Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating traffic incidents in Atlanta. Unlike motorists who are surrounded by a steel frame, airbags, and seatbelts, pedestrians have no protection when struck by a vehicle. Atlanta’s busy intersections, high-speed roadways, and growing population all contribute to a steady rise in pedestrian accidents.
At MPG Trial Law, we are committed to standing up for pedestrians who are injured through no fault of their own. Our Atlanta pedestrian injury attorney, Mary Paige, has built a reputation for tenacity, trial readiness, and compassion in representing accident victims. With millions recovered for clients across all four corners Georgia, we know what it takes to fight insurance companies and win.
Why Pedestrians are More Vulnerable to Catastrophic Injuries and Fatalities
No Protective Barriers
Pedestrians do not have the structural protections that vehicle occupants rely on. Even a low-speed collision can cause severe injuries: fractures and broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and internal bleeding. When vehicles travel at 40 mph or more, survival rates for pedestrians drop dramatically.
Heightened Risk for Children and Seniors
Children may lack the judgment to safely cross busy roads, while seniors face slower reflexes, reduced mobility, and sometimes fragile bones. These age groups suffer disproportionately severe injuries when hit by cars.
Exposure in Urban Settings
As Atlanta becomes more walkable, pedestrians increasingly share busy urban streets with distracted drivers, commercial delivery vehicles, and rideshare cars. However, because the city has historically been unwalkable, our infrastructure is not quite keeping pace. Without protective barriers like guardrails or pedestrian islands in many areas, pedestrians are fully exposed to danger.
Making matters worse, Atlanta is known as a sprawling city with a public transportation system that struggles to serve its vast, relatively low-density metropolitan area. This leads to low usage and long commute times for transit riders, who many times opt to walk to their destinations instead. Along roads with no or unkempt sidewalks or low shoulders, pedestrians are left particularly vulnerable.
With our experience in offering wide-ranging personal injury services to clients, we are aptly suited to get pedestrian accident victims maximum compensation.
Pedestrian Safety Laws in Atlanta for Pedestrians and Motorists
Georgia law imposes responsibilities on both pedestrians and motorists to reduce accidents:
- Right of Way at Crosswalks: Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91, drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians within crosswalks.
- Yielding by Pedestrians: Pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb or run into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop.
- Walking on Roadways: When sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians must walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
- School Zones and Buses: Drivers must stop for pedestrians entering or exiting school buses, with limited exceptions.
At MPG Trial Law, our legal team has deep knowledge of Georgia law as it pertains to collisions, and we use it to our client’s full advantage in pedestrian accident cases.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta
Several reckless driving behaviors contribute to serious Atlanta pedestrian accident injuries, such as broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even wrongful death. These behaviors can include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, GPS use, and in-car entertainment systems divert attention away from vulnerable pedestrians. While holding a phone to the ear to talk decreased, overall cellphone use remains prevalent, increasing in recent years. In fact, a recent study revealed that 70% of licensed drivers admitted to using their phones while driving in the past 90 days.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers may fail to notice or respect crosswalks, particularly when making right-hand turns.
- Speeding: Excessive speed increases crash likelihood and magnifies injury severity.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment significantly reduce reaction times and driver awareness.
- Poor Visibility: Nighttime driving, inclement weather, and poorly lit intersections heighten risks.
At MPG Trial Law, our Atlanta personal injury team fights tooth and nail to recover maximum compensation for our clients’ medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress in pedestrian accident lawsuits.
Speeding is a Leading Cause of Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta
Linking Speed to Injury Severity
Understandably, research shows that pedestrian survival is directly linked to vehicle speed at impact. At 20 mph, most pedestrians survive; at 40 mph and above, fatality rates soar. Accident reconstruction experts can help calculate vehicle speed at impact, offering valuable evidence for use at trial.
Establishing Liability
When our team proves that a driver was speeding, we can strengthen negligence claims and seek enhanced compensation for catastrophic injuries. In cases where excessive speeding is egregious, we may also pursue punitive damages to deter future misconduct.
Why Pedestrian Fatalities are More Common at Intersections
High-Risk Design
Atlanta intersections concentrate traffic from multiple directions, creating complex scenarios where pedestrians are often overlooked. Left-turning drivers in particular are notorious for colliding with pedestrians who have the right of way.
Using Surveillance and Dashcam Footage
Our pedestrian injury lawyer, Mary Paige, understands that negligent drivers may deny fault or claim the pedestrian was jaywalking. To counter these defenses, we move quickly to obtain surveillance video from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, or private residences. In many cases, rideshare or trucking dashcam footage has been decisive in proving liability.
How Failure to Yield Leads to Catastrophic Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta
Failure to yield is one of the key causes of pedestrian accidents in Atlanta. Georgia law requires drivers to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks and to exercise due care when approaching individuals walking along roadways. Unfortunately, many motorists either misunderstand these rules or disregard them, leading to devastating consequences.
At busy intersections, drivers may make hurried right-hand or left-hand turns, assuming they have priority once the light changes. In reality, pedestrians already within the crosswalk have the right of way. A driver’s split-second misjudgment or impatience can result in catastrophic injuries, particularly because pedestrians are left with little time to react or escape.
Our Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney, Mary Paige, sees cases where drivers argue that pedestrians “darted out” unexpectedly. In truth, these collisions frequently occur because the motorist failed to yield as required. To prove liability, we obtain traffic camera footage, review driver statements, and consult with accident reconstruction experts who can demonstrate sightlines, stopping distances, and traffic patterns.
By holding negligent drivers fully accountable in an Atlanta pedestrian accident case, our firm helps protect public safety while securing justice for victims.
Steps You Should Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Atlanta
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, internal injuries and concussions may not present symptoms right away. Medical records also serve as critical evidence linking your injuries to the accident.
- Call Law Enforcement: Police reports often include statements, witness contact information, and preliminary fault determinations, which form a foundation for your claim.
- Preserve Evidence: Photograph the accident scene, your injuries, and any visible skid marks or vehicle damage. If possible, obtain names of witnesses.
- Avoid Negotiating Directly with Insurers: Insurance representatives may appear sympathetic, but their priority is minimizing payouts. Refer all communications to your attorney.
- Get Pedestrian Accident Legal Help in Atlanta: Timing is critical. Georgia’s statute of limitations generally gives victims two years to file an injury lawsuit, but other factors may alter the time you have to file a claim or lawsuit. Waiting too long can also allow vital evidence to disappear. Call MPG Trial Law as soon as you can.
Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Claims FAQs
Can I still recover compensation if I was crossing outside of a crosswalk?
Yes. Georgia follows a comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault for not using a designated crosswalk, you may still be able to recover damages if the driver was more negligent (for example, if they were speeding, texting, or impaired). Your percentage of fault may reduce your financial recovery, but it does not automatically bar your claim.
Are pedestrian accident claims worth more than typical car accident cases?
Sometimes. Because pedestrians lack protection, injuries tend to be more severe, leading to higher medical expenses, longer rehabilitation, and greater lost earning capacity. We carefully document these damages, including long-term costs like future medical care, assistive devices, and loss of quality of life.
When should I contact an Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney after being struck?
As soon as possible. Critical evidence, such as video footage or skid marks can disappear within days. The sooner you call MPG Trial Law, the sooner we can start building a strong case on your behalf.
Can families file a pedestrian accident wrongful death claim in Atlanta?
Yes. If a loved one is killed in a pedestrian collision, Georgia law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, lost income, and the intangible value of the deceased’s life. We guide families through this difficult process with compassion and dedication.
Our Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Team Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation
At MPG Trial Law, we understand that choosing the right attorney after a pedestrian accident is a deeply personal decision. You need a fierce advocate like attorney Mary Paige, who will treat your case with urgency and respect.
- Proven Results: Our personal injury lawsuit record speaks for itself. With more than $16,000,000 recovered by members of our team since 2019, we know how to deliver meaningful outcomes.
- Trial-Ready Approach: Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court and which are not. Mary Paige and our team prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, which gives us leverage to negotiate strong settlements. Having tried numerous cases in all of Atlanta’s core metro counties (Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Clayton) and beyond, adjusters and defense attorneys know our team will go all the way to verdict for our clients.
- Personalized Attention: As a boutique law firm, we offer an approachable, client-focused experience along with dedicated legal assistance. You will not be treated like a case file, but with the same respect and dedication we would want for ourselves.
- Aggressive Advocacy: Our opponents know we do not back down. We calculate and pursue maximum compensation, and leave no stone unturned to recover it for you.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta, do not face the aftermath alone. Call MPG Trial Law today and let Mary Paige and our team fight for your financial recovery with the skill, compassion, and determination you need. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 404-260-6330 or contact us online.