Georgia pedestrian accidents are influenced by a variety of factors. Pedestrians face risks when sharing the road with various vehicles and negligent drivers. Georgia's lenient laws may hold pedestrians liable.
The car-focused culture disadvantages pedestrians. Accidents often stem from failing to yield, distracted driving using cell phones, following laws, or paying attention to proper precautions. These factors increase the danger of accidents. Some pedestrian safety tips to reduce the likelihood of an accident are pedestrians should not wear dark clothing but wear bright clothing when walking at night and use marked crosswalks. Drivers should obey traffic laws and yield to pedestrians.
For help with an injury accident, contact Marks Law Group's legal team to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Call today at 678-251-9309 to start your free consultation!
Georgia Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Georgia has a major issue with pedestrian accidents. In 2018, there were 916 pedestrian fatalities, a 15% increase from the previous year. Over 8,000 pedestrians were injured, with almost half of those injuries being severe or fatal. Urban areas have the most victims of pedestrian accidents, with Atlanta having the highest number of fatalities. The majority of pedestrian deaths occur during the evening hours and on weekends.
News Report: Georgia Pedestrian Accidents At An All Time High, According to Fox 5 Atlanta
Who Is At Risk?
Pedestrian accidents in Georgia pose unique dangers for those on foot due in part because of the state's mix of rural and urban roadways. Unfortunately, the risk of pedestrian accidents in Georgia is higher than the national average.
Georgia ranks sixth in pedestrian accident victims and second in the number of pedestrians killed per 100,000 residents. The majority of pedestrian accidents occur among children, elderly individuals, and those impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Pedestrians face different challenges depending on their age, impairment, or substance use. Children may find it difficult to judge speed and distance, while elderly individuals may have slower reflexes and vision. Those impaired by drugs or alcohol are at higher risk of being involved in pedestrian collisions.
Causes of Georgia Pedestrian Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pedestrian traffic fatalities are severe and can pose a threat to life. Their research indicates that SUVs and high-horsepower vehicles are frequently involved in such incidents.
These vehicles lack the visibility, larger frames, and protective features of larger cars, putting pedestrians at a higher risk of injury. Pedestrian crash accidents tend to happen more frequently outside of intersections and traffic control signals, especially during night hours when visibility is low.
According to IIHS's statistics, urban and suburban areas with high traffic prevalence have the most pedestrian accidents. Motor vehicle drivers must be aware of their surroundings, follow traffic rules, and be cautious to prevent harm from reckless driver behavior or negligence towards pedestrians.
How Drivers Cause Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence and impaired drivers particularly when they fail to take safety precautions or pay attention to their surroundings. This can happen when a driver is speeding, distracted, fails to yield to pedestrians at intersections, traffic lights, or crosswalks, or is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Who Is At Fault?
Determining fault in Georgia pedestrian accident injuries can be challenging because the state prioritizes pedestrian safety. Georgia law gives unprotected pedestrians the right-of-way in certain situations, such as when crossing at a crosswalk.
To determine fault, factors such as right-of-way, distractions, impairment, and speed are considered. If you have been in a pedestrian accident, a personal injury attorney can assist you in navigating these matters and determining if another party was negligent.
What if You Were Walking While Intoxicated?
Pedestrian accidents in Georgia are different from those involving motor vehicles. Pedestrians don't always have the right of way and may not be covered by insurance. Factors such as poor visibility, distracted drivers, or intoxicated pedestrians can play into pedestrian accidents. Walking while intoxicated increases the risks due to decreased reaction times and impaired judgment.
Drunk pedestrians may be held partially liable for their injuries if found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of a crash. A pedestrian accident attorney can help determine maximum compensation and rights in such a situation.
To prevent pedestrian accidents, pedestrians must follow traffic signals, use sidewalks, be aware of drivers' blind spots and wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight at night.
Sustaining Serious Injuries
Pedestrian accidents in Georgia are unique because of the potential for devastating injuries, even when the collision involves a vehicle moving at a relatively low speed. Because pedestrians have no protection from the force of an impact, they can sustain catastrophic injuries and even wrongful death due to the size and weight difference between them and the automobile.
Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents can range from broken bones, cuts, bruises, and scrapes to more severe head, neck, and back injuries.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are one of the most common types of injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents in Georgia. This is because pedestrians are often hit directly by oncoming vehicles, and thus their heads take the full force of the impact.
While some head injuries can be relatively minor, such as a concussion or contusion, more serious head injuries can occur, including skull fractures, brain bleeds, and even traumatic brain injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from pedestrian accidents in Georgia, especially when a vehicle hits a person on foot. Pedestrian accidents pose a higher risk of spinal cord injuries due to the absence of protection against the force of a car. Individuals who experience a pedestrian accident may suffer from paralysis, partial or complete loss of sensation, and/or chronic pain. The duration of medical care required for the affected person depends on the severity of the spinal injury, which may last months or even years after the accident.
Broken Bones
Pedestrian accidents in Georgia often result in broken bones. The severity of the break may vary due in part due to the state's geography, with many roads having steep inclines and declines. When a pedestrian is hit by a car traveling quickly, the force of the impact can cause more severe breaks and increase the chances of fractures in multiple locations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pedestrian accidents can lead victims to physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that lasts for years. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious consequence of such incidents. Those involved in a pedestrian accident, particularly with a motor vehicle, often experience PTSD. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, excessive fear or anxiety while traveling in a car, and avoidance of certain areas. Recognizing the signs of PTSD is crucial for proper therapy and treatment.
What if the Driver is Uninsured?
If a pedestrian is hit by an uninsured driver, it can be tough for the victim and their family. Liability insurance is needed in Georgia to cover the costs of a car accident. Without this coverage, victims may struggle to get compensation. To recover compensation, the victim should speak with a skilled attorney. The attorney can guide the victim on their legal rights and options and help them file a claim against the at-fault driver or their insurance company.
Keep Yourself Safe
Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Georgia. They differ from other motor vehicle collisions because pedestrians lack the same protections as drivers or passengers. Pedestrian injuries tend to be more severe. To protect yourself, take steps such as wearing reflective gear, being aware of your surroundings, and using designated crosswalks. Understanding the risks of pedestrian accidents in Georgia is important. It's essential to know how to stay safe and seek legal advice if involved in an accident.
Learn More: Learn How to Keep You and Your Teens Safe!
Don't Wait Around, Call Marks Law Group Today!
When it comes to pedestrian accidents in Georgia, it can be difficult to know if you have a case and who to turn to for help. That’s why you mustn’t wait around; instead, call Marks Law Group today!
Georgia poses unique risks for pedestrians due to its dense population and the fact that many of its major cities are extremely spread out. At Marks Law Group, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is dedicated to helping pedestrians injured in accidents receive the compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident, which is why we strive to provide compassionate and personalized legal services backed by decades of experience.
Call us today for a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights.