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!
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
-
Great law firm and the only one I recommend when dealing with a personal injury case
Brandon Donihe
July 9, 2026Thank you, Rebecca, for the amazing service and professionalism. You were a light, providing the help I needed and making this a smooth process. Look forward to recommending this firm!
Julian Curry
February 25, 2026This team is made up of truly wonderful people. They treated me with respect, patience, and understanding every step of the way. It meant so much to have such a... read more
E M
February 24, 2026 -
I loved working with this law firm. They were very hands on with taking my case and getting me great results within a 2 month frame of taking my case!... read more
Adrianna Bailey
February 20, 2026I can’t recommend Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. enough. After my car accident, they truly took great care of me during one of the most difficult times in my life. Rebecca... read more
Say Palin
January 28, 2026It was a pleasure working with this firm. My case manager kept me informed and up to date with everything and helped me reach the best outcome for my case.
Shelby Russell
January 27, 2026 -
The team was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. Communication was clear and consistent, and they made a stressful situation much easier to handle. Highly recommend this injury... read more
Angeliece Woods
January 27, 2026I really enjoyed the process. It was very professional and quick. Recommend any of my family & friends.
Carlo Wilkes
January 27, 2026I had a great experience working with this firm. The team was professional, they communicated with me throughout the whole process, and I felt that they genuinely cared about my... read more
Designs by Kiara G.
January 16, 2026 -
Arlene was amazing to work with throughout my personal injury case. She was always responsive, professional, and made sure I understood what was happening every step of the way. She... read more
Cherub Aragon
December 30, 2025Arlene has been a blessing. She’s been kind, professional, and informative. She’s definitely a great asset for Henningsen and attorneys. Will definitely recommend to anyone going through a difficult personal... read more
Tylah Wells
December 29, 2025I have worked with other firms whose offices did not adequately address my needs, but Arlene provided exceptional service. I highly recommend her expertise. Should you unfortunately find yourself in... read more
Jesus Perez
December 29, 2025 -
I highly recommend consulting Ms. Arlene if you're ever involved in a car accident. Ms. Arlene is particularly skilled at her job.
Marta Ramirez
December 29, 2025If you want to be treated as top priority, be well informed and get the most value for your personal injury claim, I'd highly recommend your hire this firm. Arlene... read more
Jarena Willacey
December 29, 2025This is one of best Law firms in Atlanta. Great professionalism and they make sure all of your needs are met.
Courtney Meadows
November 28, 2025 -
Rebecca was exceptional from start to finish. Organized, responsive, and incredibly thorough. She made every step of the process smooth and stress-free. Truly one of the best.
Shara K
November 28, 2025Miss De La Rosa was a pleasure to work with. Very genuine and caring.
DaMarkus Green
November 26, 2025I had a great experience with Henningsen Attorneys, P.C.. The team was extremely helpful and resourceful throughout the entire process. They took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all... read more
Lamik Palin
September 29, 2025 -
BIG Thanks to Rebecca
John Lambert
September 14, 2025This law firm is definitely the cream of the crop in my eyes! Everything was seamless and efficient and all of the other juicy words out there! Tammy was the... read more
Tymara Billings
September 11, 2025Arlene is hard working, dedicated and results driven. Can’t recommend her and the team enough!
Wes McDaniel
July 28, 2025 -
I’d like to give a five star review to the firm, but specifically to Arlene who made the experience smooth and exceeded expectations in terms of customer service and attention... read more
Irma Mejia
July 28, 2025Cannot say enough good things about Arlene, she is very knowledgeable as well as patient. Highly recommend!
Pari Fakhrzadeh
July 28, 2025Arlene is the most genuine person ever she has helped me out with so much
Robert Thomas
July 2, 2025 -
Working with Rebecca has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and deep understanding of legal processes are truly remarkable. She consistently goes above... read more
Tylon Butler
May 28, 2025Arlene is an amazing paralegal and she really listens to clients and take care of their needs. I highly recommend this personal injury law firm.
stephanie Wiggins
May 28, 2025Thank you Arlene for all your help during my auto accident. You and your team guided me every step of the way and I greatly appreciate you all. I highly... read more
Heyner Ayala
May 28, 2025
