If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Atlanta, you already know how fast life can change. One moment, you’re crossing the street, and the next, you’re facing medical bills, pain, and uncertainty. 

At Morain & Buckelew, LLC, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be, and we’re here to help. With more than 65 years of combined experience, our firm fights for injured pedestrians to get the compensation they deserve.

Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident

Georgia law gives pedestrians certain rights when they are hit by a vehicle. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and failing to do so can make them legally responsible for any injuries they cause.

If a driver was speeding, distracted, or under the influence, they could be held accountable for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Even if the driver tries to shift the blame, Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Georgia law limits the time you have to file a lawsuit. Under Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. However, exceptions may apply, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been hit by a car, what you do next can make a big difference in your case. Here’s what we recommend:

• Get Medical Help: Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions and internal bleeding may not be obvious right away.
• Call 911: A police report will document what happened and can be valuable evidence.
• Gather Information: If possible, get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number.
• Take Photos & Videos: Capture the accident scene, traffic signals, and your injuries.
• Get Witness Contact Info: Statements from witnesses can support your case.
• Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: The insurance company may try to minimize your claim.
• Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better we can protect your rights.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Lacerations and road rash
• Soft tissue injuries

Some of these injuries can lead to long-term disabilities or require ongoing medical care. We work to ensure you get compensation for both immediate and future medical needs.

Who Is Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident isn’t always straightforward. While drivers are often at fault, other parties may also be responsible, including:

• Municipalities if dangerous road conditions or poorly marked crosswalks contributed to the accident.
• Vehicle manufacturers if a defect in the car played a role.
• Other pedestrians or cyclists in rare cases where their actions caused an accident.

Even if you were jaywalking or partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation. Georgia’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian accident victims can recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages (for fatal accidents)

If your accident was caused by reckless or intentional actions, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault party.

How We Can Help

Pedestrian accident cases can get complicated, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our firm takes care of everything so you can focus on healing. Here’s what we do for our clients:

• Investigate the Accident: We gather traffic camera footage, police reports, witness statements, and expert analysis to build a strong case.
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We know their tactics and won’t let them pressure you into an unfair settlement.
• Take the Case to Court if Needed: If an insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we’re ready to fight for you in court.
• Work on a Contingency Basis: You don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Call Us Today for Dedicated Support and Peace of Mind

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you call, the stronger your case can be. Contact Morain & Buckelew, LLC today for a free consultation at (470) 287-0317. Let us help you take the next step toward justice and fair compensation.