College Park Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in College Park, GA

Pedestrian crashes can result in agonizing injuries, unexpected medical expenses, and lost time from work. The College Park pedestrian accident lawyers at Hall & Lampros, LLP advocate for people who were hit while walking along crowded routes such as Old National Highway or near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Drivers who don’t yield, speed through crosswalks, or are distracted put pedestrians at risk. Knowing your legal options after a crash is one way to protect your health, your finances, and your future.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Hall & Lampros, LLP is an Atlanta personal injury and civil litigation law firm with more than 60 years of combined legal experience advocating for clients throughout Georgia. We have recovered more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, including multiple million-dollar results in serious injury cases. 

While past results don’t guarantee a particular outcome, our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers and other respected organizations, and we prepare every case with the readiness to take it to trial when necessary.

Driver Duties and Right-of-Way Laws in Georgia

Motorists’ obligations to pedestrians are clearly defined in Georgia law. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91 requires motorists to yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully within a marked crosswalk and in certain intersection circumstances. A driver who fails to yield or makes an unsafe maneuver in violation of traffic laws may be found negligent based on that conduct.

Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence rule outlined in O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, and thus, fault can be allocated among multiple parties. Recovery may still be possible if a pedestrian is partially at fault, but any compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them, so long as they are less than 50% responsible. Thorough examination of traffic videos, witness testimony, and road design is likely to be a key issue in establishing liability.

The Severity of Pedestrian Injuries in Georgia

Pedestrians have no physical protection from impact, which often results in severe injuries rather than minor ones. This means that injuries to the human body are usually severe and not superficial.

The Governors Highway Safety Association reports 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023. Pedestrian accidents are often serious, even when a pedestrian survives the collision. Serious injuries could include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, complex fractures, and internal organ trauma.

Care often includes surgery, extended rehab for both the body and mind, and consistent medical attention. Lost earning capacity and permanent disability are long-term financial burdens. A pedestrian may require a full evaluation of damages.

Pedestrian Risks in College Park and South Atlanta

College Park is a community with constant traffic from cars and pedestrians. Areas surrounding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Old National Highway, Camp Creek Parkway, and Main Street experience constant vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Cars associated with the airport, rideshare drivers, delivery trucks, and commuters can contribute to situations where pedestrians are ignored.

Drivers who fail to pay attention, especially at night when lighting may be inadequate or when they fail to yield at intersections, are more likely to cause collisions. In busy corridors, even low-speed crashes may cause serious injuries because of the exposure of pedestrians.

Careful investigation of the crash location, traffic patterns, and road conditions may reveal contributing factors that are not immediately apparent. Local knowledge of these locations can be helpful in proving your claim.

FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in College Park?

Seeking prompt medical care after a College Park pedestrian accident is essential, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Treating your injuries right away allows for a medical record to be established that can support a claim later on. A police report should be filed with law enforcement authorities. If possible, take photographs of the scene, injuries, and vehicle damage to help preserve evidence.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Injury Claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, pedestrian injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations. Generally, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 provides a two-year statute of limitations for all personal injury actions. This means that a claim must be filed within two years of the injury, or a right to compensation may be barred. Certain exceptions may apply, depending on the circumstances of a case. That is why it is important to examine the timeline of your case as soon as possible.

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia?

Pedestrian accidents in Georgia happen too often. Georgia Traffic Safety Facts reports show 1,615 fatalities and 8,171 serious injuries on Georgia roadways in 2023. Pedestrians and bicyclists make up 20% of all traffic fatalities in Georgia, despite making up less than 1% of people involved in motor vehicle crashes in 2023. The death toll underscores the risk pedestrians face on Georgia roadways and why violations often have serious consequences.

Can I Recover Compensation If the Driver Does Not Have Insurance?

You can still recover compensation even if the driver at fault in a pedestrian accident has no insurance. Many Georgia auto policies carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that could potentially cover you even if you were on foot when the crash occurred. There may also be other forms of coverage available to you, such as a household policy or a commercial vehicle policy, if the driver was on the job when the collision took place.

Contact a College Park Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

A pedestrian accident can impact every aspect of your life, including your health, your ability to work and take care of your family, and much more. Protecting your finances starts with knowing your rights in Georgia. Hall & Lampros, LLP represents injury victims in College Park, South Atlanta, and throughout the state of Georgia. 

Our firm provides free case evaluations and has Spanish-speaking team members. If you were hit by a car while walking, hire a pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you understand your options and the next steps you can take. Schedule a consultation today.