Atlanta Crosswalk Accident Attorney

A crosswalk should be a place of safety—not danger. But when a driver ignores the rules and strikes someone who’s simply walking, that safety is shattered. At Butler Kahn, we believe that when someone crosses that line, they must be held accountable. Pedestrian injury cases are never “minor” to us. We know that behind every case is a person whose life has been upended—and we treat it that way. Our team approaches these cases with the seriousness and dedication they deserve. We investigate thoroughly, confront those responsible head-on, and never back down when it comes to protecting our clients’ rights.

Below, Butler Kahn breaks down key information about crosswalk accidents in Atlanta: your legal rights, the types of compensation that may be available, and how a dedicated pedestrian accident attorney can stand by your side—fighting for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

About Crosswalks

In Georgia, a crosswalk is a designated area—marked or unmarked at intersections—where pedestrians have the legal right to cross the street. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. These zones are meant to ensure pedestrian safety and are protected under Georgia traffic laws to prevent accidents and promote responsible driving.

Main Types of Atlanta Crosswalk Accidents

Left-Turn and Right-Turn Crashes

Crashes during left and right turns are some of the most common crosswalk accidents in Atlanta. These usually happen at intersections when a driver is focused on other cars and doesn’t notice someone walking across the street. A left-turn accident can be especially dangerous because the driver is crossing multiple lanes and may turn quickly to beat traffic. Right turns are risky too, especially when drivers roll through a red light without fully stopping. You might be walking with the signal, but the driver still doesn’t see you in time.

Distracted Driving Accidents

You’ve probably seen drivers using their phones, typing in GPS directions, or even eating behind the wheel. All of that takes their eyes and attention off the road. Crosswalk accidents often happen when drivers don’t look up until it’s too late. Even in clear weather, daylight, and normal traffic, a moment of distraction can lead to a serious injury.

Speeding Through Crosswalks

Speed limits exist for a reason, especially in areas with lots of pedestrians. But many drivers don’t slow down, even near crosswalks. Whether they’re running late or just ignoring the rules, drivers who are speeding don’t have time to react if someone is crossing the street. These types of accidents tend to be more violent because of the force involved. High-speed impacts can throw someone several feet and cause life-threatening injuries on impact.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Being hit by a driver is terrifying enough—but when they don’t stop, it’s even worse. Hit-and-run accidents happen all across Atlanta, from busy intersections to residential streets. The driver leaves the scene, and you’re left in the road, injured and unsure if help is coming. Sometimes witnesses call for help, but in other cases, there may not be anyone around. These accidents can delay medical attention and leave you feeling helpless in the most critical moments.

Drunk or Impaired Driving Crashes

Alcohol and drugs make it harder for drivers to stay alert, judge distances, and respond to changes in the road. If a driver is impaired, they might not even notice the crosswalk at all. Drunk driving accidents often happen at night or on weekends, especially near bars, sports venues, and downtown entertainment areas. The driver’s reaction time is slower, and they may veer into pedestrian zones without realizing it.

Low Visibility Accidents

Even marked crosswalks can be hard to see at night or in bad weather. You might be crossing with the light, but if it’s raining, foggy, or the lighting is poor, a driver might not spot you until they’re right in front of you. Some roads in Atlanta still lack proper lighting, especially in older neighborhoods or industrial areas.

School Zone and Child Pedestrian Accidents

Children walking to and from school are often in crosswalks near school buildings, parks, and playgrounds. These areas are marked with signs and flashing lights, but that doesn’t always keep kids safe. Children are harder to see, they might not follow signals perfectly, and they can be unpredictable.

Injuries Sustained by Victims in Atlanta Crosswalk Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head impacts with cars or pavement can cause concussions, memory loss, or lasting cognitive and motor issues.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Sudden impact may damage the spine, leading to numbness, weakness, or permanent paralysis.
Internal Injuries
Damage to organs like the lungs, liver, or kidneys may not show immediately but often requires emergency surgery.
Pelvic and Lower Body Injuries
Cars typically strike the legs or hips, causing fractures that need surgery and long rehabilitation.
Facial Injuries and Dental Damage
Falls can break noses, knock out teeth, or cause severe facial trauma needing reconstructive care.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, or a fear of walking near traffic.
Fatal Injuries and Wrongful Death
Some victims don’t survive, leaving families grieving and coping with sudden, devastating loss.

Crosswalk Accident Hotspots in Atlanta

Peachtree St & 10th St: High-visibility crosswalk in Midtown, serving office workers, shoppers, and MARTA riders.
Ponce de Leon Ave & Monroe Dr: Major crossing for BeltLine users and park-goers heading into Piedmont Park or Ponce City Market.
BeltLine & Ponce City Market entrance: One of Atlanta’s busiest pedestrian crossings, linking the BeltLine trail directly to PCM’s front entrance.
10th St & Piedmont Ave: Vibrant crosswalk near bars and cafes, heavily used during festivals and park events.
Edgewood Ave & Boulevard: Central crosswalk in a nightlife corridor, often used late into the evening by pedestrians and cyclists.
Piedmont Ave & 10th St: Key mid-block crossing with steady foot traffic heading toward Piedmont Park’s main entrance.
Marietta St & Centennial Olympic Park Dr: Tourist-heavy crossing near the park, Aquarium, and State Farm Arena.
Moreland Ave & Euclid Ave: Art-covered crosswalk in Little Five Points, anchoring foot traffic across vintage shops and eateries.
North Ave & Peachtree St: Busy intersection with high pedestrian turnover, especially during events at The Fox Theatre.
Boulevard & Edgewood Ave: Local commuter crosswalk near schools, churches, and the BeltLine connector.

Determining Liable Parties in Crosswalk Injury Cases

Negligent Drivers

Drivers in Georgia are required to stop and remain stopped for any pedestrian in a marked crosswalk, under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91(a). That law applies at all intersections with marked crosswalks, whether or not there’s a traffic light. If the driver failed to yield, rolled through the crosswalk, or didn’t stop entirely, they can be held liable. If the driver hit you while texting, they may have also violated O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241(c), which is Georgia’s Hands-Free Law.

If the driver left the scene, they broke Georgia’s hit-and-run statute, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270, which makes it a criminal offense to leave without giving help or contacting the police. Even if the driver is never found, you might still recover damages through your uninsured motorist policy.

Employers and Commercial Drivers

If a delivery truck, company vehicle, or rideshare driver hit you while working, the company they work for can be held responsible under Georgia’s “respondeat superior” rule. Georgia courts allow this when the driver was acting within the scope of their employment. If the driver had a known history of reckless driving, the employer could also face liability for negligent hiring or retention under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-1 and § 51-2-2.

State and Local Governments

Sometimes the crosswalk itself is unsafe—poor lighting, missing signals, or bad signage can all contribute to a crash. If the city or county failed to fix a known hazard, they might be liable under the Georgia Tort Claims Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-20). These cases are more complex, and special rules apply, like shorter notice deadlines. If the state owned or maintained the road, your claim would fall under this statute and must follow its strict procedures.

Private Property Owners and Contractors

If construction equipment, signs, or fencing forced you out of a safe walking area and into traffic, the company or property owner could be liable for creating a dangerous condition. Georgia law imposes a duty of care on property owners under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, especially when they invite the public to use or pass through their property. If the obstruction was unreasonable or violated city code, they may be held accountable for your injuries.

Car and Equipment Manufacturers

If the crash was caused by a mechanical failure—like brake failure or a malfunctioning sensor—then the vehicle manufacturer could be liable under Georgia’s product liability rules, outlined in O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11. These cases often require expert analysis and can lead to multiple parties being named in a lawsuit.

Potential Compensation in Crosswalk Injury Cases

Filing an Insurance Claim

Most people start by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. This can include money for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Georgia, drivers are required to carry minimum insurance under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11, but the amount available through insurance may not fully cover serious injuries. You may also be able to use your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the driver had no insurance or not enough.

Filing a Lawsuit

If insurance doesn’t cover all your damages—or if the insurance company refuses to settle fairly—you can file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit lets you ask a jury to award compensation for everything you’ve lost, including future medical costs, permanent disability, and emotional trauma. Georgia law gives you two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, so it’s important not to wait.

Wrongful Death Claims

If your loved one died in a crosswalk accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2. This type of claim lets surviving family members recover for the full value of the person’s life, including lost income and companionship. A second type of claim can cover funeral costs and medical bills the person had before they died.

How Crosswalk Accident Lawyers in Atlanta Help Victims

Crosswalk accidents often result in severe injuries and complex legal issues. An Atlanta crosswalk accident lawyer knows local danger zones like Buford Highway and MARTA intersections, helping gather critical evidence like traffic camera or business footage. They handle disputes where drivers blame pedestrians, using Georgia law and witness testimony to prove fault. These attorneys act fast to preserve evidence, coordinate medical care, and negotiate with insurers. They also understand the emotional trauma and fight for compensation that reflects the full impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crosswalk Accidents

Can I sue if I was hit in a crosswalk?
Yes. If the driver failed to yield or was careless, Georgia law lets you sue for your injuries.

What if the driver didn’t stop?
You can still make a claim through your uninsured motorist insurance or take legal steps to find the driver.

Who pays my medical bills?
Usually, the driver’s insurance pays, but your health insurance may cover costs upfront.

Can I get money if I missed work?
Yes. You can claim lost wages and future lost income if you can’t go back to your job.

Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle through insurance negotiations, but filing a lawsuit is sometimes needed.

How long do I have to file a claim?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash, under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.

What if I wasn’t in a marked crosswalk?
You might still have a case, depending on the facts. Georgia law protects all pedestrians, not just in crosswalks.

Should I hire a lawyer right away?
Yes. A lawyer helps you protect your rights and avoid mistakes from the start.

What if my child was hurt in the accident?
You can file a claim on your child’s behalf and seek damages for their injuries and future needs.

Is the consultation free?
Yes. Most Atlanta pedestrian injury lawyers, including Butler Kahn, offer free consultations with no obligation.