Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Atlanta – Attorney Ronnie Mabra
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death because the human body simply cannot withstand the force of a vehicle impact. These cases require an attorney who understands both the severity of injuries and the complex liability issues involved.
“Every 90 minutes, a pedestrian dies in America. In Atlanta, our sprawling metro design makes walking particularly dangerous. I fight to make drivers accountable and get victims the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.” – Ronnie Mabra
The Devastating Reality of Pedestrian Accidents
In 2023, Georgia ranked 7th nationally in pedestrian fatalities. Metro Atlanta accounts for over 60% of these tragic accidents. The numbers tell a sobering story:
- A pedestrian hit at 20 mph has a 90% survival rate
- At 30 mph, survival drops to 50%
- At 40 mph, survival is only 10%
- Most Atlanta arterial roads have speed limits of 35-45 mph
Atlanta’s Most Dangerous Areas for Pedestrians
Through my years representing pedestrian accident victims, I’ve identified Atlanta’s deadliest corridors:
Buford Highway (GA-13)
Known as Georgia’s deadliest road for pedestrians:
- 7 lanes of traffic in many sections
- Inadequate crosswalks (sometimes 1+ mile apart)
- High immigrant population dependent on walking/transit
- Speed limits up to 45 mph with actual speeds much higher
- Poor lighting and sidewalk conditions
Metropolitan Parkway
- High-speed traffic near residential areas
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure
- Bus stops without safe crossing access
- History of fatal accidents
Moreland Avenue
- Mix of commercial and residential
- Inadequate pedestrian signals
- Popular nightlife areas with foot traffic
- Poor visibility at many intersections
Downtown Connectors
- Peachtree Street – High foot traffic, distracted drivers
- Spring Street – Fast-moving one-way traffic
- Piedmont Avenue – Hospital area with vulnerable pedestrians
- North Avenue – Campus area with student pedestrians
Georgia Pedestrian Laws You Need to Know
Understanding Georgia’s pedestrian laws is crucial for your case:
When Pedestrians Have the Right of Way
- In crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91)
- At intersections: Even without marked crosswalks
- On sidewalks: When vehicles cross sidewalks (driveways, alleys)
- When signaled: With walk signals at controlled intersections
- Already in roadway: Drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions
Pedestrian Responsibilities
Georgia law also requires pedestrians to:
- Obey traffic control signals (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-92)
- Use sidewalks when available
- Walk facing traffic when no sidewalk exists
- Yield to vehicles when crossing outside crosswalks
- Not suddenly enter the path of a vehicle
Important: Even if you violated a pedestrian law, you may still recover compensation. Georgia’s comparative negligence law allows recovery if you’re less than 50% at fault.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Driver Negligence (75% of cases)
- Distracted driving: Phones, GPS, eating
- Failure to yield: At crosswalks and intersections
- Speeding: Reduced reaction time
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive driving: Running red lights/stop signs
- Poor visibility: Failure to adjust for conditions
Dangerous Conditions (15% of cases)
- Inadequate lighting
- Missing or faded crosswalk markings
- Broken or missing sidewalks
- Construction zones without proper pedestrian routes
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Obstructed views (parked cars, vegetation)
Vehicle Defects (10% of cases)
- Brake failures
- Headlight malfunctions
- Backup camera/sensor failures
- Blind spot issues in large vehicles
Severe Injuries Common in Pedestrian Accidents
The human body is no match for a 4,000-pound vehicle. Common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Occur in 60% of pedestrian accidents
- Can result from head striking vehicle or ground
- May not show symptoms immediately
- Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million
Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Chronic pain conditions
- Loss of sensation and function
- Lifetime medical needs
Orthopedic Injuries
- Multiple fractures and breaks
- Hip and pelvis fractures (common in elderly)
- Knee and leg injuries requiring reconstruction
- Crush injuries requiring amputation
Internal Injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Punctured lungs
- Abdominal trauma
Psychological Trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Fear of walking/crossing streets
- Sleep disorders
Building a Strong Pedestrian Accident Case
As your attorney, I immediately investigate to build the strongest possible case:
Evidence Collection
- Surveillance footage: From businesses, traffic cameras, doorbell cameras
- Vehicle data: Black box, speed at impact, braking
- Scene documentation: Skid marks, debris patterns, impact points
- Witness statements: Independent observers are crucial
- Phone records: To prove distracted driving
- Toxicology: Driver impairment testing
Expert Witnesses
- Accident reconstructionists: Determine exact dynamics
- Medical experts: Document injury severity and future needs
- Life care planners: Calculate lifetime care costs
- Vocational experts: Assess lost earning capacity
- Traffic engineers: Identify infrastructure failures
Multiple Defendants
Pedestrian cases often involve multiple liable parties:
- The driver: Primary liability
- Vehicle owner: If different from driver
- Employers: For commercial vehicles
- Bars/restaurants: Dram shop liability
- Government entities: Dangerous road conditions
- Property owners: Inadequate lighting/visibility
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
The catastrophic nature of pedestrian injuries often justifies substantial compensation:
Medical Expenses
- Emergency treatment and hospitalization
- Surgeries and procedures
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, prosthetics)
- Home modifications
- Lifetime care needs
Lost Income
- Current lost wages
- Future earning capacity
- Loss of benefits and retirement
- Vocational retraining costs
Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for spouses
Punitive Damages
Available in cases involving:
- DUI/drunk driving
- Extreme speeding
- Hit and run
- Distracted driving (texting)
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations
Children
- Held to different legal standard
- Drivers have heightened duty near schools/parks
- Future lost earnings calculations complex
- Lifetime of medical needs
Elderly Pedestrians
- Slower crossing speeds
- More severe injuries from impacts
- Longer recovery times
- Pre-existing conditions complications
Disabled Individuals
- ADA violations may contribute to accidents
- Additional accommodation needs post-accident
- Impact on existing disabilities
Fighting Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies use specific strategies against pedestrian victims:
Blame the Victim
- “You weren’t in a crosswalk”
- “You were wearing dark clothing”
- “You were looking at your phone”
- “You should have seen the car coming”
Minimize Injuries
- Question medical necessity
- Argue pre-existing conditions
- Dispute future care needs
- Lowball pain and suffering
Quick Settlement Pressure
- Contact you in the hospital
- Offer fast cash before you know injury extent
- Use financial pressure against you
- Hide available coverage amounts
Warning: Never give a recorded statement or sign anything from an insurance company without legal representation. They’re building a case against you from day one.
The Ronnie Mabra Difference for Pedestrian Victims
Why Choose Me for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Legislative Background: As a former State Representative, I’ve fought for safer streets and understand how to hold negligent parties accountable.
Catastrophic Injury Experience: I have the resources and expertise to handle severe injury cases requiring lifetime care.
Community Knowledge: I know Atlanta’s dangerous areas and have relationships with local experts who can strengthen your case.
Trial Ready: Insurance companies know I’ll take cases to trial, leading to better settlement offers.
Family Treatment: You’re not just a case number. I personally handle your case and am available when you need me.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
At the Scene (If Able)
- Don’t move unless in immediate danger
- Call 911 immediately
- Get driver and vehicle information
- Document the scene with photos
- Get witness contact information
- Note environmental conditions
- Never admit fault or apologize
Medical Treatment
- Accept emergency transport to hospital
- Get comprehensive evaluation (including head CT)
- Follow all medical advice
- Document all symptoms, even minor ones
- Keep all medical records and bills
Legal Protection
- Contact me immediately – evidence disappears quickly
- Don’t speak to insurance companies
- Don’t sign anything
- Don’t post on social media
- Keep a pain and symptom journal
Wrongful Death Claims for Pedestrian Fatalities
Tragically, many pedestrian accidents are fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one, I can help you pursue justice through a wrongful death claim:
Who Can File
- Surviving spouse
- Children (if no spouse)
- Parents (if no spouse or children)
- Estate administrator
Recoverable Damages
- Medical expenses before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
- Punitive damages in egregious cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I was hit outside of a crosswalk. Do I still have a case?
A: Yes. While crosswalk laws matter, drivers still have a duty to exercise due care. Many factors determine liability, and I’ve won many cases for clients hit outside crosswalks.
Q: The driver says they didn’t see me. Is that a defense?
A: No. Drivers have a responsibility to watch for pedestrians. “I didn’t see them” often proves negligence rather than excusing it. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings.
Q: I don’t remember the accident. Can I still pursue a claim?
A: Absolutely. Memory loss is common with traumatic injuries. We can build your case through witness statements, physical evidence, and expert reconstruction.
Q: The police report says I was partially at fault. Should I give up?
A: No. Police reports aren’t the final word. I often successfully challenge initial fault determinations through investigation and evidence. You can recover damages even with partial fault.
Q: How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years in Georgia, but exceptions exist. Government entity claims may require notice within 6-12 months. Contact me immediately to preserve your rights.
Q: What if the driver was uninsured?
A: We can pursue your uninsured motorist coverage, the driver’s assets, or other liable parties like employers or establishments that overserved alcohol. I explore every avenue.
Q: Can I afford the medical treatment I need?
A: I work with medical providers who treat on a lien basis, meaning they wait for payment until your case resolves. Your health is the priority—I handle the financial arrangements.
Get the Justice You Deserve
Pedestrian accident victims face long roads to recovery. You need an attorney who understands the severity of your injuries and will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Call Now (678) 235-3870
Free Consultation • Available 24/7 • No Fees Unless We Win
Remember: Pedestrian accident cases require immediate action to preserve evidence and protect your rights. The insurance company is already building their defense. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.
Attorney Ronnie Mabra
Georgia Super Lawyer • Top 100
Former Georgia State Representative
Fighting for Safer Streets and Victim Rights