Atlanta Pedestrian Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. When a careless or reckless driver causes a fatal crash, surviving family members are left to pick up the pieces — emotionally, financially, and legally. At such a painful time, you deserve answers and justice. An experienced Atlanta pedestrian death lawyer at Shiver Hamilton Campbell can help you hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the compensation your family needs to begin healing.
Why Pedestrian Deaths Are So Common in Atlanta
Atlanta’s busy streets, heavy traffic, and growing population make it one of the most dangerous cities in Georgia for pedestrians. Many fatal crashes occur at night, in poorly lit areas, or along roads where crosswalks and sidewalks are limited. Drivers who speed, use their phones, or fail to yield often create deadly situations for those on foot. These tragedies are entirely preventable, and families deserve justice when someone’s negligence leads to a fatality.
Each year, dozens of pedestrians are killed in Metro Atlanta, with many of these deaths involving factors such as distracted driving, intoxication, or disregard for traffic signals. Holding the responsible party accountable is not only about compensation — it’s about ensuring that similar acts of negligence don’t cost more lives in the future.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Deaths
While every accident is unique, certain behaviors are consistently linked to deadly pedestrian crashes. The most common include:
- Speeding through intersections or school zones
- Distracted driving, especially texting while behind the wheel
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks
- Reckless or aggressive driving in residential or urban areas
In addition to driver negligence, other contributing factors may include poor street design, inadequate lighting, or defective vehicle equipment. Your attorney will investigate all possible causes to determine who is legally responsible for your loved one’s death.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Pedestrian Fatality
When a pedestrian is killed because of another person’s careless actions, Georgia law allows certain surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim. Typically, this includes a spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. If none of these relatives are living, the personal representative of the estate may pursue the case. The goal of a wrongful death claim is to obtain financial compensation for both the tangible and intangible losses your family has suffered.
Potential compensation in a pedestrian death case can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and future earnings
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Medical costs related to the final injury
- Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members
These damages are meant to reflect the “full value of the life” of the deceased under Georgia law. An experienced Atlanta pedestrian death attorney can help your family determine the proper value of your claim and ensure that every loss is accounted for.
Building a Strong Case for Justice
Proving liability in a pedestrian death case requires a thorough investigation. Your lawyer will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to show how the driver’s actions led to the fatal crash. In some cases, expert witnesses — such as accident reconstruction specialists or economists — are used to strengthen the claim and demonstrate the long-term financial impact on the family.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the pedestrian. Having a dedicated attorney on your side means your case will be handled aggressively, ensuring the responsible party is held fully accountable.
How an Atlanta Pedestrian Death Lawyer Can Help
After such a traumatic event, your focus should be on grieving and supporting your loved ones — not dealing with insurance adjusters or court deadlines. Your attorney will handle every aspect of your case, including:
• Investigating the cause of the fatal crash and identifying liable parties
• Preserving crucial evidence and interviewing witnesses
• Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Filing a wrongful death lawsuit if necessary
• Guiding your family through every step of the legal process with compassion
Wrongful death cases can be emotionally draining and legally complex, but a strong legal advocate can make a tremendous difference in the outcome — and in helping your family find closure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Death Claims
Who is allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia?
The surviving spouse generally has the first right to file. If there is no spouse, the right passes to children, then to parents, and finally to the estate’s representative. Your attorney can determine who should bring the claim on behalf of your family.
How long do I have to take legal action?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. This deadline may be paused if there is a related criminal case or if the defendant is a government entity, so consulting an attorney early is essential.
What if the pedestrian was partly at fault?
Georgia’s comparative negligence law still allows recovery if the deceased was less than 50% at fault. Your attorney will investigate to show that the majority of the blame lies with the negligent driver or other responsible parties.
Speak With an Atlanta Pedestrian Death Lawyer Today
If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you deserve a team that will fight for accountability and justice. A compassionate Atlanta pedestrian death lawyer can help your family recover compensation, navigate the legal process, and ensure your loved one’s story is heard.
Call Shiver Hamilton Campbell today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice for your loved one’s death in a pedestrian accident.
