Trusted Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers | $1.9 Billion+ Won for Injury Victims

Over $1.9 Billion Recovered | Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Who Get Results

Hit by a Car While Walking? We’ll Investigate, Prove Fault, and Fight for the Maximum Compensation You Deserve

Reviewed by: Phillip Hairston, Esq. — Atlanta Trial Attorney
Last updated: September 2025 • View attorney bio

Available 24/7 — Free Consultation, No Fees Unless We Win

Recognized by Super Lawyers® | Serving Atlanta Clients Statewide

Being struck by a car while walking can turn your world upside down in seconds. You may be facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and fear for your future. You don’t have to face this alone — we’re here to help.

Our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers act fast to investigate the crash, preserve evidence, and hold negligent drivers accountable. With $1.9 billion+ recovered for injury victims, we have the resources and trial experience to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve — while you focus on healing.

Atlanta Office: 1201 Peachtree St NE, Unit 2200, Atlanta, GA 30361
Call 24/7: (678) 981-9022 | FREE Case Review

Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer – man in crosswalk nearly hit by car

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Awards & Accolades

Recognized by Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers, and
AV-Preeminent peer ratings. Our national results are led by founding attorney
Ryan L. Thompson and brought to Georgia by our Atlanta trial team.

Best Lawyers 2026 – Ryan Thompson Best Lawyers 2026 – Thompson Law Super Lawyers 2024 Super Lawyers — 10 Years
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum The National Trial Lawyers — Top 100 The National Trial Lawyers — Top 40 Under 40
American Association for Justice Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers

Why Work with Thompson Law?

 Choosing the right legal team after a pedestrian accident can be the difference between struggling with medical bills and securing the resources to rebuild your life. We go beyond filing claims—we act as your advocates, investigators, and support system from day one.

No Fees Unless We Win
You pay nothing upfront—our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.
Proven Results
Over $1.9 billion recovered for injury victims across Georgia.
Fast, Stress-Free Start
Speak to a lawyer the same day. E-sign and we immediately begin preserving evidence.

  • Intersection/CCTV & dashcam requests sent within 24–48 hours
  • Scene photos, black-box (EDR) & 911 audio preserved
Maximizing Coverage
We pursue all layers—at-fault driver, employer (if applicable), and UM/UIM for hit-and-runs or underinsured drivers.
Atlanta-Specific Know-How
Crosswalks, school zones, and high-injury corridors (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur).

  • Government notice deadlines tracked if road/traffic control defects involved
  • Claims routed correctly for city/county/state entities

Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer explaining no win, no fee representation

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Atlanta

Being hit by a car is terrifying and overwhelming. You may feel shaken, confused, or unsure what to do next — but the actions you take in the minutes and hours after a crash can make a huge difference for both your recovery and your case.

  1. Prioritize Your Safety & Medical Care: Move to a safe area if possible and get medical attention right away. Even if you think you’re okay, internal injuries and concussions can take hours or days to show symptoms.
  2. Call 911 and Report the Crash: A police report is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence for your claim. Tell the officer exactly what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
  3. Document Everything: If you’re able, take photos and videos of the vehicle, your injuries, skid marks, traffic signals, and the surrounding area. Ask someone to help if you cannot do it yourself.
  4. Gather Witness Information: Get names, phone numbers, and statements from anyone who saw the crash. Witness testimony can make the difference when proving fault.
  5. Stay Off Recorded Calls: Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster before speaking to an attorney — insurers often use these calls to minimize or deny claims.
  6. Contact an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Quickly: Our attorneys act fast to secure video footage, preserve evidence, and protect you from aggressive insurance tactics. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case can be.

Tip: Time is critical. Many traffic cameras automatically overwrite footage in a matter of days — contacting a lawyer quickly can prevent crucial evidence from being lost forever.

Get your FREE case review today — speak with an attorney in minutes and start protecting your rights.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Injuries?

After a pedestrian crash, one of the first questions we hear is: “Who is responsible for this?”
Determining liability is critical — it can decide whether you recover full compensation or walk away with nothing.
Our attorneys investigate every angle so no responsible party escapes accountability.

Negligent Drivers
Speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or running red lights — drivers who break the law can and should be held accountable.
Shared Fault Situations
Even if you crossed mid-block or outside the crosswalk, Georgia law still allows recovery as long as you are under 50% at fault.
We fight to keep blame where it belongs — on the negligent driver.
Other Liable Parties
Government entities for unsafe roads, businesses with hazardous property conditions, or vehicle manufacturers for defective brakes
can all be held responsible when their negligence contributes to your injuries.

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system,
which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — and barred only if you are 50% or more at fault.
We work to minimize your fault percentage and maximize your recovery.

Next Step:

Unsure who might be responsible for your injuries?
Request a FREE case review
we’ll launch an immediate investigation and preserve critical evidence before it disappears.

Driver stopping for pedestrians in Atlanta crosswalk - legal liability investigation

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Atlanta

Recent reports show a troubling rise in serious and fatal pedestrian crashes across Metro Atlanta.
Georgia remains among the nation’s most dangerous states for people walking, and the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta area reflects that trend.

What the data shows:
The 2023 regional analysis reported a pedestrian fatality rate of 2.71 deaths per 100,000 residents with an upward trend of +0.55 per 100,000 over time. From 2018–2022, Georgia recorded 825 pedestrian fatalities.

High crash volume: In 2022, Atlanta saw 35,000+ traffic crashes citywide.
Vulnerable road users impacted: At least 548 crashes involved pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable users.
Why numbers matter: Hospital and EMS records often capture injuries that never make it into police reports, so true harm is typically higher than crash reports alone suggest.

Atlanta’s rising pedestrian fatality rate underscores a simple truth: people on foot carry the greatest risk but have the least protection.
If you or a loved one was hit, early legal action helps preserve video, witness statements, and roadway evidence that can make the difference in your case.

Next step: Get answers and a plan.
Request a FREE case review — no fees unless we win.

Atlanta Pedestrian Safety Laws

Knowing your rights and responsibilities on Atlanta’s roads can save lives. Georgia law provides strong protections for pedestrians — but also sets rules that must be followed. Understanding these laws helps prevent crashes and can be critical in proving fault if an accident happens.

Right of Way
  • Crosswalks: Drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
  • Sidewalks: Pedestrians have the right of way. Drivers must yield when entering/exiting driveways and at crosswalks.
  • Outside Crosswalks: Pedestrians must yield to vehicles unless they have already safely entered the roadway.

Pedestrian Responsibilities
  • Obey Signals: Follow walk signals and traffic lights.
  • Use Sidewalks: When available, stay on sidewalks; if none exist, walk facing traffic.
  • Cross Smart: Use marked/controlled crossings whenever possible.
  • Stay Alert: Limit distractions (phones, headphones) when crossing.

These rules protect everyone — but even the most careful pedestrian can be struck by a negligent driver. If a driver violates these laws, that evidence can be pivotal in your claim.

Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta

Despite infrastructure improvements, many crashes stem from preventable driver behavior:

  • Distracted driving: Texting, calls, or in-car screens pull attention from the road.
  • Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase crash severity.
  • Failure to yield: Drivers turning or entering intersections often overlook people on foot.
  • Pedestrian error: Mid-block crossings or signal violations can contribute — but drivers still have a duty to avoid collisions.

If you were injured, our

Atlanta pedestrian accident attorneys

can determine whether a driver or other party violated these rules — and use that proof to build a strong case for compensation.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Being struck by a vehicle can change your life in an instant. Many pedestrian accident victims face long hospital stays, painful recoveries, and overwhelming medical bills — sometimes while being unable to work. Our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers document the full extent of your injuries so we can fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions, skull fractures, and brain trauma can lead to lasting headaches, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating — even with a helmet.
  • Fractures and Broken Bones: Legs, arms, ribs, pelvis, and other fractures often require surgery, hardware installation, and months of rehabilitation.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, chronic back pain, or nerve damage that permanently alters mobility.
  • Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other hidden injuries may not show symptoms right away but can quickly become life-threatening.
  • Severe Lacerations & Scarring: Road rash, deep cuts, and facial trauma can cause permanent scarring, nerve damage, and emotional distress — sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery.
  • Permanent Disability: Catastrophic injuries may prevent you from returning to work or performing basic daily activities without assistance.

Every injury has both a physical and financial impact. We work with doctors and life-care planners to calculate future treatment costs, lost wages, and the pain you’ve endured — then fight to recover the maximum compensation allowed by Georgia law.

Request your FREE case review today — there are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win.

At Thompson Law

We fight for pedestrian accident victims, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve. Our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers gather strong evidence and build a solid case to help you recover your losses.

Contact Us

Common Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident in Atlanta

A serious pedestrian accident doesn’t just cause physical harm — it can upend every part of your life. Medical bills stack up, paychecks stop coming, and emotional stress grows every day. Georgia law allows injured pedestrians to pursue compensation for both financial and personal losses, helping you get back on stable ground.

  • Medical Expenses: Covers ER visits, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and any future care you may need for ongoing recovery.
  • Lost Wages: Replaces income missed while you recover so you can keep up with bills and expenses.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensates you if your injuries cause long-term or permanent disability that reduces your ability to work and earn in the future.
  • Pain and Suffering: Recognizes the physical pain and daily limitations you’ve endured since the crash.
  • Emotional Distress: Includes anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other psychological effects that impact your quality of life.
  • Property Damage: Reimburses you for personal property damaged in the crash — like your bike, phone, or clothing.
  • Loss of Consortium: Addresses the impact your injuries have had on your relationship with a spouse or family members.

Every case is unique, and the full value of your claim depends on careful documentation of both immediate and future losses. Our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers partner with medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to calculate the true cost of your injuries — then fight to recover every dollar you deserve.

Request your FREE case review today and learn how much your case could be worth. No upfront fees — you pay nothing unless we win.

Georgia Pedestrian Accident Deadlines & Fault Rules — What You Need to Know

Georgia law sets strict deadlines for filing injury claims.
In most pedestrian accident and personal injury cases, you have
two years from the date of the accident to file suit under
O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Property-damage-only claims generally have a four-year deadline. Missing these deadlines can bar your right to compensation — another reason to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Georgia pedestrian accident statute of limitations infographic: 2 years for personal injury, 4 years for property damage, with shorter deadlines for government claims and tolling for minors or legal disability.

Important Exceptions
  • City / county claims: Written ante litem notice often required within
    6 months.
  • State claims: Notice typically due within
    12 months.
  • Wrongful death: Usually 2 years, but the clock can pause during related criminal cases.
  • Minors / legally disabled: Time limits can be “tolled” (paused) until the disability ends or the minor turns 18.
Modified Comparative Negligence

Georgia follows a 50% bar rule
(O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33):
you can recover damages even if you share fault — as long as you are less than 50% at fault.
Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. At 50% or more fault, recovery is barred entirely.

Insurers often overstate pedestrian fault. Our attorneys use expert reconstruction, video evidence, and witness testimony to fight back and maximize your compensation.

Direct Actions Against Insurers

Georgia’s direct-action rules were updated in 2024. In some cases — particularly against motor carriers or certain commercial policies — you may be able to sue the insurer directly. We review carrier status, policy language, and case law to identify every possible recovery source.

Free Case Review — Protect Your Right to Recover

Call for Your Free Consultation

(844) 308-8180

Meet Your Local Thompson Law Attorney - Phillip Hairston

At Thompson Law, every case is personal. Our Georgia office is led by Phillip Hairston, an experienced trial lawyer who has secured millions for injured clients across Georgia.
Phillip brings a unique background—having defended corporations early in his career—so he knows
exactly how insurers build their cases, and how to beat them.

Whether your accident happened on the Downtown Connector, I-285, or a neighborhood road in Decatur,
Phillip combines deep local knowledge with aggressive representation to maximize results for crash victims.
Learn more about Phillip Hairston and his results »

 

What Our Clients Say

Google
Kathy Poole
★★★★★
“Thompson Law office staff was extremely helpful and attentive. Brian and Shawn were kind and informative and helped me through the entire closing process. They got the job done!”
— Google Review (21h ago)
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Daniel Valdez
★★★★★
“Thompson Law did a great job when it came to handling my case. Brian, my case manager, was there every time I had questions and always kept me updated. I’ll definitely use them again.”
— Google Review (19 days ago)
Google
Cartisha Sylvester
★★★★★
“Working with Thompson Law was great. I was always updated about my case throughout the entire process. Thank you Ms. Uneeda and Mr. Brian. I appreciate all the help.”
— Google Review (1 month ago)

Real reviews from injured Georgians we’ve helped. Want more?
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Injured While Walking in Atlanta? Talk to a Lawyer Today.

If you were hit in Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, or East Point, our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help. We know the places where walkers face the most risk—along the Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside & Westside Trails), Ponce de Leon Avenue, Peachtree Street, near busy MARTA stations (Five Points, Midtown, Lenox), around school zones, and on corridors within the city’s High-Injury Network. We use this local insight to build the strongest possible case for you.

Whether your injuries came from a driver failing to yield in a crosswalk, a left-turn collision in Midtown, a speeding or distracted driver near the BeltLine, or a hit-and-run near a MARTA stop, we’ll hold the at-fault parties and insurers accountable from day one.

Schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer today.

Call Us: (678) 981-9022

Atlanta Office: 1201 Peachtree St NE, Unit 2200, Atlanta, GA 30361

Free case review: We’ll listen, answer your questions, and map the next steps — TODAY.

Looking for help beyond pedestrian crashes? Explore our full-service practice:
Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the driver always at fault in a pedestrian accident?

Not always. While drivers often bear responsibility, pedestrians can share fault in some cases—such as if they ignored traffic signals or stepped into traffic unexpectedly. Georgia follows comparative negligence laws, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault.

What if the driver leaves the scene of the accident?

A hit-and-run is a serious offense. If this happens, call the police immediately and try to document any details about the vehicle or driver. An attorney can help you explore legal options, including filing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage if the driver isn’t found.

Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?

Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation. While using a crosswalk can strengthen your case, Georgia law does not automatically bar pedestrians from filing a claim if they were outside of one. Your compensation may be affected if you are found partially at fault, but you can still pursue damages.

How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian accident?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?

You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. If the accident resulted in permanent disability, you may also receive compensation for reduced earning capacity.

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?

Seek medical attention, call the police, document the scene with photos, get witness contact information, and avoid discussing fault with the driver or insurance companies. Contacting a lawyer early can help protect your case.

How can an attorney help with my pedestrian accident claim?

A lawyer will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case to maximize your compensation. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, they can take your case to court.

Still have questions?

Get Your Free Case Review

or call (678) 981-9022

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.