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Glenda Mitchell

Skilled Legal Representation From A Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Last updated on May 6, 2026

Pedestrian accidents are always unexpected. Most people know cars are dangerous and that motor vehicle crashes occur with unsettling regularity. But when you go for a walk, are crossing a street or just going from your car in a parking lot, you probably don’t think much about the risk. When a collision occurs, a pedestrian accident lawyer may help protect your rights.

Pedestrian Accidents On The Rise

In the last few years, even at a time when most traffic fatalities were declining, pedestrian accidents were increasing, with a corresponding increase in deaths. The cause is unclear, but some suggest that it is due to the increasing use of smartphones, leading to more distracting driving accidents and collisions. While the cause may be unclear, the devastating results of these crashes are abundantly clear.

At Glenda Mitchell Law Firm, our pedestrian accident lawyer can help you with the legal consequences of a pedestrian accident. We know how to gather the evidence you may need to prove the driver was responsible. We work to obtain evidence from the crash, including pictures and witness statements, and when necessary, we can look for other evidence, like cellphone records that may detail the driver was actively engaged in texting or some other distracting activity.

Pedestrian Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries

Our attorney also understands that when you are dealing with serious injuries, you need counsel and compassion. We never forget our clients are people, and we work passionately to obtain the compensation you need to cover your existing medical expenses, as well as the long-term costs of future surgeries, medical care and therapy that may be necessary after being injured in a pedestrian crash.

Pedestrian Accidents In Marked And Unmarked Crosswalks

Pedestrian accident cases may hinge on whether you crossed in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. A marked crosswalk includes painted lines or traffic-control devices, while an unmarked crosswalk exists legally at most intersections, even without visible paint.

The core legal rules vary across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, and these variations affect how a pedestrian claim should be developed. Some of the key differences include:

  • Georgia and South Carolina recognize both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections and require drivers to yield to pedestrians lawfully crossing in either.
  • Alabama treats pedestrian conduct more strictly. The state applies contributory negligence if a pedestrian fails to use a marked crosswalk when available or crosses outside a lawful implied crossing.

Driver responsibilities remain significant in all three states, but the consequences of pedestrian decisions differ sharply in Alabama. Alabama is one of the few states that still follows pure contributory negligence. This means that if a pedestrian is found even one percent at fault, they can be barred from recovering any compensation. Common evidentiary considerations include:

  • Marked crosswalks offer clearer visual proof, such as roadway paint and signage, making it easier to establish that the crossing was lawful.
  • Unmarked crosswalk locations may require additional analysis, including intersection design, traffic patterns and reconstruction of how the pedestrian entered the roadway.
  • Witness statements and physical measurements matter more in unmarked locations because there are no painted boundaries confirming where the pedestrian should have crossed.
  • The location of the crossing can also impact how liability is argued in each state.

In Georgia and South Carolina, injured pedestrians generally maintain strong rights even without painted lines, making it harder for a driver to shift blame.

However, in Alabama, any argument that the pedestrian crossed improperly can jeopardize the entire claim due to the state’s contributory negligence standard.

Establishing that the pedestrian acted lawfully requires careful legal analysis and strategic presentation of the facts. Our attorneys at Glenda Mitchell Law Firm, can evaluate the crash location, apply the correct state-specific rules and assemble evidence showing that the pedestrian was protected under the law.

Book A Free Consultation With Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

Schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney serving Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. All claims are handled on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we get you compensation.