Traveling in high-traffic metropolitan areas, like Atlanta, puts you at greater risk for accident or injury. Although each commuting method brings risk, pedestrians often get caught in the crossfire when it comes to accidents and accident compensation. What’s more, the city’s sometimes limited sidewalks and mediocre public transportation system can make it frustrating and often dangerous for pedestrians to get around.
At Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., we offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
Call 404-882-6810 today to discuss your case for free. No charge until you win!
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Pedestrian Accidents: The Facts
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that while the number of motor vehicle traffic-related deaths has declined in recent years, the number of pedestrian deaths has increased. Specifically, the number of pedestrian accidents in Atlanta has increased by 60% over the last five years. According to the CDC, nationally, nearly 8,000 pedestrians were killed in crashes involving a motor vehicle in 2021, which is about one death every 66 minutes.
More than three-fourths of all pedestrian accidents occur in bigger metropolitan areas like Atlanta. Additionally, Georgia is ranked among the top five states with the most pedestrian deaths including California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona. These states account for nearly 50% of the pedestrian deaths occurring nationally.
Negligence In a Pedestrian Accident
If you are injured in an accident as a pedestrian, you may be able to file a claim for your injuries and resulting expenses. However, you must be able prove that the driver involved acted negligently. This means that the other party failed to take reasonable care in minimizing the risk of injury to others, which resulted in your injury.
In most cases, negligence is fairly obvious. For instance, drivers are supposed to yield at a crosswalk. If they fail to do so, this would be considered “negligence per se.” This means that the law presumes the driver was negligent without any further evidence because they broke the law.
However, negligent behavior alone is not enough to win your case. You, the victim, are charged with the burden to prove that the behavior of the negligent driver caused your injury. This is why it’s important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the law and little nuances involved in pedestrian cases.
While, as a general rule, drivers are supposed to do everything in their power to avoid colliding with a pedestrian under any circumstance, pedestrians do not always have the right of way. For example, you should always yield to cars when not in a crosswalk. And, even if you are at a crosswalk, if the “do not walk” signal is displayed, you should never cross.
Shared Responsibility In A Pedestrian Accident
Sometimes, both the driver and the pedestrian share fault for an accident. However, in Georgia, the pedestrian could still be successful in a lawsuit against the driver as long as they’re not more than 50% at fault.
Allocating fault in a negligence case is not always easy, but everything comes down to the reasonableness of each individual’s actions under the circumstances and whether or not they adhered to their duty of care.
So, for example, if you were wearing dark clothes while jogging at night, then those actions could be deemed unreasonable behavior for failure to follow adequate safety precautions. In that case, your damages may be reduced based on your degree of fault.
Common Pedestrian Accident Causes
Approximately 75% of fatal accidents involving pedestrians occur at night and 60% occur on local streets and state highways, as opposed to interstate or county roads. While there are many different causes of pedestrian accidents, the following are some of the most common:
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Left-hand turns
- Use of electronic devices by the pedestrian or driver
- Distracted driving
- Quiet electric vehicles
- Alcohol or drug use
If you’re injured as a pedestrian in a car accident, a personal injury attorney can provide a variety of legal services to help protect your rights. From negotiating with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit, your attorney will help you hold the negligent party accountable for their actions and ensure that you get the financial compensation you deserve.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
These accidents can be serious and oftentimes result in significant medical costs, substantial time spent in rehabilitative therapy, and even lifelong nursing care. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Coma
- Head and neck injuries
- Herniated discs
- Internal organ damage
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
If I ever (god forbid) have any other personal injury or know someone who does I will refer them to this firm. I cannot thank Tammy, Carmen and Mr. Henningsen... read more enough for working tirelessly and being so patient through my case. The hospitals were not competent enough to process the claims despite hours of calls, escalations and restating the policy information, but Tammy was so patient with them and me. I always felt that I had a choice in the matter and I was always given the options on how to move forward. Carmen put my mind at ease when the accident initially happened and educated me on the initial process. Thereafter Tammy was my contact and Mr. Henningsen handled things so well that I had to go and meet Tammy in person (although I could have completed things remotely). I wanted to shake her hand and look her in the eye for helping me through this. I had just missed Mr. Henningsen, but I wanted to do the same with them. He is definitely reflected in his team and they are all wonderful!

Jasmine Philpot
March 27, 2020I had my first car accident Aug 2017 and did not really know what to do or who to call. I had the BEST experience with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. They... read more informed me of all my options from the beginning and did not make me feel pressured about letting them take over my case. LaShanda was a GEM and communicated with me every step of the way about where they were with things. In the end, Henningsen Injury Attorneys worked with me and ensured I was getting the most out of my case. Will definitely return if I ever need legal help in the future. Thank you Henningsen team!!

Chic Charie (Brittany's Beauty Box)
March 27, 2019I have dealt with a larger firm for an accident a few years ago, but the Henningsen firm made me feel like my case was a priority. Communication is important... read more when you go through this and they were always available for questions. Linda K.

Linda Keller
April 27, 2022I don't usually write reviews but the service I received at this firm was so exceptional. Tammy was my contact person and handled everything so professionally and fast. She took... read more care of things before I would even know something needed to be done. They were so hands on and listened to all of my concerns. I did not have to lift a finger to do anything. If you are looking for a firm that will cater to you this is the firm for you. I will never let anyone else handle any of my needs. They are the best!!!!!

natascha nichols
March 27, 2022Excellent customer service. Very responsive. Great outcome. I was in a major car accident and while it could have been worse, I was not in the situation to deal with... read more insurance, hospital calls, etc. on my own. My experience with Henningsen was very positive. Carmen (my main contact) was very responsive, broke down complicated literature for me, and always had my best interest at heart. If I had anything relating to the accident - I just forwarded it her way and I knew it was taken care of. I would recommend them again and again!

Cherlee Ajudua
March 27, 2018Great Service. My case was handled very professionally. I understood that they are busy and did just routine follow up nothing more than needed. LaShanda is very good at her... read more job and was on everything I sent in. She kept me in the loop throughout out my case and never once did she not respond with ultimate respect and she was readily available to answer any of my questions and concerns. I met with Todd, he was kind.

S Sonkey
March 27, 2018Thank you to Karen and the rest of the team for helping me with my PI case. The team will help you reach the best decision for your situation without... read more pressuring you and will keep you up to date as much as possible. I definitely recommend this team to anyone dealing with the stressors of a personal injury case!

Brianna Cheek
October 27, 2022An attorney’s office SET APART! We were so happy and confident having Tammy work for us and grateful Mr. Henningsen chose to represent us. A bad experience led... read more to a pleasant one. I appreciate what was achieved on my behalf. Thank you, Tammy! Thank you, Todd Henningsen!

A S
February 27, 2023I was hurt in a t-bone collision recently. Mr. Henningsen and his staff did an amazing job getting me the help that I needed. They are knowledgeable, experienced and very... read more easy to work with. I will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Michelle Sosia
March 27, 2017Outstanding service. We got our settlement. LaShanda is very professional and took care of our family. She assured that our questions were answered and we had a full understanding. She... read more assured the maximum settlement amount. Would recommend them to anyone looking for the maximum settlement

Melanthia Maddox
March 27, 2018I was in a car accident and originally had representation from another law firm ( one of those famous tv firms who shall not be named) I was sooo dissatisfied... read more from the beginning. I then researched another firm for representation and I came across Henningsen. From the start they took care of everything for me, they maintain constant communication with me through out the whole process keeping me informed. They gave me expectation during our initial interaction and by the end of it all the service they provided exceeded those expectations. I highly recommend this law firm. Thank you Henningsen but specifically the case manager Tamera smith.

Abdul-Qayyum Muhammad
March 27, 2022They Are very professional and one of the best in the business , from the first phone call I placed after my accident , an investigator was sent to me... read more to fill out the paper work, I didn’t have to leave the house. Within two days I got a claim number for my property damage from the firm. And I was emailed a copy of my police report and next steps . Carmen took over my case and honestly she is amazing, she was very diligent, consistent , knowledgeable , thorough and patient, she carried me along through every milestone and kept me updated . Mr Todd is a brilliant lawyer , he honestly exceeded my expectations, I didn’t sustain any major injury but mr Todd was able to get a settlement for the full policy limit . I am very happy and I will be referring Henningsen injury attorney to anyone I know.

Bukola Olowo
March 27, 2020Henningsen Attorneys handled a auto accident on behalf of my husband. The accident resulted in a hospital stay and the total loss of his automobile. The firm handled everything for... read more us from the very beginning. Excellent, clear advice with constant communication. Compassion and commitment as they guided us through a lengthy legal process. I recommend them to all my friends and family. Thank you to the dedicated team of Henningsen Attorneys! Lanice Sudduth

Virgil Lanice Sudduth
March 27, 2022I highly recommend Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. for anyone seeking representation for an auto accident or personal injury case. Attorney Henningsen, Rebecca and the team provided phenomenal service from the... read more initiation of my case to the conclusion. They are very knowledgeable, honest and always give 100% efforts for their clients. Honestly, they deserve more than five stars.

mj
March 27, 2022TODD IS THE BEST HE IS HELPFUL AND UNDERSTANDING AND GETS TO THE POINT ANY CASE I EVER HAVE I WILL GO TO TODD HENNINGSENS LAW FIRM BUT THE ONLY... read more THING I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IS THAT WHEN I CALL TO INQUIRE OR WANT TO SPEAK TO A LAWYER THEY ARE NEVER AVAILABLE THE LADY THATS HELPING DOES NOT RETURN MY CALLS I ONLY WANT TO KNOW JUST A LITTLE BIT OF DETAILS OTHER THAN THAT NO PROBLEM.

regina dent
October 27, 2022Karen was amazing to work with and I loved that she ALWAYS replied to me in a timely, courteous, professional manner. She never left me wondering and I appreciate that.... read more Responsiveness is very important to me and I feel it shows professionalism which i’m thankful Henningsen Injury Attorneys have in abundance.

Aliha Madrid
March 27, 2022Unfortunately, I have had to deal with PI cases on several occasions. Working with Henningsen Injury Attorneys was by far the best experience. I felt completely informed and advised... read more throughout the entire process and it was great to be able to reach out and communicate with Carmen via email (my preferred method) and receive responses quickly. I uphold and appreciate any service that truly values my business and with this team I felt my interest was always placed first. I would highly recommend this team to anyone looking for legal representation on a personal injury case. Thank you Carmen and the entire team at Henningsen Injury Attorneys.

Katalina Figueroa
March 27, 2018I am very satisfied with the assistance I received from Mr. Henningsen and his paralegal Carmen. If I had not gone to see him I would still be suffering from... read more severe neck pain after being t-boned while driving on the interstate. The cost of the care and treatment was beyond what I otherwise would have been able to afford. The practitioners he referred me to were topnotch and the physical therapy treatments have restored me to a good level of functioning. Thank-you Todd and Carmen.

Linda Hoffman
March 27, 2016I was very upset coming from a larger law firm that didn’t meet my expectations and I shared in detailed with Henningsen law firm about the bad taste the other... read more company left. Henningsen went above and beyond to ensure I would not have the same experience with them. They handled all of my concerns and found a peaceful solution for my case quickly. I would definitely recommend this firm to everyone. If I ever need assistance again, Henningsen would be my first call. Thanks again for all the updates and assistance you provided. I’m forever loyal to this firm!

LaWanda Davie
March 27, 2022I am so blessed to have found Henningsen Injury Attorneys! EXCELLENT and efficient representation! They assisted me in a car accident injury claim. Before finding them I was... read more using another attorney whose office had poor customer service and lacked professionalism and integrity. Due to this unacceptable behavior, I sought out another attorney and came across Henningsen and decided to give them a ring. Not only were Mr. Henningsen’s contingency fees more affordable than the first attorney, but every single staff member was extremely professional and compassionate – this was evident from my initial phone inquiry with their office when I spoke with Carmen. She talked to me for over 30 minutes and made sure to answer all questions to my satisfaction and even answered questions I didn’t think to ask! I know they have other clients, but she never made me feel like she was “too busy” for me; I felt like a priority. She also responded super quickly to all emails. While I was hurt, they sent someone to my house to handle the paperwork for me. They explained the process and followed up with me often to see how I was feeling, providing case updates along the way. I told Carmen several times, that they really were the silver lining in a horrible experience. You can tell they care. I hope to never be in another accident, but if I am, there is no way I would even consider another attorney. I rarely write reviews, but they’re very deserving of this. I want everyone to know, you’re in great hands with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. Highly recommended!

odetoreality
March 27, 2018I am very pleased and impressed with the quality of service that was rendered by this attorney firm. They were very helpful from beginning to the end of my... read more case. All of the employees were very professional, and they kept me informed throughout my case. They are a no. 1 law firm, and I will certainly highly recommend them.

Annette Johnson
March 27, 2022I had a car crash accident last September 2020! I called Henningsen law firm to take care of my case and their response was immediately the same day they emailed... read more me all the paperwork work and two days later I started my treatment! Tammi was always on the go and always called me to see how I was feeling! I highly recommend this attorneys I had a great experience

Delmy Padilla
March 27, 2022I was in a very severe motorcycle accident in September of 2017. I was in the hospital for a long period of time. I went online and googled injury attorneys... read more and the hennigsen firm popped up. I called and Todd was at the hospital within an few hours. He sat down explained everything to me to make sure I understood what we needed to do and the direction to take things. I am very pleased with their services. They always called me back and if I had a question they got back with me as soon as possible. They are truly great people and will take GREAT care of you. Carmen was great as well. She was always on top of things and got back with me promptly. I couldn’t have asked for better people to help me through such a difficult time in my life. If you are in need of any kind of legal support that they specialize in i highly recommend them. They are VERY trustworthy people and always look out for your best interest. I will continue to recommend them to anyone and everyone!

Amber
March 27, 2019I had such a good experience with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. They were very quick on everything I needed. They answered all of my questions in a timely manner and handled... read more everything professionally. They went above and beyond my expectations. I would recommend them to anyone that likes true professionals.

Dallas Snyder
March 27, 2018