According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were 5,376 pedestrians killed in 2015 with 15 people being killed each day. Since 2006, pedestrians accounted for around 15 percent of traffic fatalities.
Many different reasons cause pedestrian accidents, however, the motor vehicle driver is often at least partially at-fault. An injured pedestrian can take legal action against the at-fault driver. Additionally, family members of a pedestrian who is killed can bring a wrongful death action. Pedestrian accidents are usually serious in nature and involve serious injury or death. Representation by an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in very important in these situations.
Pedestrian Accident Dangers
Accidents involving pedestrians can happen to anyone at any time. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) has compiled data for 2015 from pedestrian accidents in the United States. Their research has found:
- In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in accidents with vehicles
- 26% of pedestrian fatalities occurred from 6 to 9 p.m.
- In 2015, more than 1/5 of children 14 and under killed in traffic accidents were pedestrians
- 70% of the pedestrians killed in 2015 were male
- Alcohol was involved in 48% of all fatal pedestrian accidents in 2015
- In 2015, 90% of the pedestrian killed in traffic crashes involved single vehicles
- 19% of fatal pedestrian accidents involved a hit-and-run driver
- More pedestrian accidents occurred in urban areas as opposed to rural areas
- More pedestrian accidents occurred in the dark than in daylight (74% vs. 23%)
- 82% of pedestrian accidents did not occur in an intersection
- Seniors 65 and older accounted for 16% of pedestrian fatalities in 2015
- The highest pedestrian injury rates occurred between the ages of 15 and 24
As the NHTSA’s data shows, everyone including children and the elderly are susceptible to being killed in pedestrian accidents.
Everyone at Risk for Pedestrian Accidents
Many different causes lead to pedestrian accidents including:
- Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks who have right of way;
- Crossing at non-intersections or outside of designated crosswalks;
- Disobeying traffic control devices (e.g., red lights, stop signs, etc.);
- Intoxicated/DUI drivers;
- Speeding drivers;
- Inattentive drivers;
- Drivers losing control;
- Distracted drivers;
- Pedestrians carelessly crossing streets without looking to see if the way is clear; and
- Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol.
Automobile drivers and pedestrians can both play a role in causing pedestrian accidents. Many time a negligent or unreasonable driver causes a pedestrian accident. Even if a pedestrian is only partially at-fault, he may bring a claim against the partially at-fault driver to compensate him for his injuries and medical expenses. As an Atlanta, Georgia pedestrian accident attorney, I can help a pedestrian involved with in an accident to seek compensation.
Get Legal Help from an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney When Hit as a Pedestrian
Nothing can lessen the force of impact for a pedestrian involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. Serious and permanent injuries are likely to result from these collisions. More serious injuries and larger economic losses warrant larger compensation to be obtained in a pedestrian accident.
As an Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney, I understand how much is at stake after a pedestrian accident. I can use my legal knowledge, skills and experience to work to represent you and get you the justice and compensation that you deserve.
To learn more about how I can help you after your pedestrian accident, contact me here or give me a call at 404-610-4429.
To further learn about pedestrian accidents in Georgia, visit my blog here.