Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me

people crossing the street

GET THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE WITH ROSS MOORE LAW

After a pedestrian accident, you should choose Ross Moore Law! It’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side. For solid legal advice,  you can trust us to support you and maximize compensation in your accident claim. Read on to learn more.

HOW MUCH IS MY PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?

Find out with a free consultation

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE ROSS MOORE LAW

Attorney Ross Moore and his qualified team have extensive experience handling cases like yours – and we have the result to prove it! Here are a few reasons to hire a qualified attorney to handle your personal injury claim:

SKILLED LAWYERS GET BIGGER SETTLEMENTS

Seeking trusted legal counsel can help maximize the benefits you receive. Your lawyer will fight for you each step of the way, always keeping your best interests in mind.

WE UNDERSTAND GEORGIA LAW 

Navigating the legal system alone can be difficult, especially without a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local laws. A personal injury lawyer can help keep your pedestrian accident lawsuit on track, ensuring your rights are protected.

YOU ONLY PAY US IF WE WIN YOUR CLAIM

Our Georgia personal injury law firm near you operates on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay anything unless we win your case!

ATLANTA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER NEAR ME | GEORGIA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY NEAR ME

Your free initial consultation is waiting! Plus, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that unless we win, you don’t owe us any legal fees.

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WHAT TO DO AFTER A BICYCLE ACCIDENT

stop light for pedestrian right of way

Our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers strongly recommend taking these steps:

STEP ONE: REMAIN AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT.
Call the police immediately and report any injuries, even minor ones. If you can do it safely, move yourself out of the way of traffic and wait in a safe location for help to arrive on the scene.

STEP TWO: GET WITNESS INFORMATION.
Try to gather as many details as possible from each party involved, including the driver, passengers, and witnesses. Do your best to obtain the following:

  • Name
  • Contact information (phone number, address, driver’s license number, etc.)
  • Insurance information (company, policy number, etc.)
  • Vehicle details (tag number, make/model, etc.)

STEP THREE: DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT.
If you’re able, take photos and video of the scene, including any property damage and injuries. Don’t rely on the police report to include every detail needed for your accident claim.

STEP FOUR: GET MEDICAL ATTENTION.
If you need emergency medical treatment, be sure to get it. If not, visit your physician as soon as possible – even if you don’t think you are injured. Injuries may not be immediately apparent, so failing to get checked out could have a negative effect on your health – and your personal injury claim.

STEP FIVE: CONTACT AN ATLANTA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER.
Call a local personal injury attorney with specific experience handling pedestrian accident cases. NEVER speak to the insurance company before your lawyer. While it may seem that the adjuster just wants to check in, remember that they are not on your side.


WHAT WILL A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER DO?

Our qualified pedestrian accident lawyers will handle every aspect of your personal injury case, performing the following:

  • Gather evidence to strengthen your accident claim
  • Determine which parties should be held liable
  • Consult with experts to evaluate the extent of damages
  • Advocate for a fair settlement offer and negotiate on your behalf
  • Represent your best interests during negotiations or trial
  • Handle all your communications with the insurance company
  • Answer any questions you may have along the way

EVIDENCE AVAILABLE IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CASE

To ensure the at-fault party is held accountable for their negligence, your local pedestrian accident lawyer will collect the following:

  • Medical records
  • Security camera footage
  • Pictures of the accident scene
  • Driving records
  • Witness statements
  • Expert testimony

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WHO IS AT FAULT IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT?

woman pedestrian crossing the street

Most pedestrian accident cases hinge on the concept of “negligence,” meaning that the at-fault party did not exercise the proper care that they reasonably should have. Many factors go into determining negligence, such as the driver’s speed, the presence of a crosswalk, suspicion of distracted driving, and more. The person with the right-of-way is an important aspect to consider too.

To determine who is to blame, your Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer may do the following:

  • Analyze the police report
  • Check surveillance camera footage
  • Speak with witnesses
  • Consult experts (accident reconstruction specialists, etc.)
  • Communicate with the insurance company

WHO CAN BE LIABLE IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT?

Depending on the accident, the person who failed to yield the right of way is typically found to be at fault. This could be the pedestrian or the motorist.

After a Georgia pedestrian accident, investigators may use the following types of evidence to prove liability:

  • Police accident reports
  • Accident scene photos and video footage
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Expert witness testimony

If you have questions regarding liability in your pedestrian accident, our Atlanta personal injury law firm can help! Get in touch to learn more.


GEORGIA PEDESTRIAN LAWS

State laws award specific rights to pedestrians, requiring motorists to exercise “due care” to avoid injuring them – even when pedestrians are found outside of designated crosswalks. When using crosswalks or sidewalks, pedestrians have the right-of-way and drivers must yield to them. Here some key Georgia Pedestrian Laws for know:

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91: pedestrians have the right-of-way in Georgia crosswalks

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-92: pedestrians entering the roadway outside of a crosswalk must yield to vehicles “unless he has already, and under safe conditions, entered the roadway”

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-22: pedestrians with the “WALK” sign have the right-of-way

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-144: vehicles emerging from an alley, building, private road, or driveway must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-203: drivers must not park their vehicles on sidewalks or crosswalks

ATLANTA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER NEAR ME | GEORGIA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY NEAR ME

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COMMON CAUSE OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

group of pedestrians crossing street

  • Failing to yield right of way.
  • Crossing a roadway or intersection improperly.
  • Standing, lying, playing, or working in a roadway.
  • Having poor visibility.
  • Being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
  • Running into the road.
  • Distracted drivers texting or talking on cell phones.
  • Driving drunk or under the influence.
  • Impatient drivers like road rage drivers.
  • Recklessness by both drivers and pedestrians can be considered one of the primary causes of pedestrian accidents.
  • Bad Weather.
  • Wearing Dark Clothes at Night.
  • Road Construction.
  • Vehicles Making Left Turns.
  • Multi-Lane/Arterial Roads.


COMMON INJURIES IN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

Back Injuries 

Examples include fractured vertebrae, herniated disc, spinal cord etc.

Head Injuries 

Examples include traumatic brain injury (TBI), TBI may include headaches, nausea, speech problems, difficulty sleeping, loss of coordination, light sensitivity, cognitive problems, mood swings, depression etc.

Internal Injuries

Examples include (bleeding, rib fractures, punctured lung, brain bleeds, ruptured spleen, damage to organs etc.

Soft Tissue Damage

Examples include lacerations, contusions, sprains, strains, tears etc.


UNDERSTANDING POLICY LIMITATIONS IN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

For severe pedestrian accidents, there is a “limiting factor” on the amount that the pedestrian can recover. This is not based on the dollar amount that the pedestrian deserves, but rather the funds that are available. Unfortunately, pedestrians who are injured by an underinsured motorist may not receive the damages they deserve.

This is where a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer comes into play. With a strong advocate in your corner, you may be able to recover compensation from other sources. The motorist’s car insurance company is looked to first, but if they won’t pay more than the bare minimum, the pedestrian’s uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance may take over.

Your Atlanta attorney may be able to identify other potential paths to compensation, so be sure to entrust your case to an experienced Atlanta personal injury law firm.

Common Damages Recovered in a Pedestrian Accident

  • Medical bills
  • Accident-related property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

ATLANTA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER NEAR ME | GEORGIA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY NEAR ME

Your free initial consultation is waiting! Plus, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that unless we win, you don’t owe us any legal fees.

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HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENT  IN GEORGIA

pedestrian cross walk light green

The Peach State takes hit-and-run accidents particularly seriously. In these instances, it can often be assumed that the driver was not only at fault but did not care about the consequences of their actions. Like in most states, driving off after causing any type of collision is a violation of Georgia law. In addition to other damages, the hit-and-run driver may be held liable for punitive damages. While there is no definitive research to explain why, hit-and-run collisions are more common in pedestrian accidents than car-to-car accidents.


WRONGFUL DEATH IN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial losses, such as funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more. Here at Ross Moore Law, our pedestrian accident lawyers will fight tirelessly for the justice your loved one deserves.

Legal Counsel for Wrongful Death


PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT STATISTICS

These statistics prove that pedestrian accidents are startlingly common:

  • Drivers struck and killed an estimated 7,485 people on foot in 2021 – the most pedestrian fatalities in a single year in 40 years*.

  • More than 7,000 pedestrians were killed on our nation’s roads in crashes involving a motor vehicle in 2020. That’s about one death every 75 minutes*.

  • One in six people who died in crashes in 2020 were pedestrians*.

  • There were also an estimated 104,000 emergency department visits of pedestrians treated for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2020*.

  • Alcohol was involved for the driver and/or pedestrian in nearly half (46%) of crashes that resulted in a pedestrian death in 2019*.

  • Adults aged 65 years and older accounted for about 17% of the U.S. population in 2020. However, people ages 65 and older accounted for 20% of all pedestrian deaths in 2020*.

  • One in five children (under age 15) killed in crashes were pedestrians in 2020.1 However, 17% of people aged 15 and older killed in crashes were pedestrians*.

  • Non-freeway arterial roads, which transport large volumes of fast-moving traffic, are the most dangerous for pedestrians, accounting for 60% of all fatalities in 2020*.

*Helpful Sources:

CDC: Pedestrian Safety

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Fatalities Facts

Governor’s Highway Safety Association


GEORGIA STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR BICYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in the Peach State is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a claim. Here at Ross Moore Law, we recommend taking legal action as soon as possible, though, in order to preserve evidence.


HOW TO FILE

Hiring a qualified bicycle accident lawyer is the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve. Once you have retained legal representation, the next steps are simple – because your lawyer will do all the heavy lifting! From gathering documentation and communicating with the other parties involved to negotiating a fair settlement, your bus accident lawyer will handle it all. If the at-fault party refuses to make a reasonable offer, your lawyer will likely recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit and preparing for trial.

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SAFETY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS IN GEORGIA

male pedestrian crossing street following safety tips for pedestrians

Our Atlanta personal accident law firm recommends these tips for staying safe:

FOR PEDESTRIANS 

  • Always use sidewalks when they are available. If not, walk facing oncoming traffic, as far to the left as possible, exercising extreme caution. Stay off freeways and other very busy roads.
  • Increase your visibility by wearing light-colored clothing or garments with reflective materials.
  • Carry a flashlight if walking at night.
  • Remain vigilant for distracted drivers.
  • Avoid alcohol, drugs, or substances with potential side effects.
  • Cross streets at a corner.
  • Look both ways before crossing any street, even in a crosswalk.
  • Be especially careful at intersections where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way.
  • Always avoid texting and using the internet on your phone while walking.
  • Watch out for parked vehicles with drivers who may have an obstructed view.

FOR DRIVERS

  • Be aware of children who may cross the street unexpectedly.
  • Exercise extra caution in school zones or in areas where children are playing.
  • Yield to pedestrians.
  • Be cautious around driveways and alleys.
  • Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the road.
  • Approach crosswalks slowly and if a pedestrian is about to cross, stop well back so drivers in other lanes also have time to yield.
  • Never pass another vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians.
  • Obey the speed limit.
  • Never drink and drive.


GEORGIA STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CLAIM

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in the Peach State is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of your pedestrian accident to file a claim. Here at Ross Moore Law, we recommend taking legal action as soon as possible, though, in order to preserve evidence.


HOW TO FILE

Hiring a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer is the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve. Once you have retained legal representation, the next steps are simple – because your lawyer will do all the heavy lifting!

From gathering documentation and communicating with the other parties involved to negotiating a fair settlement, your pedestrian accident lawyer will handle it all. If the at-fault party refuses to make a reasonable offer, your lawyer will likely recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit and preparing for trial.

BEGIN NOW

ATLANTA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER NEAR ME | GEORGIA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY NEAR ME

Your free initial consultation is waiting! Plus, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that unless we win, you don’t owe us any legal fees.

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ROSS MOORE LAW CASE RESULTS

Won $1,250,000 Personal Injury Accident Settlement

Pedestrian hit in the rain of a mall parking lot by a driver.

Won $725,000 in Personal Injury Settlement

A family’s loved one was a pedestrian struck by a police vehicle.

Won $175,000 in Personal Injury Settlement

Client injured while riding public bus.

View More Case Results 

ATLANTA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER NEAR ME | GEORGIA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY NEAR ME

Your free initial consultation is waiting! Plus, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that unless we win, you don’t owe us any legal fees.

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FAQS

What if the pedestrian is not in the crosswalk?

If the injured pedestrian was not using a crosswalk, other factors will determine who is at fault. In most cases, motorists have the right-of-way outside of crosswalks. But if they were driving recklessly or unlawfully, the driver may be to blame. Determining liability can be very tricky, which is why hiring an experienced attorney is recommended.

What if the pedestrian Is at fault?

If the pedestrian is found to be at fault, they will most likely not receive compensation for their losses. Most often, though, both parties share some of the blame. If this is the case, the amount of compensation will depend on each party’s percentage of fault. For instance, if the pedestrian is 30% to blame, the damages they recover will be reduced by 30%.

What are my pedestrian rights as a parent if my child has been injured or killed by a

motor vehicle?

Georgia law recognizes the importance of protecting children. It also recognizes that children’s conduct can be erratic and unpredictable. That’s why motorists are expected to exercise an even greater degree of care when children are in the vicinity. Unless the driver could not reasonably be expected to stop, they can likely be held liable if a pedestrian accident occurs.

What if I or one of my family members, while a pedestrian, is injured or killed by an uninsured/underinsured motorist?

An uninsured or underinsured motorist policy often covers the victim’s injury- or death-related expenses. Thus, you will be able to recover damages up to the amount of your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy limit.

Will my case settle out of court?

Most likely, yes. 90% to 95% of pedestrian accident cases settle outside of the courtroom.

What is a pedestrian accident?

A pedestrian accident involves a collision between someone on foot and some other force, like a car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.

Do I have to cross the street at an intersection or use a crosswalk?

Under Georgia law, you are permitted to cross the street outside of a crosswalk as long as you yield the right-of-way to motorists.

Does a driver have to stop completely when pedestrians are in the crosswalk?

As long as the pedestrian is walking on the driver’s side of the road – or one lane away – the driver must come to a complete stop.

Will the driver’s car insurance pay for all of my medical bills?

Not until your case is resolved. In the meantime, you must pay your own medical bills. Be sure to submit them to your health insurer (if applicable) or pay them out of pocket. Once you receive your settlement, your health insurer will be paid out of the recovered compensation.

I think the driver was texting when I was hit but he claimed I ran out into the street. How can I prove he was texting and driving?

An investigation may be needed to determine the truth. Your attorney may find witnesses to confirm your version of events, and in some cases, they may even subpoena the motorist’s phone records.

My pedestrian accident was clearly the driver’s fault, and he was cited. Why should I hire a lawyer and have to pay him out of my settlement?

Even though the driver was cited, it does not mean that liability has been officially determined – especially if there were no witnesses present. Proving that the driver’s negligence or reckless actions directly caused your injuries can be very complicated. A qualified Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer can help, speaking on your behalf when the insurance company tries to silence you.

Is the driver the only party whom I can sue in a pedestrian accident?

Other parties may be held liable, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Injured pedestrians may file a lawsuit against the following:

  • Auto shop that installed defective parts or serviced the vehicle improperly
  • Bartender who overserved the driver
  • The county/government authority who failed to provide adequate roadway lighting, even after notified of the potential risks

View More Helpful FAQs

ATLANTA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER NEAR ME | GEORGIA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY NEAR ME

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