A pedestrian has no protection in a collision with a vehicle, and the injuries are often catastrophic. If you or a loved one was struck by a car, truck, or other vehicle in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, the pedestrian accident attorneys at Foster James, LLC can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain. Lead attorney James Foster is a Georgia-admitted trial lawyer who represents injured people throughout the state. There is no fee unless we win your case.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Georgia
- Distracted driving, including texting and phone use
- Failing to yield at crosswalks and intersections
- Drivers turning without checking for pedestrians
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Impaired driving
- Poor visibility and inadequate lighting
- Backing up in parking lots and driveways
Common pedestrian accident injuries
Because pedestrians are unprotected, these crashes frequently cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, severe road rash, and, in the worst cases, wrongful death.
Georgia pedestrian accident law: what you need to know
- Georgia is an at-fault state. Drivers are required to carry liability insurance, and an injured pedestrian pursues a claim against the at-fault driver’s coverage.
- You have two years to file. Under O.C.G.A. Section 9-3-33, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you can lose your right to recover.
- Partial fault does not bar your claim. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. Section 51-12-33). You can still recover as long as you were less than 50% responsible, though your compensation is reduced by your share of the fault. Insurers often try to shift blame onto pedestrians to cut what they pay, which is why strong representation matters.
- Uninsured and hit-and-run drivers. If the driver who hit you was uninsured, underinsured, or fled the scene, you may still be able to recover through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
- Georgia’s 2025 tort reform. Senate Bill 68, signed in April 2025, changed how medical bills and damages are presented to juries and added new procedural hurdles in injury cases. These changes can reduce what an unrepresented victim recovers, making an experienced Georgia injury attorney more important than ever.
Compensation you may recover
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover past and future medical expenses, lost wages and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, rehabilitation and long-term care costs, and, in a fatal crash, wrongful death damages for the family.
What to do after a pedestrian accident
- Call 911 and get medical attention right away, even if you feel okay.
- Report the crash to the police and get a copy of the report.
- Photograph the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle if you can.
- Get the driver’s insurance and contact information, plus the names of any witnesses.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact Foster James, LLC for a free case review.
Why Foster James, LLC
Foster James, LLC focuses on representing injured people across Georgia, and we know how insurance companies evaluate, undervalue, and defend these claims. We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing up front and no fee at all unless we win compensation for you.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Georgia? Generally two years from the date of the accident, under O.C.G.A. Section 9-3-33. Some situations can shorten or extend this, so speak with an attorney promptly.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault for the accident? Yes. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule lets you recover as long as you were less than 50% at fault, though your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the driver who hit me had no insurance or fled the scene? You may be able to recover through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. We can review your policy and options at no cost.
How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost? Nothing up front. Foster James, LLC works on a contingency-fee basis, so you only pay if we recover compensation for you.
Contact a Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer
Injured as a pedestrian in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia? Call Foster James, LLC at 855-211-8999 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our office is located at 1718 Peachtree St NW, Suite 332, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Foster James, LLC represents injured people throughout Georgia. See our full Georgia personal injury practice, or our related bicycle accident and car accident pages.