Athens Pedestrian Accident Lawyers — Fighting for Injured Walkers
Pedestrians have every right to safely use sidewalks, crosswalks, and roadways. When negligent drivers cause pedestrian accidents, we hold them fully accountable.
Free ConsultationWhy Pedestrian Accidents Are So Devastating
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the results are almost always catastrophic. Unlike occupants of a car, pedestrians have no protection — no seatbelt, no airbags, no metal frame to absorb impact. The human body simply cannot withstand the force of a multi-ton vehicle.
Even accidents at relatively low speeds can cause life-altering injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple broken bones, and internal organ damage are common in pedestrian accidents.
At Wells And McElwee, we've represented pedestrian accident victims for over 48 years. We understand the complex medical issues these cases involve and fight to ensure our clients receive compensation for all current and future needs.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Speeding in pedestrian areas
- Backing up without looking
Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios
We handle all types of pedestrian accident cases
Crosswalk Accidents
Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks
Intersection Collisions
Pedestrians struck by turning vehicles at intersections
Parking Lot Accidents
Pedestrians hit by vehicles in parking lots and garages
Hit and Run
Drivers who strike pedestrians and flee the scene
Bus Stop Accidents
Pedestrians struck while waiting for or exiting public transit
Backup Accidents
Drivers reversing without checking for pedestrians behind them
Injuries Pedestrians Face
Without the protection of a vehicle, pedestrian injuries are often severe and life-changing
Traumatic Brain Injuries
From impact with vehicle or ground
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis and permanent disability
Broken Bones
Multiple fractures requiring surgery
Internal Injuries
Organ damage from blunt force trauma
Severe Lacerations
Deep cuts and permanent scarring
Wrongful Death
Fatal injuries requiring family advocacy
Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Georgia
Georgia law provides important protections for pedestrians. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians on any roadway.
Even if you weren't in a crosswalk when you were struck, you may still have a valid claim. Georgia's comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident.
Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians for accidents. We know how to counter these arguments and prove the driver's negligence caused your injuries.
Georgia Pedestrian Laws
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Drivers must exercise due care at all times
- Turning vehicles must yield to pedestrians
- Drivers cannot pass vehicles stopped for pedestrians
- Pedestrians have rights even outside crosswalks
Pedestrian Safety in Athens
Athens is a walking community. With the University of Georgia campus, downtown restaurants and shops, and residential neighborhoods throughout the city, thousands of people walk our streets every day.
Unfortunately, this means pedestrian accidents are a real concern. High-traffic areas near campus, downtown intersections, and busy commercial corridors see pedestrian accidents regularly. We know these areas, understand the specific dangers they present, and have the experience to build strong cases for pedestrian accident victims.
Injured While Walking? We Can Help.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.
Call (706) 543-8596