Scott Pryor Law, you’re not just another case number. We take a personalized approach, keeping you informed every step of the way. Our team is accessible, responsive, and dedicated to guiding you through the legal process.
No Upfront Fees – You Don’t Pay Unless We Win Your Case
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. This allows you to focus on recovery without the stress of legal fees. Our goal is to make premium legal representation affordable to everyone who needs it.
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Contact a Georgia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer from Scott Pryor Law Group Today!
A knowledgeable attorney should be immediately contacted following a collision involving a pedestrian. People traveling on foot are exposed to catastrophic harm if they are struck by a vehicle. A lawyer could gather and preserve evidence to build a claim against the at-fault party.
Knowing what steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Gwinnett County could protect you from severe harm and legal liability. Schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer today to learn more about how to protect yourself in the event of a wreck.
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The Scott Pryor Law Group is a firm that fights for you, your family, friends, and loved ones.
We fight for you even if you do not have health insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket for medical or other specialized treatment. We can help. You do not pay us out-of-pocket, and we only get paid if we win!
If you are interested in achieving the best possible results in your legal matter, The Scott Pryor Law Group will bring a wealth of skill and experience to your case. Our abilities have allowed us to achieve a notable record of success, inclluding the nation’s highest honor for trial attorneys, the Litigator Awards, recognizing us as the top 1% of trial attorneys in the nation.
