Every 75 minutes, a person in the nation dies in a pedestrian accident. That equates to 7,000 deaths annually. Pedestrian accidents do not always result in death or injuries. Some pedestrians walk away unscathed or with minor injuries. Drivers, passengers, and bystanders can suffer losses from a negligent driver. Pedestrian accidents happen for a slew of reasons and are unexpected. There is nothing pedestrians can do to avoid these accidents, but they should seek legal advice from a Roswell pedestrian injury lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law. Seek legal compensation with a pedestrian accident case.
Roswell, Georgia, with its picturesque streets and vibrant community, is an attractive city for pedestrians. However, the beauty of the city does not negate the potential risks pedestrians face when navigating its roads and intersections. In recent years, pedestrian accidents have become a growing concern in Roswell. In this article, we will explore the factors contributing to these accidents, the steps taken to enhance pedestrian safety, and what both residents and visitors can do to protect themselves on Roswell’s streets.
The Growing Concern
Pedestrian accidents in Roswell have seen an unfortunate uptick in recent years. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, there were 28 reported pedestrian accidents in Roswell in 2020 alone, resulting in injuries and, tragically, some fatalities. While the city is known for its charm, these statistics serve as a reminder that pedestrian safety must be a top priority for everyone.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in Roswell:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, particularly due to mobile phone use, remains a significant cause of pedestrian accidents. When drivers are not fully focused on the road, they are less likely to notice pedestrians crossing the street. Seek the legal assistance of a Roswell pedestrian accident lawyer.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding, especially in residential areas, can significantly increase the risk of accidents involving pedestrians. Higher speeds reduce the time drivers have to react to unexpected situations.
- Lack of Crosswalks: Inadequate crosswalks and pedestrian infrastructure can make it challenging for pedestrians to cross safely. A lack of marked crossings or pedestrian signals can lead to accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Limited visibility due to adverse weather conditions, low lighting, or obstructed sightlines can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers not yielding the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections is a common issue leading to accidents.
Safety Initiatives
Roswell city authorities, pedestrian accident lawyers, and organizations have been actively working to improve pedestrian safety:
- Infrastructure Improvements: The city is investing in better pedestrian infrastructure, including crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian signals, to make walking safer.
- Awareness Campaigns: Public education campaigns emphasize the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for both drivers and pedestrians to be cautious and follow traffic rules.
- Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies are actively enforcing pedestrian safety laws, such as crosswalk regulations and speed limits near pedestrian zones.
- Speed Reduction Measures: Implementing measures to reduce speeding in residential areas, school zones, and high-risk areas where pedestrians frequent.
What Pedestrians Can Do?
Pedestrians also play a crucial role in their safety:
- Cross at Crosswalks: Whenever possible, use designated crosswalks to cross the street. They are designed for your safety.
- Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at night, to make yourself more visible to drivers.
- Obey Traffic Signals: Follow pedestrian signals and traffic lights. Wait for a green light or “walk” signal before crossing.
- Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones while crossing the street. Keep your attention on your surroundings.
- Make Eye Contact: When crossing in front of vehicles, try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
- Hire a Roswell pedestrian accident lawyer: A GA pedestrian accident lawyer can help you build your pedestrian accident case.
While Roswell, Georgia, offers a charming environment for pedestrians, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and actively work toward improved safety. The city’s initiatives to enhance infrastructure and enforce safety laws are positive steps in the right direction. However, pedestrian safety ultimately depends on the vigilance of both pedestrians and drivers. By staying alert, following traffic rules, and promoting awareness, we can work together to reduce pedestrian accidents and ensure that Roswell’s streets remain safe for all.
Pedestrian dangers
Many reckless actions are the cause of pedestrian accidents. Using the crosswalk makes pedestrians feel safe because they know drivers must wait for them to cross before proceeding, but many accidents happen in crosswalks. Drivers should stay alert to their surroundings and pay attention to hazards regardless of whether a pedestrian is in a crosswalk or sidewalk. A seasoned Roswell pedestrian accident lawyer can help you to get the fair compensation you deserve.
SPEEDING
The most common reckless action that drivers participate in is speeding. Speed limits keep everyone safe, and traveling beyond the posted limit endangers the public. It increases the probability of an accident. Drivers cannot stop in time to avoid a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and this can lead to severe injuries.
FAILURE TO YIELD
Pedestrians have precedence in specific locations and situations, known as a right of way. When a motorist fails to yield the right of way, it is a traffic violation and can also lead to crashes. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk and lights indicate to drivers to yield, the pedestrian has the right of way. If the driver fails to respect the signs or the pedestrian in the crosswalk, they are liable for injuries the person suffers.
POOR LIGHTING
Sometimes the pedestrian and driver face a common enemy; poor lighting. Drivers cannot see objects or pedestrians when intersection lighting is not working. The local municipality is responsible for lighting in the area, and if there is a light out or dim, it makes driving and walking challenging. Drivers can adjust their driving to avoid accidents, but the city is also liable.
INTOXICATION
Thousands of pedestrian accidents have one thing in common: the driver was intoxicated. Alcohol and drugs impact the driver’s judgment and reaction times, which is a significant hazard when looking for pedestrians. Drivers sometimes drift into a group of pedestrians on a sidewalk because they lose control.
DISTRACTED DRIVING
Cell phone use, changing the radio, passengers, pets, and children are all common distractions drivers have. These distractions impact their driving and endanger everyone’s lives. Looking at a phone instead of the road takes the driver’s eyes away for critical seconds. When the driver looks up, it can be too late.
Injuries in pedestrian accidents
As we mentioned, injuries will range and depend on various factors. Some injuries happen directly, and others are due to secondary incidents. The probability of a severe or life-altering injury is high. You should seek medical attention and legal assistance if you suffer a minor or severe injury. You might suffer injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Back injuries
- Coma
- Paraplegia
Medical care will range from a few bandages to lifelong care services. Hospitalizations, emergency treatment, diagnostic testing, and physical therapy are common. Cuts and bruises are also possible in pedestrian accidents. You cannot work when getting medical attention and should seek compensation to cover treatment and losses.
Negligence and liability
Determining liability and negligence are vital aspects of your pedestrian injury claim. When working with a Roswell pedestrian injury lawyer, we will meticulously collect and review evidence to prove negligence and seek fair compensation. This process involves interviewing witnesses, gathering photos and videos of the scene, reviewing traffic signs, and inspecting medical documents. Victims must show:
- Duty of care: drivers are responsible for reasonably keeping others safe while driving through their actions.
- Breach of duty: the driver breached their duty, and you must show evidence they violated it. Common violations involve disobeying traffic laws or careless driving.
- Causation: you must also show the breach caused the accident, injuries, and/or property damage.
- Damages: pedestrians must also prove they suffered financial losses directly from the accident. Examples are lost income, medical expenses, etc.
Determining case worth
Injuries will substantially impact your case worth, and pedestrian accidents are often known for severe injuries. Minor and no injuries are also possible in these accidents. Your injuries’ severity, prognosis, and treatment are calculated within your case worth. It is understandable to want to know your case worth, and there are many factors to consider, such as:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Where you file your claim
- Permanence of injuries
- The financial strain on the victim
- Fault and insurance limits
A case worth for pedestrian injury accidents can range from thousands to millions depending on various factors. Discuss the damages you are eligible for and your potential case worth with Spaulding Injury Law. Your Roswell pedestrian injury attorney might uncover other damages you were unaware of.
You have limited time
All personal injury claims have limited time for victims to take legal recourse. If you wait too long to file, the judge can automatically dismiss your case leaving you without recovery options. The strict limit for pedestrian injury claims in Georgia is two years from the accident date. However, beginning your accident claim as soon as possible is best. You can schedule an initial consultation with our Roswell pedestrian injury attorney to get started after your accident.
The deadline is short when the defense is a government agency. The deadline can be between six months and a year based on different factors. If your accident was the cause of a school bus or car accident, that would mean you have a shorter statute to work with.
Spaulding Injury Law can help
Sidewalks, hiking trails, and crosswalks promote a walkable city, but some drivers and negligent entities do not respect pedestrians. Georgia has implemented various pedestrian safety programs to reduce injuries and deaths. While these efforts are commendable, pedestrian accidents are still prevalent. You must discuss your injuries, case details, and options with Spaulding Injury Law. Schedule a consultation with our Roswell pedestrian injury attorney immediately.
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