Atlanta Pedestrian Injury Lawyer – Fight for Justice After Being Hit

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Atlanta? You Deserve Answers.

If you were struck by a car while walking in Atlanta, you are not alone, and you have legal rights. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our Atlanta pedestrian injury lawyers help accident victims seek full compensation when negligent drivers or unsafe road conditions cause serious injuries.

From Midtown crosswalk crashes to suburban sidewalk collisions, our team investigates, builds, and fights for the recovery you need to heal and move forward. Learn more about our personal injury practice and how we approach complex accident cases.

Pedestrian Accidents Are Rising in Atlanta and Georgia

According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 306 pedestrians were killed in Georgia in 2021 alone, a sharp increase from past years. In metro Atlanta, pedestrian fatalities are concentrated along high-speed, multi-lane roads like Buford Highway, Memorial Drive, and Metropolitan Parkway.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than occupants in passenger vehicles to be killed in a crash. A deeper report on Georgia crash trends can also be found via Georgia DOT’s Crash Data Dashboard.

Contributing factors in Atlanta include:

  • Speeding in urban corridors – Many pedestrian accidents in Atlanta happen where drivers exceed posted limits, especially near school zones and crosswalks.
  • Inadequate sidewalks or lighting – Poor infrastructure and dark walkways make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians and react in time.
  • Distracted driving – The rise in cellphone use behind the wheel continues to endanger pedestrians, especially at intersections.
  • Unsafe crosswalks or intersections – Faded markings or a lack of signage often leave pedestrians vulnerable.
  • Lack of pedestrian infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods – Communities with limited city investment often face the most dangerous walking conditions.

In 2023, Atlanta ranked among the top 20 U.S. cities with the highest pedestrian fatality rates, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, especially when victims are struck at full vehicle speed without any protection. These injuries can lead to extended hospital stays, rehabilitation, and life-altering consequences. We cover many of these severe outcomes in our comprehensive legal resources on pedestrian injuries.

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Head trauma may cause cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, or permanent disability.
  • Broken bones and fractures – Victims often suffer multiple fractures that require surgery, pins, or prosthetics.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine may result in full or partial paralysis, requiring assistive mobility devices.
  • Internal bleeding – These life-threatening injuries are often hidden and must be diagnosed quickly.
  • Road rash, contusions, and lacerations – Though external, these can cause infection or require skin grafts depending on severity.

Medical treatment for these injuries may exceed $100,000 or more, not including the cost of long-term care. Our firm ensures these costs are properly documented in your injury claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Multiple parties may be responsible for a pedestrian crash, depending on the cause of the incident:

  • Negligent drivers – Individuals who drive carelessly by speeding, failing to yield, or texting while driving.
  • Commercial vehicle companies – Delivery fleets, trucking companies, and rideshare services can be liable for their drivers’ actions.
  • Government entities – The city or state may be responsible for accidents resulting from dangerous road design, broken signals, or poor lighting.
  • Property owners – A business or private property owner could be liable if a hazard on their property contributed to the accident.

Georgia’s modified comparative fault law allows you to recover compensation even if you share some fault, as long as your share is under 50%.

Damages Available After a Pedestrian Injury in Atlanta

A serious pedestrian accident can impact every aspect of your life, physically, emotionally, and financially. Our attorneys pursue a wide range of damages to support your recovery:

  • Medical expenses – Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
  • Lost wages – Income lost due to time away from work, including future earning potential.
  • Pain and suffering – Compensation for chronic pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Emotional distress – Many victims develop anxiety or PTSD after a severe accident.
  • Disability or disfigurement – For permanent injury that changes your life, your appearance, or your ability to function.
  • Wrongful death – Funeral expenses, lost companionship, and financial support for surviving family members.

We work with medical providers and vocational experts to ensure every loss is accounted for in your case.

Atlanta Pedestrian Injury Data & Risk Zones Table

Understanding where and how pedestrian injuries occur in Atlanta helps prevent future harm and illustrates the seriousness of these incidents. Here’s a snapshot of high-risk areas, common causes, and injury trends:

Location

Common Cause

Typical Injuries

Hotspot Examples

Urban intersections

Distracted driving

Head trauma, fractures, lacerations

Peachtree St. & 14th St., Downtown

High-speed corridors

Speeding, failure to yield

TBI, spinal injuries, internal bleeding

Buford Hwy, Memorial Dr

School zones & neighborhoods

Inattentive drivers, poor signage

Orthopedic injuries, sprains, child injuries

DeKalb Ave near school crossings

Suburban roadways

Inadequate sidewalks & lighting

Leg fractures, hip dislocation

Metropolitan Pkwy, Cascade Rd

Parking lots

Reversing vehicles, blind spots

Soft tissue injuries, wrist fractures

Mall lots, big box store lots

This table highlights why infrastructure and driver behavior play key roles in pedestrian safety. If you’ve been injured in any of these areas or others, a dedicated attorney can help you pursue justice.

How We Prove Fault in a Georgia Pedestrian Injury Case

To succeed in your claim, we must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. We do this by gathering and analyzing multiple forms of evidence:

  • Crash reports and surveillance footage – These documents provide the foundation for identifying fault and tracking what happened.
  • Witness and first responder interviews – Firsthand accounts help validate your version of the events.
  • Accident scene photos and measurements – Skid marks, vehicle positions, and scene conditions can be used by reconstruction experts.
  • Phone records and driving history – We investigate whether distractions or prior violations may be relevant to the case.
  • Medical records and expert opinions – We link the accident directly to your injuries using detailed documentation.

This comprehensive strategy gives our clients an advantage when dealing with insurers or presenting in court.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Atlanta

Your actions after a pedestrian crash can make a big difference in your ability to file a successful claim. Here’s what we recommend:

  1. Call 911 immediately – A police report creates essential documentation, and emergency responders can assess injuries.
  2. Seek emergency medical care – Even if symptoms seem minor, some injuries develop or worsen over time.
  3. Gather witness info and photos – Collect contact information and take photos of the scene if you are physically able.
  4. Request the police report – You can obtain this from the Atlanta Police Department for your records and your lawyer.
  5. Avoid insurance conversations – Insurers may use your statements against you. Let your lawyer handle communications.

You typically have 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. However, contacting a lawyer quickly improves your chances of success.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we bring a strong mix of compassion and litigation strength to every pedestrian accident case. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Personalized Legal Help – You’re not just a case number. We offer responsive communication and individualized attention.
  • Proven Results – Our attorneys have secured millions for clients hurt in car, pedestrian, and premises liability cases.
  • Atlanta Experience – We’re familiar with Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb County courts and local traffic conditions.
  • Free Consultation – We offer a no-obligation case review so you can explore your options risk-free.
  • No Win, No Fee Promise – We work on contingency, so you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Hear what others say on our testimonials page, or view our proven case results for more information.

Our team is passionate about protecting pedestrian rights and delivering the justice you deserve.

Get a Free Consultation With an Atlanta Pedestrian Injury Lawyer

Pedestrian crashes often leave victims physically and financially devastated. If you were injured while walking in Atlanta, don’t wait. Let Rafaeli Law PLLC guide you through your legal options, protect your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve.

Call 954-365-5639 or contact us online to schedule your free case review.

We proudly serve clients throughout Atlanta and across Georgia. Meet our team on the Our Attorneys page or learn more about our mission via Our Story & Core Values.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident in Atlanta?

First, seek medical attention, even if you think you're okay. Then, call 911 to file a police report and try to collect contact and insurance info from the driver. If possible, take photos of the scene and contact an attorney before speaking to the insurer.

2. Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you may still recover compensation, though your percentage of fault will reduce the payout.

3. How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Georgia?

Under Georgia law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation.

4. What compensation can I recover after being hit by a car in Atlanta?

You may be entitled to medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and in some cases, punitive damages. Our personal injury lawyers can evaluate your claim’s full value.

5. How much does it cost to hire an Atlanta pedestrian injury attorney?

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, you pay nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case.

6. Are certain areas in Atlanta more dangerous for pedestrians?

Yes. Buford Hwy, Memorial Dr, and Cascade Rd are known high-risk areas for pedestrian crashes. Many incidents occur near intersections or poorly lit walkways.

7. Can I sue the city of Atlanta if poor infrastructure caused my accident?

Potentially, yes, but claims against government entities involve strict deadlines and notice requirements. Speak to an attorney immediately if this may apply.

8. What evidence helps build a strong pedestrian injury claim?

Police reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony, traffic cam footage, and photos from the scene are crucial. We also work with experts to reconstruct accidents when necessary.

9. What if a child were hit while walking to school?

Child pedestrian injury cases often involve school zone negligence or distracted drivers. We treat these cases with the urgency and sensitivity they deserve.

10. How long will my case take to resolve?

It depends on the severity of injuries, liability clarity, and insurance cooperation. Some cases settle in months, while others require litigation.

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.