Pedestrian Accident Lawyer.
Georgia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer.
It’s an unfortunate truth that pedestrian fatalities in Georgia continue to rise. 294 lives were lost in 2024 alone, with over 21% of these deaths caused by drivers failing to yield the right of way. Tragically, many of these victims were simply walking, jogging, or crossing the street when a driver’s negligence changed their lives forever.
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle, the consequences are often catastrophic. Injuries can range from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, permanent disability, or death.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle.
At Valentine Injury Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys fight relentlessly in Athens, Watkinsville, Oconee County, Clarke County, and all across the State of Georgia. Whether you’re recovering from serious injuries or grieving the loss of a loved one, our firm is here to demand full justice and financial recovery.
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, from a neighborhood sidewalk in Oconee County to a busy downtown intersection in Athens, and the consequences are often severe.
Georgia law recognizes pedestrians as having unique protections, especially in crosswalks and designated walkways. However, proving fault in pedestrian accidents often hinges on a detailed understanding of both pedestrian rights and driver responsibilities.
Crosswalk collisions
Even when pedestrians have the legal right of way, drivers too often fail to stop or yield in time, resulting in devastating injuries. Crosswalk collisions are particularly dangerous because pedestrians have no protection and are often hit at full speed.
Speed is a critical factor in the severity of these crashes. Research shows that a pedestrian’s risk of severe injury jumps to 10% at just 16 mph, and skyrockets to 90% at 46 mph. That means even small increases in speed can dramatically raise the chances of life-threatening harm.
At Valentine Injury Law, our pedestrian accident lawyers investigate every detail from impact speed and skid marks to distracted driving and traffic violations to prove driver negligence. We hold careless drivers accountable when they ignore crosswalk laws, speed limits, or fail to watch for pedestrians.
It’s vital that you enlist the aid of a law firm, like Valentine Injury Law, that is willing and able to fight for all types of economic damages, not just a few.
Hit-and-run accidents
When a driver flees the scene, victims are left to deal with injuries, financial burdens, and legal uncertainty. A pedestrian accident attorney uses investigative resources to help identify hit-and-run drivers whenever possible, and we pursue compensation through all available avenues, including uninsured motorist claims.
Bus and truck pedestrian crashes
Larger vehicles like buses and trucks have more blind spots and require longer stopping distances. These accidents often result in life-altering injuries or fatalities. We take on commercial carriers, government entities, and insurance companies to ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.
Nighttime and low-visibility accidents
Pedestrians are at heightened risk after dark or in poorly lit areas. While drivers may blame poor visibility, it should not be an excuse. At any and every time of the day, drivers are legally obligated to drive with caution. We analyze lighting conditions, driver behavior, and roadway design to help build a strong case on your behalf.
Full Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims.
A serious pedestrian accident doesn’t just leave you with medical bills — it can disrupt every aspect of your life, from your ability to work to your emotional and physical well-being. At Valentine Injury Law, we don’t settle for what the insurance company claims your case is worth. We fight for the full value of everything you’ve lost and will continue to lose.
Georgia law allows injured pedestrians to recover both economic and non-economic damages, and in cases involving willful or wanton behavior, punitive damages may also be available. Read on to learn about the three types of damages you could claim.
The hard part? Getting the compensation you deserve isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies often try to minimize your payout or shift the blame onto you through Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, which can reduce or even eliminate your recovery.
At Valentine Injury Law, we know these tactics inside and out, and our pedestrian accident lawyers are prepared to challenge them at every turn to make sure you aren’t left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.
Types of economic damages (special damages)
These cover the direct, financial costs associated with your injury — both now and in the future. Some examples of special damages include:
- Emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and follow-up medical care
- Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment needs
- Prescription medications and durable medical equipment (e.g., crutches, wheelchairs)
- Lost wages
- Transportation expenses, including medical travel and accommodations
- Property damage, including personal belongings or electronics damaged during the crash
Types of non-economic damages (general damages)
Some losses can’t be measured in bills, but that doesn’t make them any less real. These damages reflect the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on your life:
- Pain, suffering, and chronic physical discomfort
- Emotional distress, PTSD, depression, and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life or inability to participate in hobbies
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of intimacy, support, or companionship in catastrophic injury cases
- Future limitations on your ability to work, care for yourself, or live independently
Types of punitive damages
In cases involving willful or wanton behavior (such as a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol), Georgia law allows for punitive damages. These are designed to punish the offender and deter similar conduct in the future.
We pursue punitive damages aggressively in every qualifying case, especially when we uncover evidence of:
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Hit-and-run behavior
- Street racing or willful speeding
- Texting while driving with clear disregard for pedestrian safety
What Do I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia?
The moments after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but the steps you take next can make a big difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation. A simple step-by-step guide to remember in the case of an accident is:
Call 911 Immediately
Report the accident and request medical assistance, even if your injuries seem minor. Calling the police will also start a police report, creating an official record of the incident that can provide important evidence for your case.
Gather Evidence (If You Can)
Take photos of the accident scene, where you were located at the time of impact, your injuries, traffic signals, crosswalk markings, and any damage to vehicles or personal items if possible. Exchange information with the other driver, and if there are witnesses, get their contact information.
Get Medical Attention
Seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not be immediately obvious. Having updated and in-the-moment medical records will also support your legal claim.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An experienced attorney, like our attorney at Valentine Injury Law, can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you’re owed. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of a strong case and a full recovery.
What Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do?
A pedestrian accident lawyer is your advocate, guide, and protector in the aftermath of a serious injury. At Valentine Injury Law, we assess the full impact of your injuries (physical, emotional, and financial) and fight to recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our pedestrian accident attorney also pushes back against common defense strategies like comparative negligence, where insurers try to shift blame onto the pedestrian. Our job is to level the playing field, so you’re not taken advantage of during one of the most vulnerable times in your life.
We put our all into supporting our clients with strategies such as:
- Investigating the accident causes and collecting witness statements, photos, police reports, and surveillance footage
- Working with medical and financial experts to calculate the full value of your damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement, and take them to court if they refuse
- Challenge the blame-shifting tactics used by insurers under Georgia’s comparative negligence law
- Handle all legal paperwork and deadlines so you can focus on healing
When Do I Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer as early as possible after your injury can make a critical difference in how your case is handled and how much compensation you receive. The sooner you involve legal counsel, the more time your lawyer has to investigate, preserve evidence, deal with insurers, and build a strong case. Our pedestrian accident attorney at Valentine Injury Law is ready to take immediate action — so you don’t have to deal with the legal burden on your own.
You should consider hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer if:
- Insurance companies are pressuring you to give a statement or accept a quick settlement
- The other driver’s insurance is denying your claim or disputing coverage
- Fault is unclear, and you’re worried about being blamed for the accident
- Your injuries are severe or long-term, affecting your ability to work or live independently
- You’re overwhelmed with medical bills, lost wages, and paperwork
- A loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, and you’re considering a wrongful death claim
Hurt While Walking? Call Our Athens Pedestrian Accident Attorney!
When you choose Valentine Injury Law, you’re partnering with a firm that truly understands the unique challenges faced by pedestrians in Athens, Oconee County, and the surrounding communities. We know the local roads, traffic patterns, and legal landscape, and we’re deeply committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Looking for a pedestrian accident lawyer near me? Look no further. Serving Northern Georgia and beyond, our dedicated team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait! Call us today at (706) 425-4444 for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.
Our Practice Areas.
Valentine Injury Law proudly represents clients across a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including but not limited to:
Rideshare collisions
Uber and Lyft accidents are becoming more common. We know how to pursue compensation and put money back in your pocket.
Tractor trailer collisions
Tractor-trailer accidents can come with complex liability issues. We navigate the nuances for you.
Bicycle accidents
Cyclists face unique and often life-threatening dangers on Georgia roads.
Learn More
Pedestrian accidents
Hire an expert who knows how to navigate these special laws. We’ve won significant recoveries for injured pedestrians.
Hit-and-run collisions
We don’t let hit-and-run drivers get away with fleeing the scene and their responsibility.
Motorcycle accidents
No matter the vehicle involved, we’ll get what you deserve.
DUI accidents
Drunk and impaired drivers can wreck lives. We hold them accountable for their actions.
Learn MoreOther Areas of Expertise
Discover How We Can HelpIf you or a loved one has experienced an injury due to any of the above cases, then you need to contact Valentine Injury Law immediately. Getting the ball rolling early on your legal case is essential to achieving the maximum result that you deserve. Call us today!
We’re ready to fight for you.
If you’ve been injured, you’re not alone. Contact us for a free case evaluation. You only pay if we secure a settlement for you.
