According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia, fatal pedestrian accidents in our state increased 27% between 2007 and 2016, a time when fatalities for all other accidents saw a 14% decrease. 16% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in Georgia in 2016 involved pedestrians, an increase of only 1% over 2015. However, during this same time nationally, fatal pedestrian accidents have decreased by nearly 2%.
Groups most vulnerable to injury are children and the elderly. These age groups also comprise the largest number of pedestrian fatalities. The CDC reports that adults aged 65 and older account for the largest number of pedestrian fatalities. Pedestrian accidents also account for more than 20% of all motor vehicle fatalities in children 14 and under.
A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Pedestrians and motorists share a responsibility to keep the roads safe. For pedestrians this means:
- Obeying traffic signs and signals
- Staying on designated pedestrian paths
- Avoiding all types of distraction
- Looking both ways, twice, before crossing at a crosswalk or traffic signal
- Not crossing without a crosswalk or traffic signal
- Making sure a driver sees you before maneuvering around a vehicle
Stay sober, keep music at a volume that does not prevent hearing, and remain cognizant of surrounding conditions to help prevent making yourself a traffic hazard.
Drivers bear a significant burden when it comes to roadway safety. You can help prevent pedestrian accidents as a driver by:
- Obeying all traffic signs and signals
- Providing at least two feet of space between your door and non-motorized travelers
- Keeping alert
- Staying sober
- Driving slowly in areas with high pedestrian concentrations
- Driving with extra caution around parks, schools, and through neighborhoods
Pedestrian accidents are often serious, even when not fatal, and may result in long-term medical expenses, an inability to work, and untold amounts of pain and suffering. If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for these things. The best way to find out is through a one-on-one consultation at the Atlanta office of Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC.
WE CAN HELP
The personal injury lawyers at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC understand the complexity of these cases and have the resources and experience necessary to help victims of serious injury get the most favorable results. When you accept an insurance settlement, you waive your right to take future legal action, even if that settlement is insufficient to cover all of your damages. Before you accept a settlement, talk to one of our personal injury attorneys. Your consultation is free of both cost and obligation and can be incredibly useful in helping you make the best decision for you and your family.
To schedule your complimentary consultation at our Atlanta office, please call 404-760-7400 today. Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC serves families living in Columbus, Decatur, Savannah, and all surrounding areas of Georgia.