What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia
Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, often resulting in serious physical injuries,
emotional distress,
and financial hardship. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, knowing the right steps to take can significantly impact your recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation. This guide explains what to do immediately after a crash to protect your health, finances, and legal rights.
Quick Summary of Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia
- Ensure safety and get medical attention
- Call the police and request a report
- Gather evidence at the scene
- Avoid admitting fault
- Notify your insurance (carefully)
- Avoid posting about the crash on social media
- Consult a Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer
- Track all expenses and financial losses
- Follow your doctor’s medical advice
1) Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
- Call 911 right away so police and EMS respond to the scene.
- Even if you feel “okay,” get a full medical evaluation—concussions, internal injuries, and soft-tissue damage may not show symptoms immediately.
- Keep copies of all diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, and follow-ups. These medical records are essential evidence for your claim.
2) Call the Police
Georgia law generally requires reporting crashes involving injury or death (see O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273). Provide factual details to the responding officer, but avoid speculation about fault.
- Ask how to obtain the police report number; reports are typically accessible through the Atlanta Police Department or the Georgia State Patrol.
- Keep a copy—insurers and attorneys rely on the official report when evaluating liability.
- For general steps, see: How to Get Your Police Report.
3) Gather Evidence
- Photograph your injuries, the involved vehicle(s), skid marks, signals/signs, lighting, and road conditions.
- Collect contact information for the driver, witnesses, and nearby businesses/residences that might have cameras. Note the driver’s insurance and license plate.
- Write down what you remember as soon as possible: location, time, weather, traffic flow, and the driver’s behavior.
4) Avoid Admitting Fault
Anything you say can be used against you by insurers. Stick to the facts. Don’t apologize or speculate (“I didn’t see the car”). Let the police report and evidence determine fault.
5) Notify Your Insurance — Carefully
Even as a pedestrian, your health insurance (and sometimes your auto policy’s medical or UM/UIM coverage) may help.
- Report only the basics (date, time, location). Avoid recorded statements or detailed injury descriptions until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Insurers often minimize payouts—have a lawyer review documents and communications before you sign.
6) Don’t Post on Social Media
- Avoid posting photos, updates, or comments about the crash or your injuries. Opposing insurers monitor social media and can misinterpret posts to undermine your claim.
- See our Social Media Guide After an Injury.
7) Consult a Georgia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Claims can be complex—especially with serious injuries or disputed liability. An experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer can preserve evidence, handle insurers, calculate the full value of your damages, and file suit if needed.
- Georgia’s comparative negligence law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) allows recovery if you are less than 50% at fault; your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage.
- A lawyer can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts on your life.
8) Document Your Financial Expenses and Losses
- Medical costs: ER visits, specialists, imaging, prescriptions, rehab/therapy.
- Lost income: pay stubs, employer letters, tax returns for missed work or reduced hours.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: transportation to appointments, home help, medical equipment.
- Personal recovery log: track pain levels, limitations, sleep issues, and emotional effects.
9) Follow Medical Advice
Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans. Gaps in care can harm recovery and give insurers ammunition to dispute your injuries.
Get Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia
Being injured in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia is overwhelming—but the steps you take now make a real difference. By seeking medical care, documenting evidence, and speaking with a lawyer early, you protect your health and your claim.
At Thompson Law, we handle insurers while you focus on healing. Call (678) 981-9022 or request your FREE CONSULTATION today.
