Getting hit by a car while crossing the street can be frightening, painful, and confusing—especially if you were walking legally in a marked crosswalk. Fortunately, Georgia pedestrian rights provide clear protections, and if you’ve been injured in Athens, you may have the right to seek compensation.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly what to do after a crosswalk crash, explain your legal rights, and help you understand what support is available under Georgia law.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
Your health is the first priority. Even if you feel okay right after the crash, some injuries take time to appear. Concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue injuries may not be obvious until hours or even days later.
Call 911 and request an ambulance. Let the paramedics examine you and transport you to the hospital if necessary. Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain trauma
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations or road rash
- Psychological trauma or anxiety
Make sure you follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments. Your medical records will also be key evidence in your injury claim.
Step 2: Report the Crash to Police
In Georgia, any accident involving injury must be reported to law enforcement (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273). A police officer will arrive on the scene, collect information, and file an official report. This document is essential in identifying the driver, assigning preliminary fault, and documenting your injuries.
If you’re physically able, try to remember details such as:
- Where you were crossing (name of street or intersection)
- Whether you had a walk signal or a green light
- The driver’s behavior (speeding, texting, not yielding)
- Statements made by the driver or witnesses
Ask for the crash report number and follow up with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to obtain a copy.
Step 3: Know Georgia’s Crosswalk Laws
Georgia law is clear about driver responsibilities at crosswalks. According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91, drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians:
- Who are in the same half of the roadway as the vehicle
- Who are approaching closely from the opposite side in a way that creates danger
Drivers also have a general duty under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-93 to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, regardless of whether they’re in a marked crosswalk. If a driver fails to yield or acts negligently—such as speeding, failing to stop at a red light, or being distracted—they may be held liable for the injuries they cause.
Step 4: Document Everything You Can
As soon as you’re stable, begin gathering evidence. Even small details can strengthen your claim. Try to:
- Photograph your injuries, the intersection, vehicle damage, and any skid marks
- Keep your clothing and shoes worn during the crash—they could become evidence
- Save all receipts, prescriptions, and medical bills
- Write down how your injury impacts your daily life, including pain levels, missed work, and emotional effects
Also, if any witnesses were present, ask for their names and phone numbers. Eyewitness testimony can be crucial in proving fault.
Step 5: Talk to a Local Pedestrian Injury Attorney Before Accepting a Settlement
Soon after the crash, you may receive a call or letter from the driver’s insurance company offering a settlement. It’s important to remember that first offers are rarely enough to cover the full cost of your medical care, pain, lost income, or long-term effects.
An experienced Athens pedestrian accident attorney will evaluate your case and help you understand what your claim is truly worth. At Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, we help injured pedestrians in Athens:
- Investigate the cause of the crash
- Review traffic footage or obtain dash cam evidence
- Work with medical experts to assess future care needs
- Negotiate with insurers
- File a personal injury lawsuit, if needed
You don’t have to figure this out on your own—and there’s no cost to speak with us about your situation. We only charge a fee if we win your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If the driver was at fault, Georgia law allows you to recover damages for:
- Emergency room care and hospital stays
- Surgery, therapy, and ongoing medical needs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases where the driver acted recklessly or with willful disregard for safety, you may also be eligible for punitive damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crosswalk Accidents
Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t in a marked crosswalk?
Possibly. Georgia law still protects pedestrians outside of marked crosswalks, but fault may be more complex. You may recover compensation if the driver failed to use due care.
What if the driver claims I “came out of nowhere”?
Eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and road markings can counter this claim. Legal professionals can help gather and present evidence to clarify what really happened.
How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?
You typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). It’s best to begin the process early to preserve evidence and avoid delays.
You Deserve Safety—and Accountability
Being hit in a crosswalk is traumatic, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. With the right guidance, you can get the care, compensation, and clarity you need to move forward.At Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re here to stand with you from day one. If you’ve been injured while crossing the street in Athens, contact us today for a free consultation at (706) 940-7889 and let us help you protect your rights and your recovery.