Many families and individuals enjoy traditional Halloween festivities each year. The tradition of trick-or-treating is well-established in the Atlanta community, and it is easy to spot costumed candy-seekers going from door-to-door every October 31st. For the older revelers, there are plenty of Halloween-themed parties and other events to attend, and many people take advantage of these events each year.
While Halloween can be fun and memorable for both adults and children alike, it can also easily turn tragic. Trick-or-treating generally involves walking from house to house in a neighborhood, often crossing the street to visit residences that are participating in the tradition. Additionally, many costumes may make pedestrians more difficult for motorists to see at night, particularly in residential areas. Together, these two factors can significantly increase the risk of a pedestrian accident for people taking part in Halloween activities.
Pedestrian Accidents Can Be Serious
When pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles, they can sustain devastating injuries. According to data published by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), over 70,000 pedestrians were injured in 2012. Unfortunately, whenever pedestrians are walking in close proximity to cars, trucks, and other vehicles, there is an inherent risk of injury.
In cases where these accidents are caused by the negligence or recklessness of motorists, victims can often recover for their losses by filing a personal injury claim. The types of damages that may be recoverable in an Atlanta pedestrian accident case include past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning potential, and loss of quality of life. In many cases, obtaining compensation after a pedestrian accident is essential in ensuring that victims can meet their financial needs in the future, so it is important to take every step possible to recover the full value of your claim.
Steps to Increase Halloween Pedestrian Safety
Fortunately for people celebrating Halloween, there are certain steps that can be taken in order to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. These steps involve some basic principles: minimize your time in the street, make sure drivers can see you, and make sure that you can see oncoming vehicles. Some specific things to do include:
- Increase your visibility to motorists by carrying a flashlight, using glow sticks, or wearing retro-reflective clothing or tape;
- Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible;
- If you must walk in the street, walk facing oncoming traffic;
- Trick-or-treat down one side of the street first, then come back on the other side to minimize the number of times you must cross the street; and
- Do not wear masks that inhibit your visibility.
Unfortunately, accidents can occur even under the best of circumstances. If you or your child is injured by a motorist this Halloween, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.
Contact an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with serious injuries that may affect them for years. The lawyers of Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC are committed to helping people injured in preventable accidents recover and move on with their lives. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Atlanta personal injury attorneys, call our office today at (404) 869-8600.