Did you know that, as a pedestrian, you are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car accident? In 2017, over 137,000 pedestrians were injured in motor vehicle accidents in the United States, while 5,977 others lost their lives. This makes pedestrian-car accident injuries a critical topic for discussion.
What happens when you get injured by a driver? How can an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney help you?
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Every year, hundreds of pedestrians sustain injuries or lose their lives due to pedestrian-car accidents. A good number of these unfortunate events are caused by negligence on the part of the driver or even the pedestrian themselves. Some of the most common ways they happen include:
- Crossing Improperly – This is when a pedestrian attempts to cross the road improperly, such as crossing at the last minute in front of oncoming traffic or a non-designated area.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way – When a traffic sign or light signals a pedestrian to proceed to the crosswalk, they have the right of way. A motorist that fails to yield may cause an accident.
- Poor Visibility – A pedestrian may be invisible to a driver or vice versa because of poor weather, wearing dark clothing, poor headlights, and bright lights in the pedestrian’s eyes.
- Lingering or Working in a Roadway – Roadside workers are encouraged to place signs and wear visible gear when working on a road. Similarly, drivers should practice caution around a road worksite.
- Drug or Alcohol Influence – Drugs and alcohol can impair your judgment. If a driver or pedestrian is intoxicated, they may be unable to practice caution to avoid an accident.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When you are hit by a vehicle, your body absorbs a dangerous amount of trauma, which could cause injury. This is especially true for pedestrians because they lack the extra protection of metal offered by a car. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries you can sustain include:
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Shoulder and neck injuries
- Amputations
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
Always seek medical attention immediately after a crash, even if you do not feel any pain or have visible symptoms. You may have late-appearing injuries.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
When it comes to traffic accidents, safety is key. Both pedestrians and drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws designed to prevent such eventualities. Safety precautions that can help prevent pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Always cross at a designated intersection or crosswalk.
- Never run or walk into the path of a vehicle.
- Use a sidewalk whenever possible.
- Increase your visibility on the road at night by wearing reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight
- Walk on the path, sidewalk, or the shoulder facing traffic.
- Avoid texting or wearing earbuds when walking.
- Always cross the road at a right angle.
Consult an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney
Pedestrian car accident injuries can be devastating and life-altering. Ponton Law is dedicated to securing favorable results for the victims of such unfortunate events. If a negligent driver has injured you, contact us on (404) 860-2454 to schedule a free consultation with James Ponton, an experienced Atlanta Car Accident Attorney.