Being struck by a vehicle while walking can be a traumatic, life-altering experience. At Buckhead Law Saxton Injury & Accident Lawyers P.C., our pedestrian
accident lawyerhave helped countless victims during the aftermath of these devastating incidents. Understanding your rights and the proper steps to take following a pedestrian accident can protect your health, legal rights, and financial future.
What is a Pedestrian Accident Involving a Vehicle?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle. These accidents happen in various scenarios, including:
Crosswalk incidents where drivers fail to yield the right of way
Parking lot accidents when drivers are backing up or navigating tight spaces
Sidewalk encroachments where vehicles lose control and leave the roadway
Hit-and-run accidents where drivers flee the scene after striking a pedestrian
School zone incidents involving children crossing streets
Accidents at intersections without proper pedestrian signals
In Georgia, pedestrian accidents are particularly concerning. According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, our state consistently ranks among the top states for pedestrian fatalities. Urban areas like Atlanta see the highest concentration of these accidents, often occurring at intersections, in parking lots, and along busy commercial corridors.
What Immediate Steps Should a Pedestrian Take After Being Hit by a Car?
The moments following a pedestrian accident are critical both for your health and for preserving your legal rights. If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while walking, taking the following actions can help protect your wellbeing and strengthen any future legal claim:
Ensure Safety Away From Traffic
Your immediate safety is the top priority. If you’re able to move, get to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further injury. If movement is painful or you suspect serious injuries like head trauma or spinal damage, stay still and wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive. Moving with certain types of injuries can exacerbate the damage.
If you’re assisting someone who has been hit, help them to safety if it’s safe to do so, but be cautious about moving someone with potential spinal injuries unless they’re in immediate danger.
Call Emergency Services
Always call 911 after a pedestrian accident, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
When emergency responders arrive:
Provide a clear, factual account of what happened
Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault
Follow medical advice about hospital transport and treatment
The police report created at the scene will become an important document for any insurance claims or legal action. Make sure you get the responding officer’s name, badge number, and information about how to obtain a copy of the report.
Gather Witness Information
Witnesses provide crucial independent accounts of the accident. If you’re able, or if you have a friend or bystander who can help:
Collect names and contact information from all witnesses
Ask if anyone captured video or photos of the accident or its aftermath
Note specific details witnesses mention about the driver’s behavior before the impact
See if nearby businesses might have security cameras that captured the incident
Witness testimony can be invaluable when establishing the driver’s negligence, especially in cases where the driver disputes their responsibility or in hit-and-run situations where identifying the vehicle becomes necessary.
Document the Scene with Photos
Visual evidence from the accident scene can provide powerful support for your case. If you’re physically able, or if someone can assist you, take photos of:
The overall accident scene from multiple angles
The vehicle that hit you, including license plate and visible damage
Your injuries before treatment (if appropriate)
Road conditions that may have contributed to the accident
Traffic signals or crosswalk signs in the area
Skid marks or other evidence of the driver’s actions
Weather conditions and visibility at the scene
These photos can help accident reconstruction experts determine exactly what happened and who was at fault. They can also document conditions that might change soon after the accident, such as weather or temporary road hazards.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seeing a doctor immediately after a pedestrian accident is essential. The shock and adrenaline from the accident can mask pain and symptoms of serious injuries.
Consult with an Attorney
After being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, consulting with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney should be a priority. Insurance companies typically attempt to minimize compensation, often contacting victims quickly with lowball settlement offers before the full extent of injuries becomes apparent. An attorney serves as your advocate, preventing you from accepting inadequate settlements while you’re vulnerable and focused on recovery.
What are the Common Injuries in Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents?
When vehicles strike pedestrians, the resulting injuries are often severe due to the pedestrian’s lack of protection.
Common injuries pedestrians sustain when struck by vehicles include:
Broken bones and fractures: Occur in approximately 80% of adult pedestrian accidents. The initial impact typically affects the legs (femur, tibia, fibula), while secondary impacts often fracture arms, wrists, and ribs as victims attempt to brace their fall.
Head injuries: Represent the most dangerous consequences of pedestrian accidents. Even at low speeds, impact forces can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Soft tissue injuries: Affect nearly all pedestrian accident victims and include damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin (sprains, strains, bruises, lacerations). Road rash from contact with pavement can cause painful recovery and permanent scarring. Though less visible than fractures, soft tissue damage can cause chronic pain and mobility issues that significantly impact quality of life.
Spinal cord injuries: Occur in 9-16% of pedestrian accidents and range from painful disc injuries to catastrophic damage resulting in paralysis. Even “minor” spinal injuries can cause chronic pain and mobility limitations.
Internal injuries: May not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening. Blunt force trauma can damage organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs) and cause internal bleeding requiring emergency intervention.
Psychological injuries: Include PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias related to walking near roadways. These invisible but debilitating effects can interfere with a victim’s ability to work, maintain relationships, or leave their homes.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in a pedestrian accident, consulting with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help ensure you receive proper compensation for your recovery.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Handling a pedestrian accident claim without legal representation can significantly reduce your chances of receiving fair compensation. Our pedestrian accident lawyers at Buckhead Law Saxton Injury & Accident Lawyers P.C. provide crucial advantages:
Thorough investigation: We work with accident reconstruction experts, gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and build a comprehensive case proving driver negligence.
Accurate damage calculation: Our team ensures all current and future medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering are properly valued.
Strong negotiation: Insurance companies typically offer pedestrians much less than their cases are worth. Our attorneys negotiate from a position of strength and preparation.
Trial readiness: While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often motivates insurance companies to make fair settlement offers.
No upfront costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for injured pedestrians throughout Georgia. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and have the resources and expertise to overcome them.
Need Legal Help? Get Your Free Consultation Today!
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle while walking, you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. The pedestrian accident lawyers at Buckhead Law Saxton Injury & Accident Lawyers P.C. are ready to provide the experienced, compassionate representation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. Remember, there are time limits for filing pedestrian accident claims in Georgia, so don’t delay in seeking the legal help you need.
Our team serves clients throughout the Atlanta metro area and across Georgia, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation injured pedestrians need to rebuild their lives after these traumatic accidents.