n an urban area like Atlanta, accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians happen on a regular basis. Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that around 76,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents in 2012 alone. With this year’s school year in full-swing, it is a safe bet that many children are walking to and from school each day, exposing them to an increased risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Fortunately, in many cases, victims will be able to recover for their injuries and other losses by filing a Georgia personal injury claim.
There are various factors that place children at a particularly high risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents. For instance, their smaller size makes them inherently more difficult to see than adults. In addition, children are more prone to erratic or otherwise unpredictable behavior, such as running out into traffic or playing in the middle of the street.
Children being children is no excuse for driver carelessness, however, and in many instances areas with a high density of children are clearly marked with signs or lowered speed limits while school is in session. Unfortunately, accidents continue to happen, sometimes with catastrophic results for victims.
Driver Negligence and Pedestrian Accidents
As is the case with other types of claims based on personal injury, victims must be able to establish that their accident was caused by someone else’s negligent conduct. In the context of pedestrian accidents, driver negligence can take a variety of forms, including the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to stop at stop signs
- Failure to stop for a crossing guard
- Ignoring poor weather conditions
- Failure to properly maintain a vehicle
- Impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
- Improper turns
- Not looking before backing up
Of course, there are a number of other ways in which a driver could potentially cause a pedestrian accident involving a child. An experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer will be able to review the facts of your child’s accident and inform you as to whether he or she may have a claim.
Common Injuries Associated with Pedestrian Accidents
No human body is a match for a motor vehicle, and this is particularly true when it comes to children. Children who are struck by cars or trucks have can potentially sustain injuries that may result in long-term complications or disability, significantly affecting their current and future quality of life. Among the more common injuries that children sustain in motor vehicle accidents include:
- Broken bones;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Lacerations;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Crush injuries;
- Bruises;
- Amputations;
- Contusions; and
- Emotional trauma.
These and other injuries that children can sustain in pedestrian accidents may result in significant economic and noneconomic losses. An experienced lawyer will be able to advise you as to whether you have a case and what that case may be worth.
Call Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should discuss your case with an experienced lawyer immediately. Call Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC today at (404) 869-8600.