Pedestrians deserve to feel safe while walking on Georgia’s streets. However, serious collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles happen every year. Often, these victims sustain severe injuries or sadly lose their lives in these collisions.
There are many factors that can contribute to pedestrian accidents in Georgia. Among the most common are distracted driving, failure to yield the right of way, and speeding.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
One of the most common causes of a pedestrian accident is a failure to yield the right of way. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in certain areas, such as crosswalks and intersections. They must also obey traffic signs and signals that direct the flow of traffic. A driver who fails to yield can easily hit a pedestrian.
Distracted Driving
Drivers have a responsibility to keep their eyes, minds, and hands on the act of driving. Any distraction could make it difficult for motorists to obey the rules of the road and yield to pedestrians in the area.
When a driver is distracted, he or she may not notice a red light or stop sign. If a pedestrian is crossing the street, he or she can be hit by a distracted motorist and suffer from severe injuries.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs can have a major impact on a person’s judgement, motor skills, reaction time, and other critical functions. An intoxicated driver is more likely to cause an accident than a driver who is sober and alert.
An impaired driver can easily run through red lights and disobey critical rules of the road. These actions can lead to many dangerous pedestrian accidents.
Driving Over the Speed Limit
Speed limits are in place to protect everyone on the road, including pedestrians. These laws are especially important in residential areas and places where vulnerable people may be walking, like school zones.
However, some drivers operate their vehicles at speeds much higher than the posted limit. This makes it difficult for motorists to yield to pedestrians or obey traffic signs and signals, heightening the risk of a collision.
Making an Unsafe Left Turn
When turning left at an intersection, drivers have a responsibility to ensure that pedestrians are not crossing the street. Unfortunately, not all motorists take this essential step and concentrate more on drivers who are traveling straight. As a result, a driver can collide with a pedestrian who is walking across an intersection.
What to Do If You Are Injured by a Driver While Walking
In Georgia, pedestrian accidents can happen at any time. If you were injured by a negligent driver while out for a walk, you have the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against him or her. Through your claim, you can hold the driver accountable for the losses that you sustained.
In the moments after the accident, it is important to protect yourself and your future case. Call 911 to report the collision and seek medical care as soon as you can. Document evidence by taking photographs and videos. Collect contact information from the driver and any witnesses who saw the collision.
Once you have taken these steps, contact an Augusta pedestrian injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can represent your claim against the negligent driver and help you secure the compensation that you deserve.
