Marietta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Marietta, GA

With walkable destinations like Marietta Square and Laurel Park, Marietta gives locals and visitors plenty of reasons to stroll throughout the city. While most drivers are mindful of pedestrians and obey traffic laws, all it takes is one negligent driver to cause serious emotional and bodily harm to a bystander. Following an injury, pedestrians have the right to pursue compensation from a Marietta pedestrian accident lawyer.

Representation from a Marietta personal injury lawyer can play a critical role in allowing injured victims to secure the compensation they need to cover medical bills and other expenses. Injury attorneys bring years of experience understanding pedestrian accident laws and handling pedestrian accident cases.

Barnes Law Group: Your Trusted Marietta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Securing compensation following a pedestrian accident can be more difficult than you’d imagine if you do not have strong representation from a Marietta pedestrian accident attorney. The team of trial-ready injury lawyers has represented clients in a number of high-profile cases, so we understand what it takes to hold at-fault parties accountable for the harm they cause.

Our founding attorney, former Governor Roy E. Barnes, founded our firm on a powerful but simple philosophy: Making it right for those who have been wronged. As a former prosecutor with an exemplary career in public service, Mr. Barnes continues to shape how we handle cases with integrity and treat our clients with dignity and respect. We offer free consultations and operate using a contingency basis because we believe that finances should not be a barrier to justice.

Understanding Pedestrian Injuries in Marietta

Pedestrian injuries in Marietta and across Cobb County are a growing concern. In 2022, Georgia crash data reported 608 serious pedestrian injuries, a 6% increase from the year before. That same year, two-thirds of all pedestrian injuries (67%) occurred on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or higher, where fast-moving traffic often leaves little room for error.

Major roadways in Marietta are known for heavy traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure, factors that contribute to high-risk conditions for those on foot.

In December 2024, Cobb County experienced seven fatal pedestrian crashes in a single month, prompting emergency safety responses from local officials. These deadly collisions often happen at night, in areas with poor lighting, or outside of marked crosswalks. Even non-fatal pedestrian collisions can lead to life-altering injuries that require significant medical care and long-term recovery.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Marietta, your case may be handled at the Cobb County State Court, located at 12 East Park Square, Marietta, GA 30090. Understanding how and where these injuries occur can help you take the next steps toward seeking compensation and protecting your legal rights.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

Being struck by a car always leads to immediate shock. If you are physically able, call 911 and request emergency medical assistance and help from the police. Some injuries may be apparent, but others may not. Try to remain still and at the scene of the collision until authorities arrive. If possible, collect the driver’s information. If you are taken to a hospital, the police will gather the driver’s information, which you can collect later.

Request a copy of the accident report and keep a copy for your records. Even if you do not need emergency care, schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible for a comprehensive exam. In most cases, it may be beneficial to contact an injury lawyer to see what your options are for pursuing compensation for the harm and hardships you endured due to the accident.

Understanding Georgia’s Pedestrian Accident Laws

Following a pedestrian accident in Georgia, pursuing an injury claim can require understanding the state’s traffic, personal injury, and modified comparative negligence laws. When establishing liability, state traffic laws play an important role in determining fault. State law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections while prohibiting vehicles from overtaking other cars that stopped for pedestrians.

Pedestrians must also obey state traffic rules. These include the requirement to use crosswalks while obeying signals and not darting into traffic. When apportioning damages, the state’s modified comparative negligence rules may apply. Under that legal framework, injured parties can share liability and still pursue compensation as long as they are not 50% or more at fault for causing the collision.

If a pedestrian walked outside of the crosswalk before being struck, for example, they may be found to be 20% at fault. Under the state’s comparative negligence laws, that would mean that they are eligible to receive 80% of any eventual settlement.

Common Injuries Incurred by Pedestrians Following an Accident

Car collisions often lead to catastrophic injuries that can include broken bones, lacerations, internal bleeding, injuries to the spine, and traumatic brain injuries. The extent of certain types of injuries, like head trauma, may not be noticeable until hours or even days after the collision.

Many of the types of injuries incurred by pedestrians can require lengthy recoveries. In some cases, injuries may leave the injured party temporarily or permanently disabled. A disability can greatly hinder an injured party’s ability to return to work. Often, disabled workers require training to learn new skills. In serious cases, they may not be able to return to work at all.

Then there is the emotional toll. A physical injury can leave injured victims depressed or experiencing flashbacks to the day of the initial collision. They may experience ongoing anxiety, which can require therapy or prescription medications. These types of injuries are more than setbacks. They can be life-altering experiences that require decisive action to hold the at-fault party accountable for the harm they caused

Challenges You May Face When Pursuing Compensation

It is an unfortunate reality that securing compensation after a personal injury can be more difficult than you might imagine. Insurance carriers are in the business of making profits. They often put their own bottom line above doing what is right for claimants. When an insurance company tries to shift blame or deny a valid claim, it can create serious hardships for the injured party, who may be relying on a settlement to pay medical bills.

Without an understanding of the state’s liability laws, someone going through an injury claim might be accused of contributing to the collision, even if they are not at fault. This can lead to lower compensation than they are actually owed. Injured pedestrians may not understand what types of evidence can support their claim or know how to access video footage and other important forms of evidence.

In more complex cases, such as those involving multiple vehicles or commercial drivers, determining who is legally responsible becomes more difficult. Without legal representation, navigating deadlines, court filings, and negotiations with insurance adjusters can be an overwhelming experience.

Damages You May Be Owed

Georgia’s insurance and personal injury laws allow injured parties to secure compensation for a wide range of damages following a pedestrian accident. One type of compensation they can pursue is for medical bills, both for past and upcoming treatments. Medical bills include expenses for ambulance transportation, emergency care, and long-term rehabilitation, among other medical-related expenses.

Measurable losses may also include loss of income if you are unable to work while you recover from your injury. These and other types of economic losses can be accounted for in your settlement. Non-economic losses are less tangible but equally important and include things like pain and suffering or loss of quality of life. With the help of a personal injury attorney, you can be compensated for non-economic damages if your case goes to court.

Why You Should Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Marietta, GA?

Following a pedestrian accident, the most important decision you can make is to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer who understands the state’s laws and how to hold negligent car drivers accountable for the harm they caused. With an attorney by your side, you’ll send a signal to insurance carriers and the at-fault party that you take your rights seriously and won’t settle for anything less than you are owed.

A pedestrian accident attorney brings years of experience handling these types of complex cases. They can begin by establishing liability so that the at-fault party and any insurance company involved in the case understand who is at fault. Then, they can aggressively pursue compensation. This is often done with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, but there are many cases in which taking the negligent party straight to court is the ideal course of action.

Georgia’s civil courts require meticulous filings that meet strict deadlines. Speaking before a judge also requires experience, which an attorney brings to your case. With a lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in competent and capable hands. A personal injury lawyer’s ultimate goal is to see that you are financially restored for the harm you suffered.

FAQs About Pedestrian Accident in Marietta, GA

What Is the Average Payout for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in Marietta?

Payouts for pedestrian accidents in Marietta vary widely based on the severity of the injury and the financial losses incurred by the injured victim. Another factor is how clearly the at-fault party can be proven liable for causing the collision.

There’s no fixed average that applies to every case. Each claim is evaluated on its individual facts, including how the crash occurred and its long-term impact on the injured pedestrian.

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in Marietta?

No, pedestrians do not always have the right of way. While Georgia pedestrians law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections, pedestrians must also follow traffic signals and avoid stepping into traffic unexpectedly. Both drivers and pedestrians have legal responsibilities. Understanding how the accident occurred is essential to determining fault and building a strong case for compensation.

Can You File a Civil Claim Following a Pedestrian Accident?

Yes, you can file a civil claim if you were injured as a pedestrian due to someone else’s negligence. In Georgia, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections. Filing a claim allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Submitting your claim promptly and gathering evidence strengthens your chance of recovering fair compensation for both the physical and emotional harm you suffered.

How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge in Marietta?

Personal injury attorneys in Marietta, including pedestrian accident cases, work on a contingency fee basis. That means they only receive payment for their services if they secure a settlement or judgment on your behalf. There are no upfront attorney fees under the contingency fee arrangement, so injured individuals can pursue fair compensation without financial pressure. This arrangement lets you focus on recovery while your lawyer handles your case effectively.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Pedestrian Accident?

The time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident typically varies between several months and over a year. Often, these cases can take longer to resolve when the at-fault party disputes liability or believes that delaying settlement can help their side.

Simple cases with clear fault and minor injuries resolve faster, while serious injuries or disputed liability stretch the timeline. Early legal representation can improve your chances of securing timely and fair compensation following a serious pedestrian accident.

Contact Our Marietta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Pedestrians are especially vulnerable when drivers ignore traffic laws or fail to stay alert. A collision can lead to serious injuries, costly medical treatment, and time away from work. If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Marietta, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses and hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions.

Barnes Law Group stands up for injured pedestrians with trusted legal guidance and tireless representation. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today for your free consultation.