A crosswalk accident is one of the clearest examples of how a driver’s momentary disregard can upend a pedestrian’s entire world. A person who lawfully enters a crosswalk relies on drivers to follow the rules, yet a single careless turn or failure to stop can leave that pedestrian with devastating injuries, unexpected medical needs, and the immediate fear that no one is taking responsibility. What follows is often just as difficult: shifting stories, quick blame from insurers, and a system that can feel stacked against the person who was harmed. A lawyer who handles these cases understands the seriousness of being struck in a crosswalk and responds with steady, informed advocacy.
Georgia Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
When McArthur Law Firm represents someone hit while crossing the street, the focus is on uncovering what happened, identifying every party who played a role, and building a case grounded in Georgia law and the client’s real hardships. These cases require careful attention to the crosswalk’s design, the timing of signals, the driver’s actions, and the long-term effects of the injuries. In the sections below, McArthur Law Firm explains how crosswalk accidents occur, who may be responsible, what legal options are available, the types of compensation a victim may pursue, and how an experienced Georgia crosswalk accident lawyer can stand up for the injured and push for justice and meaningful financial recovery.
McArthur Law Firm serves the entire state of Georgia, including: Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and surrounding communities. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your Crosswalk Accident case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Crosswalk Accidents in Georgia
- Major Types of Crosswalk Accidents in Georgia
- Serious Injuries From a Crosswalk Accident
- Where a Crosswalk Accident Often Happens in Georgia
- Identifying Who Is Liable in a Crosswalk Accident Case
- The Role of a Georgia Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Crosswalk Accidents
- Resources
Major Types of Crosswalk Accidents in Georgia
Driver Fails to Yield at a Marked Crosswalk — A common situation occurs when a driver approaches a marked crossing but does not stop for a pedestrian who already has the right of way. This often happens because the driver is distracted, speeding, or watching for other cars instead of people on foot. Georgia law requires drivers to stop and remain stopped for anyone lawfully in a crosswalk, yet this violation continues to be one of the leading causes of pedestrian harm.
Driver Runs a Red Light or Stop Sign — Many serious pedestrian injuries occur when a vehicle enters an intersection after ignoring a red light, flashing signal, or stop sign. Pedestrians crossing with a “Walk” signal or steady green light typically trust that traffic will obey the rules, placing them directly in danger when a driver does not stop. These crashes often involve higher speeds that leave victims little chance to avoid impact.
Left-Turn and Right-Turn Crosswalk Collisions — Turning vehicles create added risk because drivers often focus on oncoming traffic instead of the crosswalk in front of them. When a driver turns left or right without checking for pedestrians, the person walking may be struck at close range. These incidents occur frequently in busy city intersections where heavy foot traffic and confusing signal patterns create more opportunities for mistakes.
Mid-Block Crosswalk Accidents — Some of the most unexpected crashes occur at mid-block crossings positioned between intersections. Drivers who are not anticipating a crosswalk in the middle of the road may overlook marked lines, warning signs, or flashing beacons. These areas are often located near schools, universities, and shopping districts where pedestrian volume is high throughout the day.
Parking Lot and Driveway Crosswalk Accidents — Pedestrians face significant hazards in parking lots and driveways because vehicles move in unpredictable ways through tight spaces. Drivers backing out, rushing to exit, or cutting through rows may fail to see someone walking in a designated crosswalk. Limited visibility, blind corners, and distracted driving make these areas dangerous for people on foot.
Bus Stop and School Zone Crosswalk Accidents — Adults and children walking near school zones or bus stops are especially vulnerable. Passing drivers sometimes ignore flashing school bus stop arms, crossing guards, or pedestrian beacons. Because these areas involve frequent foot traffic and young pedestrians who may not judge traffic accurately, the consequences of driver inattention can be severe.
Nighttime and Low-Visibility Crosswalk Accidents — Reduced lighting, poor weather, and impaired driving make crosswalks far more dangerous at night or during low-visibility conditions. Drivers may fail to see pedestrians until it is too late to stop, especially on high-speed suburban or rural Georgia roads. These factors significantly increase the likelihood of serious injuries.
Serious Injuries From a Crosswalk Accident
Traumatic Orthopedic Injuries — Pedestrians struck in a crosswalk often experience broken bones in the legs, ankles, hips, or pelvis because the point of impact is usually at lower body height. These injuries can require surgery, long rehabilitation, and extended time away from work or school.
High-Energy Impact Injuries — Severe trauma such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or internal organ injuries may occur when a person is hit directly or thrown onto the pavement. These conditions can change a victim’s long-term health and daily functioning.
Crush Injuries — When a vehicle rolls over a pedestrian or pins them against another object, the result may be crushing damage to limbs or the torso. These injuries often need emergency intervention and ongoing medical care.
Facial and Dental Trauma — A pedestrian who lands face-first after impact can suffer broken facial bones, dental damage, or deep lacerations. These injuries may require reconstructive procedures and lead to long-term scarring.
Severe Soft-Tissue Injuries — Road rash, muscle tears, ligament injuries, and deep bruising are common when the body hits asphalt or vehicle surfaces. These injuries may not be immediately obvious but can worsen without medical treatment.
Where a Crosswalk Accident Often Happens in Georgia
Atlanta Crosswalk Hotspots — Crosswalk accidents in Atlanta are most common in dense areas where pedestrian activity and traffic volume overlap throughout the day. Midtown experiences steady foot traffic from residents, visitors, and commuters moving between offices, restaurants, and transit stops. Downtown adds another layer of risk because of constant activity around government buildings, event venues, and MARTA stations. Buckhead also presents challenges with shoppers, hotel guests, and workers crossing wide, fast-moving roads. University zones remain high-risk areas as thousands of students cross busy streets between classes, dorms, and campus facilities. High risk areas include:
- Peachtree Street at the Fox Theatre (Midtown)
- Peachtree Street at 10th Street (Midtown)
- 10th Street at Piedmont Avenue near Piedmont Park
- North Avenue near Ponce City Market
- Five Points area (Marietta Street, Alabama Street, Peachtree Street)
- Peachtree Street near downtown MARTA stations
- Lenox Road at Peachtree Road near Lenox Square (Buckhead)
- Buckhead Village District crossings (Buckhead Avenue, Pharr Road)
- Georgia State University crossings on Courtland Street, Decatur Street, and Piedmont Avenue
- Georgia Tech crossings on Ferst Drive, Hemphill Avenue, and Northside Drive
Macon Crosswalk Hotspots — In Macon, crosswalk accidents tend to occur where everyday walking routes intersect with some of the city’s busiest roads. Downtown attracts steady pedestrian movement from workers, visitors, and people visiting shops and restaurants. The Mercer University area adds significant student foot traffic, especially near housing and campus entrances. Major corridors such as Gray Highway, Pio Nono Avenue, and Eisenhower Parkway see near-constant vehicle flow and frequent bus stops, creating additional hazards. School zones throughout Macon also contribute to elevated risk when children cross at marked intersections. High risk areas include:
- Cherry Street in Downtown Macon
- Poplar Street in the Downtown restaurant and business district
- Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the government and commercial corridor
- College Street near Mercer University
- Montpelier Avenue near campus housing and local retail
- Clisby Place at campus and neighborhood crossings
- Gray Highway near bus stops and shopping centers
- Pio Nono Avenue (Highway 247) along pedestrian-heavy segments
- Eisenhower Parkway at major retail intersections
- Shurling Drive near schools and residential neighborhoods
Identifying Who Is Liable in a Crosswalk Accident Case
Drivers Who Fail to Yield to Pedestrians — Georgia law requires drivers to stop and stay stopped for anyone lawfully in a marked crosswalk. This comes from Georgia Code § 40-6-91, which explains that a pedestrian who is already in the crosswalk has the right of way. When a driver tries to turn through a crosswalk, edges forward too early, or simply refuses to stop, this statute is usually one of the main laws used to show fault.
Drivers Who Disobey Traffic Signals — Entering an intersection against a red light, red arrow, or other traffic signal violates Georgia Code § 40-6-20. This law is especially important in crosswalk cases because many pedestrians are hit while crossing with a “Walk” signal or a green light. If a driver ignores the signal and enters the crosswalk anyway, the statute helps establish that the driver acted unlawfully.
Drivers Who Fail to Use Due Care — Georgia Code § 40-6-93 requires drivers to use “due care” to avoid hitting a pedestrian, even when the pedestrian is not in a marked crosswalk. This duty applies in situations such as school zones, bus stops, parking lots, and mid-block crossings. It also applies when weather, lighting, or road conditions require additional caution. When a driver fails to take reasonable steps to avoid a collision, this statute provides a legal basis for liability.
Commercial Drivers and Their Employers — When a commercial driver causes a crosswalk accident, responsibility may also include the employer under Georgia negligence principles. Claims may involve negligent hiring, negligent supervision, or negligent entrustment depending on what the company knew or should have known about the driver’s training, record, or driving habits.
Government Entities Responsible for Unsafe Crosswalks — Some crosswalk accidents involve unsafe roadway conditions such as missing signs, broken pedestrian signals, poor lighting, or worn pavement markings. Claims against a city, county, or state agency must follow Georgia’s ante litem rules, including the notice requirements found in O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5 for cities and O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26 for state entities. These deadlines are strict, and failing to meet them can prevent the claim from moving forward.
Property Owners Who Control Parking Lots or Private Roads — When a crosswalk accident occurs on private property—such as an office complex, hotel, shopping center, or apartment community—the property owner may be liable under Georgia premises liability law. O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1 requires owners and occupiers of land to keep their premises reasonably safe for people who are lawfully present. If poor lighting, confusing traffic flow, blocked sightlines, or neglected maintenance contributed to the crash, this law may apply.
Third Parties Who Contribute to the Crash — In some cases, the driver’s vehicle may have had defective brakes, malfunctioning lights, or other mechanical issues that made it impossible to avoid the collision. Product defects and maintenance failures fall under Georgia’s product liability and negligence rules. Determining whether a manufacturer, mechanic, or repair shop shares responsibility depends on evidence from inspections, expert evaluations, and service records.
The Role of a Georgia Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
Investigating the Crosswalk Collision Site — A lawyer begins by gathering evidence that shows how the pedestrian was hit in the crosswalk. This includes video footage, photos of signal timing, crosswalk markings, turning lanes, and any witness statements. The lawyer also consults experts when needed to determine vehicle speed, driver visibility, and the pedestrian’s position at impact.
Managing Crosswalk-Related Insurance Disputes — Crosswalk accidents often lead insurers to blame the pedestrian. A lawyer pushes back by using Georgia’s pedestrian-right-of-way laws, medical documentation, and scene evidence. The lawyer handles all insurer communication and identifies every available policy, including uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Filing a Crosswalk Accident Lawsuit in Georgia — When an insurer refuses a fair settlement, the lawyer files a lawsuit focused on the driver’s violations of Georgia crosswalk requirements. If a broken signal or unsafe crosswalk design contributed, the lawyer follows the proper procedures for claims involving government entities.
Pursuing Damages Unique to Crosswalk Accidents — Because pedestrians have no protection, injuries are often severe. A lawyer seeks compensation for medical care, missed work, long-term disabilities, and pain and suffering. If the accident causes a death, the lawyer also pursues the full value of the life lost under Georgia law.
Why Crosswalk Cases Need a Specialized Approach — Crosswalk collisions involve issues not seen in typical vehicle accidents, such as right-of-way rules, turning-vehicle conflicts, and pedestrian-signal timing. A lawyer familiar with these cases can challenge driver excuses, analyze the crosswalk conditions, and build a stronger claim for the injured person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Crosswalk Accidents
What should someone do immediately after a crosswalk accident?
After a crosswalk accident, a person should get medical help, call police, document the scene, save photos, gather witnesses, and contact a lawyer for guidance.
What injuries can someone suffer in a crosswalk accident?
A crosswalk accident victim may suffer broken bones, head injuries, spinal trauma, internal damage, or soft-tissue harm requiring prompt treatment and follow-up with medical professionals.
How is fault determined in a crosswalk accident?
Liability in a crosswalk accident depends on right-of-way rules, driver behavior, pedestrian signals, witness accounts, and evidence explaining how the impact occurred and determining responsibility.
Can symptoms appear later after a crosswalk accident?
A crosswalk accident can lead to delayed symptoms like headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, swelling, or stiffness, making follow-up medical care essential when injuries seem minor.
How can a crosswalk accident lawyer help with evidence?
A crosswalk accident lawyer gathers evidence, handles insurers, organizes medical documentation, explains legal options, and protects the victim’s rights throughout the entire claims process successfully.
What can a crosswalk accident lawyer recover in compensation?
A crosswalk accident lawyer evaluates liability, applies Georgia pedestrian laws, reviews injuries, and negotiates compensation covering medical costs, lost income, and lasting emotional harm suffered.
How does a crosswalk accident lawyer handle insurance issues?
A crosswalk accident lawyer gathers evidence, handles negotiations, consults experts, and prepares a detailed argument proving how the crash harmed the pedestrian financially and emotionally.
How does a crosswalk accident lawyer guide someone through the process?
A crosswalk accident lawyer guides victims through medical documentation, insurance communication, settlement decisions, and lawsuit steps so the entire claims process stays organized and supported.
Why should someone hire a crosswalk accident lawyer?
A crosswalk accident lawyer protects the victim’s rights, explains legal steps, organizes evidence, and fights for compensation that reflects medical bills, lost wages, and injury.
Resources
City of Atlanta – Report a Potential Hazard in the Street or Sidewalk — This source explains how people can report roadway or sidewalk hazards within the City of Atlanta. It describes the ATL311 online reporting system and provides instructions for submitting an online form so a service request record is created. It also gives the 311 phone option and contact details for the Department of Public Works. Viewers can learn how to report potholes, damaged sidewalks, and similar issues.
Pedestrian Safety Review Board – Creating a Walkable Macon-Bibb — This source describes the Pedestrian Safety Review Board in Macon-Bibb County and its role in improving pedestrian safety. It explains the board’s purpose and outlines education campaigns and community initiatives. It also references local planning efforts and specific projects such as crosswalk, sidewalk, and traffic calming improvements.
The Telegraph – Do You Have to Wait for a Pedestrian to Fully Cross the Street? — This source discusses Georgia law on how drivers must behave when pedestrians are in or near crosswalks. It explains when drivers must stop and remain stopped, and when pedestrians must exercise caution. It also mentions state and national data on pedestrian crashes and summarizes guidance from safety officials. Viewers can learn what Georgia Code says about yielding to pedestrians and related driving rules.
Georgia Department of Driver Services – Sharing the Road — This source provides Georgia’s official guidance on how drivers should share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. It explains crosswalk rules, right-of-way requirements, and expectations for stopping at signals and signs. It also covers topics such as blind pedestrians, turning right on red, passing stopped cars, and driveway exits. Viewers can learn the state’s rules and recommended practices for safe interactions with people walking and riding.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Crosswalk Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout the surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
