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.
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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
I was involved in an accident that wasn't my fault, I really didn't have a clue what to do next. The day after I was released from the hospital I... read more was very down because I was hurt, out of work and scared. My wife and I were watching TV, and good day channel 5 featured Mr. Todd Henningsen, injury attorney and he was actually giving advice for FREE....We took that as a sign, and called. From the moment I walked through his door, I was treated with kindness, respect,and EVERYTHING with my case was taken care of by Mr Henningsen and his paralegal Carmen, all I had to do was follow their instructions. I was very impressed with their service from start to end. I will recommend them to EVERYONE I know. Thanks so much, and I wish you both much success

Luis Vargas
March 27, 2016I 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, 2022I 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, 2017Mr. Henningsen has represented me in (3)three accidents. His staff is absolutely wonderful and attentive to their clients. From the time hired and through all of the medical treatments not... read more once did they not check up with me... Rebecca was wonderful from start to finish and Mr. Henningsen is the bomb. I have referred multiple clients based off my experience not once did I think his office wouldn’t take care of them. I give his firm an A+ in all areas I absolutely would recommend his firm for representation! Salema

Salema Dickerson
March 27, 2021I 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, 2018Highly compassionate, helpful and attentive to my legal information needs. They were very quick to respond to my inquiries. Mr. Henningsen and his team are among the best law firms... read more in the area. My entire experience with Mr. Henningsen and his paralegals was very pleasant. I will definitely recommend them to all friends and family!!

Jocelyn Hallenbeck
March 27, 2018After I was rear ended , the insurance company started giving me the run around. I work full time and do not have the time to battle with insurance... read more to have my car repaired. I had seen Mr. Henningsen on Atlanta and Company (11Alive) and he seemed like a good person, not some flashy tv attorney. I contacted him , we had a meeting and he took care of everything else. Carmen (the para, I think) were great to work with , I would use him again and recommend him to friends.

Ted Dougherty
March 27, 2017I was fortunate to be able to find the Henningsen Injury Attorneys. He and his legal team, especially LaShanda were very professional, very responsive to my needs. Although... read more working with the medical was challenging at times, their integrity came through in the end. What more could you ask ? I would surely recommend this firm to my friends and others.

Inez Floyd
August 29, 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 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 am very happy to have worked with Rebecca and this law firm. She is extremely professional and was very helpful throughout the process of my case.

Steven Strotman
March 29, 2023I had a really great experience with the firm. They handled my case quickly and it was easy to tell they knew what they were doing. Hope to never need... read more them again but will definitely use them again. Lashanda is awesome!! Great person to work with, very honest and kept me in the loop at all times.

Diana Wallace
March 27, 2017I tried working with the guilty party's insurance company on my own and was getting nowhere fast. It was part frustration and in desperation that I reached out to Henningsen's... read more office. I'm sure glad I did because they took over and I stopped stressing about it. I wish I had called them earlier. I tell anyone that's been in an accident to call them. Even if it's just to ask questions. Lashanda was great to work with. Thank you to the Henningsen Injury Attorneys and team for getting our case settled and taking the stress out of it.

Barbara C
March 27, 2022Overall they’re a good attorneys office on getting things done. Ms Tammy is a good case manager as well. Couldn’t fight for much but I guess something is better then... read more nothing 🙏🏾

Joseph Simmons
July 29, 2023TODD 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, 2022Thank 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, 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, 2022I really appreciated and enjoyed the hassle-free experience of working with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. My consultation with Mr. Henningsen was seamless. He answered all my questions thoroughly and... read more with ease, and was also very personable. Throughout my case, Lashanda called to update me about my case regularly and kept me abreast of where we were in the case process. The law firm had excellent communication and Lashanda returned my calls promptly. Hennigsen and Lashanda were able to settle my case promptly and favorably. I would highly recommend.

Ammee Smith
March 27, 2019Henningsen Injury Attorneys is the absolute best. This was my first time needing a injury attorney and they made the process stress-free. They are professional, understanding, and you can really... read more feel that they care about you and your needs. I am so grateful they were recommended to me AND I would definitely recommend them to you.

Taraeh DeGrasse
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, 2022My experience with the Henningsen Firm was amazing! I'd been injured in two other car accidents in my life and the paralegals who worked the cases were hard to reach... read more and not very helpful. Also, it took almost two years for my previous cases to be settled so you can imagine my surprise when LaShanda called me and told me my offer from the insurance company was in after only 5 months?! Case was settled totally a month later. I can't say enough great things about this firm. I'm so thankful!

Nicole Golson
March 27, 2017I had nothing but an extremely positive experience with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. Todd and his entire staff are so caring and professional every step of the way. They really make... read more a stressful situation so easy for their clients. I cannot recommend this firm enough!

Amanda Jordan
August 29, 2018I am so thankful for Tammy. She kept me in the know for everything that was happening with my case. I was always greeted with enthusiasm when I called and... read more always got a call back every during the holidays. If you need a great attorney please contact them!!! Definitely recommend..

Needa Toyou
March 27, 2020I 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, 2022