According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), there are nearly 5,000 pedestrians who are killed in accident with vehicles each year. There are another 76,000 that are injured in these accidents.
Accidents involving pedestrians in Atlanta can occur for a number of reasons. Some pedestrians attempt to cross streets outside of intersections or marked crosswalks. Sometimes pedestrians choose to walk in the street instead of on the sidewalk. At other times, the accident is the fault of the vehicle driver.
When someone is injured in a pedestrian accident, they may have the legal right to compensation if they can prove that someone was negligent. In other words, they must be able to show that the vehicle driver operated in such a way that could be considered negligent or reckless. Depending on the unique set of circumstances, there may be more than one person responsible for such an accident.
If a person fails to maintain a sidewalk or parking lot and a pedestrian slips and falls, the owner of the property may be held liable. In an accident with a car, either the driver, the pedestrian or both may be found at fault. After a pedestrian accident, it is important to consult an attorney experienced in personal injury law to determine if compensation is warranted.
If you have been hurt in such an accident in Atlanta or the surrounding area, reach out to our office for a free case evaluation. We will help you determine if you have the elements necessary for a successful personal injury case.