Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian? Here’s What to Do Next
A sudden impact, screeching tires, and then pain, being struck while walking, can turn an ordinary day upside down. You might feel confused, angry, or embarrassed, yet nothing about this ordeal is your fault.
At Morain & Buckelew, LLC, our team has spent over 65 years helping injured Georgians put the pieces back together. This guide walks you through the first moves to protect your health and right to fair compensation.
Immediate Actions After Being Hit by a Car
The minutes following the collision often shape both medical recovery and any future claim. Acting quickly keeps you safe, documents what happened, and limits the driver’s ability to dispute your story.
Seek Medical Attention
Call 911 or ask someone nearby to do it, even if you think you “just got bruised.” Internal bleeding, concussions, or soft–tissue damage can stay hidden for hours. Getting checked right away creates a clear medical record that links your injuries to the crash.
Contact the Police and File a Report
An official report locks in crucial facts: time, location, weather, witness names, and any ticket issued to the driver. Officers are trained to note road marks, vehicle damage, and driver behavior, all of which can help prove fault later.
Gather Information at the Scene
If you can move without worsening injuries, collect:
- The driver’s name, phone number, and insurer
- The vehicle’s make, model, and tag number
- Names and contact details of every witness
Save these details in your phone or jot them on paper so nothing slips away.
Document the Accident Scene
Photos speak louder than any memory. Snap wide shots of traffic lights, skid marks, and road conditions, then close–ups of bruises, torn clothing, and damage to personal items. Video clips that show traffic flow or hazards, such as a blocked crosswalk, add extra clarity.
Legal Rights as a Pedestrian
Georgia law generally favors people on foot, yet insurance companies still hunt for ways to limit payouts. Knowing how liability works makes it easier to stand your ground.
Negligence and Liability
You must show that the driver failed to act with reasonable care. Common examples include texting behind the wheel, speeding through a crosswalk, or rolling past a stop sign. Pedestrians also owe a duty of care; if you dashed across on a “Don’t Walk” signal, an insurer may claim you share some blame.
Potential Compensation for Victims
Money can’t erase trauma, but it can pay for:
- Current and future medical bills
- The income you lost while healing
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Replacement of damaged belongings, such as phones or glasses
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover damages if you are less than 50 percent at fault, though the award drops by your share of blame.
No-Fault Insurance
Some states use Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, which covers medical costs regardless of fault. Georgia is not a pure PIP state, yet many auto policies include MedPay, which helps with hospital bills. MedPay limits often run out fast, so pursuing the at-fault driver’s liability coverage usually remains necessary.
Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
An unprotected body colliding with metal can leave lasting damage. Injuries differ widely based on speed, angle, and the walker’s age or health.
| Injury Type | Examples | Possible Long-Term Effects |
| Head Trauma | Concussion, skull fracture | Memory loss, chronic headaches |
| Spinal Damage | Herniated disc, cord bruising | Numbness, paralysis |
| Broken Bones | Leg, pelvis, or arm fractures | Limited mobility, arthritis |
| Internal Injuries | Spleen or liver laceration | Organ failure, ongoing pain |
| Soft-Tissue Damage | Sprains, torn ligaments | Reduced range of motion |
Early diagnosis sets the stage for better recovery plans, which is another reason to visit a doctor right after the wreck.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
While you cannot control every driver, small habits can lower the odds of another crash.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Keep your head up, eyes scanning for cars turning right on red, backing out of driveways, or drifting over the line. Avoid texting or blasting headphones; the extra awareness buys precious reaction time.
Walk Defensively
Cross at marked paths whenever they exist. Make eye contact with approaching drivers so you know they actually see you. If a vehicle does not slow, wait for the next gap, even if the light favors you.
Follow Traffic Rules
Obey signals and signage even late at night when streets look empty. Stepping off the curb outside a crosswalk can give an insurer ammunition to trim your claim.
Contact Morain & Buckelew, LLC Today
For decades, our firm has stood shoulder to shoulder with injured walkers, runners, and commuters across Georgia. We combine organized case preparation with a personal touch, keeping you informed while fighting for every dollar the law allows. If a driver’s negligence affected your life, call us at 404-448-3146 or visit our website to start a no-cost consultation. We believe a bad day on the roadway should not define your future. Let’s talk about how to make things right.