Getting struck by a vehicle while walking is a traumatic experience that can leave victims with physical pain, emotional distress, and overwhelming questions. In Athens—home to busy crosswalks, a dense student population, and increasingly congested roadways—pedestrian accidents are unfortunately more common than many realize. If you or someone you love has been hit by a car, you deserve clarity, care, and legal protection.
This article explains your rights under Georgia law, what to do after a pedestrian accident in Athens, and how to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries and losses.
Pedestrian Accidents in Athens: Why They Happen
Athens-Clarke County, with its walkable college town layout, sees significant pedestrian traffic, especially around the University of Georgia campus, downtown, and major intersections like Broad Street, Milledge Avenue, and Lumpkin Street. Unfortunately, many of these areas also rank among the county’s most dangerous for pedestrians due to:
- Inattentive or speeding drivers
- Poor lighting at night
- Inadequate crosswalk visibility
- Distracted walking or jaywalking
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, Clarke County recorded more than 100 pedestrian-involved accidents in 2023 alone. Many resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian Under Georgia Law
In Georgia, pedestrians have specific legal protections. State law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91) clearly states that drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians within crosswalks, particularly when:
The pedestrian is in the same half of the roadway
The pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite side as to be in danger
Drivers are also required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-93). This means that if a driver was careless, distracted, impaired, or speeding, and hit a pedestrian, they may be held legally responsible for the injuries caused.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Athens
If you're hit by a car while walking, your first priority should always be your safety and health. But once you’re stable, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights and strengthen your case.
- Call 911 and request medical assistance and police response
- Get a copy of the police report or the report number
- Gather information from the driver, including name, insurance, and vehicle plate
- Take photos of the scene, injuries, crosswalk, and damage
- Speak to any witnesses and collect their contact details
- Seek medical treatment, even if you don’t feel injured immediately
- Avoid discussing fault or posting about the accident on social media
Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, can take hours or days to appear. A full medical evaluation is essential not only for your health but also for documenting the extent of your injuries.
Can You Receive Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes. If a driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Lost wages or loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Transportation to medical appointments
If the driver was particularly reckless or impaired, your attorney may also explore the possibility of pursuing punitive damages, though these are reserved for the most egregious cases under Georgia law.
How Georgia’s Comparative Fault Law May Affect Your Case
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). This means:
You can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault
Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
For example, if a court finds you were 10% responsible (e.g., you crossed slightly outside the marked crosswalk), and your total damages were $50,000, your final recovery would be $45,000. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you may not recover any compensation.
When to Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Even in a gentle college town like Athens, legal protection matters. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame. Working with a pedestrian accident attorney can help ensure that your injuries and losses are fully recognized and respected.
At Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, LLC, we guide Athens residents and students through:
- Investigating the crash scene
- Gathering evidence and police reports
- Communicating with insurance providers
- Calculating long-term financial impact
- Filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit when needed
There’s no cost to speak with us, and we only charge a fee if we win your case. Our team understands the local roadways, Georgia pedestrian law, and how to compassionately support clients during difficult times.
Common Questions After a Pedestrian Accident
Can I still file a claim if I crossed outside of a crosswalk?
Possibly. Georgia allows recovery if the driver was mostly at fault. Legal analysis is required.
What if the driver fled the scene?
This may become a hit-and-run case. You may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Do I have a time limit to file a lawsuit?
Yes. The statute of limitations in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
You Deserve Safety, Support, and Justice
Being hit by a car can leave more than physical wounds—it affects your sense of safety, financial well-being, and peace of mind. Knowing your rights under Georgia law helps you take the next step with confidence.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Athens, contact Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, LLC at (706) 940-7889 for a free consultation. Our team is here to help you pursue fair compensation and regain control of your life.