Accidents involving pedestrians can cause severe injury, particularly to the pedestrians involved. When a pedestrian is hit by a car or other vehicle, there is often negligence involved. There are laws in place designed to protect pedestrians from the dangers posed by motorized vehicles, and when these laws are not followed drivers may be liable for any injuries that they cause. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to recover from any medical bills, pain, and suffering, property damage, or loss of enjoyment of life you may experience. These are just some of the potential injuries for which you could recover, and it is important to have your case reviewed by an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. Even if you were partially at fault for an accident, you still may be able to recover from any injuries that you sustain. The attorneys of Shane Smith Law are dedicated to helping people injured in pedestrian accidents recover from the people or parties responsible for their injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 4,280 fatalities that resulted from pedestrian accidents in 2010, and another 70,000 people were injured. This figure includes any person who was on foot, including people who were walking, running, jogging, hiking, sitting, or lying down and who were involved in a motor vehicle traffic crash. These incidents can cause serious and long-term injury to the individuals involved, and it is important to take steps to mitigate the risk that pedestrians face. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety offers the following advice to pedestrians:
- Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk as far to the left as possible, facing traffic.
- Cross at crosswalks, intersections, or street corners. If there is a painted crosswalk, stay within the lines.
- Stop before crossing the street, and never rush or dash into a street.
- Obey traffic signals.
- Look left, right, and to the left again prior to stepping out into the street.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Watch for turning traffic.
- Watch for vehicles leaving driveways, and pay attention to vehicles that may be reversing.
- Do not play in the street.
Contact a Coweta County Pedestrian Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. It is important to make sure that you document as much about the incident as you can, as these facts may be able to help establish what parties were at fault. Make sure that you undergo a full medical evaluation after the accident, to make sure that any injuries you sustain are well documented. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Coweta County attorneys, contact Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656.