Pedestrian Auto Accidents | Atlanta, Georgia Pedestrian Lawyer

A vehicle injures a pedestrian almost every eight minutes. A pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident almost every two hours. Most of those who are injured or killed, are so as a result of a negligent driver. Some non-traffic pedestrian accidents occur due to defective sidewalks and parking lots, road debris or improperly maintained property. An injured pedestrian may be able to be compensated for injuries from anothers negligence, a traffic accident or from a property defect.

When a pedestrian accident occurs, the victims leg, arms and head are the most likely to receive the most serious injuries. When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the injuries range from minor to serious injuries. Some of the most serious injuries we have seen include broken bones, disfigurement, permanent disability, a brain injury, a spinal cord injury, short-term incapacitation and becoming quadriplegic.

Pedestrian accidents take place in various ways for example, failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, not paying attention to their surroundings, driving according to weather conditions and/or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In some pedestrian accidents we have had, the pedestrian was found to be at fault for not being in a crosswalk at the time of the accident or was not paying attention their surroundings. 

Pedestrian accidents are very common during the holiday season. Many shoppers are shopping after dark and not in a well lit parking areas so vehicles are unaware of their presence. Mall parking lots, and commercial shopping areas are places were pedestrian accidents commonly occur. Below, are some simple precautions to make this holiday shopping season much safer for everyone;

Shop during daylight hours if possible,
If shopping at nighttime, park in a well lit parking area;
Make sure when crossing the street to properly be in crosswalk,
Do not shop alone, shop with a group of people, and
Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, be sure to take the following steps: Once the accident has occurred you need to contact the local police department and stay at the scene of the accident until the emergency personnel are on the scene. Statements should be made only to the police officers on the scene. Make sure you get the names and contact information for all who witnessed the accident.