Walking around Athens, Georgia, is a way of life for many residents and students. With the University of Georgia campus at the center of town, busy crosswalks along Broad Street and Lumpkin Street, and neighborhoods where foot traffic is common, pedestrians are everywhere. Unfortunately, this also means pedestrian accidents happen all too often.
When a pedestrian is struck by a car, the injuries can be catastrophic. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection against the force of a vehicle. Victims may face broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or worse. If you or a loved one has been injured while walking in Athens, understanding your rights under Georgia law is essential. At Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, we help injured pedestrians seek justice and fair compensation.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Common in Athens
Athens has several characteristics that make pedestrian accidents more likely compared to other Georgia cities.
High Student Population
The University of Georgia brings tens of thousands of students into Athens every year. With so many young people walking to class, dining downtown, or attending football games, pedestrian traffic is heavy.
Busy Roadways
Major roads like Atlanta Highway, Lexington Road, and Prince Avenue are high-volume corridors that intersect with pedestrian areas. The mix of vehicles and foot traffic often leads to accidents.—especially along Athens’ most dangerous roads
Distracted Driving
Like much of the country, Athens has seen a rise in distracted driving incidents. Cell phone use while driving is a leading contributor to pedestrian crashes.
Impaired Driving
Athens’ nightlife and college-town culture mean impaired driving accidents are unfortunately common. Alcohol-related crashes pose an especially high risk to pedestrians.
Georgia Laws Protecting Pedestrians
Georgia law provides specific protections for pedestrians. Knowing these laws can help you understand your rights if you’ve been hit by a car.
Crosswalk Rights
Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Even at unmarked intersections, drivers must exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians.
Duty of Drivers
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-93 requires drivers to “exercise due care” to avoid colliding with pedestrians, including by sounding their horn when necessary.
Jaywalking Considerations
While pedestrians should cross at designated crosswalks, jaywalking does not automatically eliminate the right to compensation. Georgia’s comparative negligence rule may reduce damages if the pedestrian was partially at fault, but recovery is still possible if fault is less than 50%.
Common Injuries in Athens Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians lack protection, injuries are often severe. Some of the most common include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Often caused by a head impact on the pavement or vehicle.
- Spinal cord injuries: Leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures: Especially in the legs, arms, and ribs.
- Internal organ damage: Caused by blunt force trauma.
- Soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and muscle damage.
- Fatal injuries: Sadly, many pedestrian accidents result in wrongful death claims.
If the pedestrian accident results in a fatality, families may seek help from an Athens wrongful death lawyer.
These injuries often require long-term treatment at facilities such as Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center or St. Mary’s Health Care System, followed by rehabilitation in Athens or Atlanta.
Legal Options for Injured Pedestrians in Georgia
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Athens, you have several legal avenues for pursuing compensation.
1. Personal Injury Claims
The at-fault driver’s insurance company may be responsible for covering damages such as:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Property damage (such as personal items destroyed in the accident)
Learn more about the personal injury claim process.
2. Wrongful Death Claims
If a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim under Georgia law. Compensation may cover funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.
3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage, pedestrians may turn to their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy for additional compensation.
Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). This means:
- If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian was crossing outside of a crosswalk at night without reflective clothing, they may be assigned partial fault. If their damages total $100,000 and they are found 20% at fault, they would still recover $80,000.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Athens
Your actions immediately after an accident can have a major impact on your legal case. For guidance, review what to do after a car accident—many steps also apply to pedestrians.
Call 911. Police and emergency responders should always be contacted. An official accident report is critical evidence.
Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked at the hospital. Adrenaline often masks symptoms.
Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicle, crosswalk, traffic lights, and your injuries.
Collect witness information. Bystanders can provide valuable testimony.
Avoid speaking to insurance companies. Adjusters may try to minimize your claim.
Contact an Athens pedestrian accident lawyer. Legal guidance ensures your rights are protected.
What Compensation Can Cover in a Pedestrian Injury Case
Compensation in pedestrian accident cases often extends beyond immediate hospital bills. Potential damages include:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
- Disfigurement or disability-related costs
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Because pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic, settlement values can be significantly higher than in other accident cases.
Why Local Representation Matters in Athens
Having a local attorney provides distinct advantages:
- Knowledge of Athens traffic patterns: Understanding high-risk intersections like Milledge Avenue or Baxter Street helps build stronger cases.
- Experience with Clarke County courts: Local representation means familiarity with judges, jury pools, and court procedures.
- Community connections: Access to nearby medical experts, accident reconstruction professionals, and investigators.
At Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, we combine local insight with decades of personal injury experience to fight for the rights of injured pedestrians in Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Athens
What if I were jaywalking when I was hit?
You may still be entitled to compensation. Georgia’s comparative negligence rule allows recovery as long as you were less than 50% at fault.
Can I sue if the driver fled the scene?
Yes. If the driver cannot be found, you may use your own uninsured motorist coverage to pursue compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?
Most pedestrian accident lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
Will my case go to trial?
Most pedestrian accident cases are resolved through settlements. However, if insurers refuse fair compensation, your lawyer should be ready to take the case to trial.
What if my child was hit as a pedestrian?
Parents can file claims on behalf of minors. Georgia law provides special protections for children injured in pedestrian accidents.
Final Thoughts
Pedestrian accidents in Athens are often life-changing events, but victims and families have legal rights under Georgia law. Whether your injuries were caused by a distracted driver, a drunk driver, or a negligent motorist ignoring crosswalk laws, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, we help Athens pedestrians pursue the compensation they need to heal and rebuild. If you or a loved one has been injured while walking in Athens, contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights.