Pedestrian accidents have become an alarming concern in Georgia, warranting urgent attention from authorities and the general public. The State of Georgia has even acknowledged in recent years the gravity of this issue and is actively taking steps to mitigate the risks and curb the rising trend of severe and fatal pedestrian injuries. Here’s more on some of the main factors leading to pedestrian accidents and what you could do if you have sustained an injury.
Specific Locations As Hotspots For Pedestrian Accidents
According to findings by Georgia Department of Transportation, the majority of accidents involving pedestrians take place on state-owned roads within urban settings.
High-Speed Zones
One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is high-speed limits, often 40 MPH or more. At higher speeds, vehicles cover more ground in less time, reducing the time available for drivers and pedestrians to react to each other. Additionally, accidents at these speeds are more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Mixed-Use Areas Focused On Cars
Areas with a mix of commercial, retail, and sometimes residential spaces generally experience higher volumes of pedestrian activity. Despite this, the design of these spaces is frequently more favorable to automobiles, creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians.
Multi-Lane Roads: A Risk Multiplier
Five or more lanes on a road considerably multiply the risks for pedestrians. With multiple lanes to cross, the chances of an accident occurring increase significantly, especially if drivers are not attentive or are speeding.
Public Transit Routes
Busy public transit routes tend to be accident-prone areas for pedestrians. Buses or trams stopping frequently can obscure drivers’ views and also cause pedestrians to make abrupt and sometimes unpredictable moves, contributing to the accident risk.
Time And Environmental Factors Affecting Pedestrian Accidents
The Peril Of Nighttime And Insufficient Lighting
A high percentage of pedestrian accidents occur during nighttime, particularly in areas with inadequate lighting. Poor visibility hampers the ability of drivers to notice pedestrians and vice versa, leading to more accidents.
The Act Of Crossing
Accidents commonly happen when pedestrians are in the process of crossing a roadway or waiting to do so. This is exacerbated by a lack of well-marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals, leading to confusion and risky crossing behaviors.
Non-Intersection Zones: A Silent Threat
Surprisingly, many pedestrian accidents happen away from intersections. Unlike intersections, these locations are generally not equipped with traffic signals or pedestrian crosswalks, making them particularly perilous for those on foot.
The Impact Of Driver Negligence
What Constitutes Negligence?
Driver negligence refers to any reckless or careless behavior by a driver that fails to consider the safety of others on the road, including pedestrians. This can encompass a wide range of actions or omissions.
Common Forms Of Negligent Driving
Some prevalent forms of negligence include distracted driving, such as texting while driving, speeding, failure to yield right-of-way to pedestrians, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These actions dramatically elevate the risk of a pedestrian accident.
Legal Ramifications
In Georgia, if a driver is found to be negligent in a pedestrian accident, they can be held liable for damages. This means that the injured pedestrian may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been the victim of a pedestrian accident, don’t navigate the complex legal waters alone. At Butler Kahn, we will do our best to help secure the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. With convenient offices in Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, and Roswell, we are strategically located to serve you better. Don’t wait; time is of the essence. Call us now at 678-940-1444 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation. Take the first step toward justice today.
