DeKalb County Pedestrian Hit and Killed by Motorist
A tragic DeKalb County accident late Monday night serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed to pedestrians in the Atlanta area. The accident victim was crossing Flat Shoals Parkway when he was hit by a car. According to police reports, the man was not in a crosswalk when he was killed. The accident is currently under investigation.
Pedestrian accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Tragic pedestrian accidents like this one are not a rare event with approximately 70,000 people being killed or injured in pedestrian accidents each year. At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have represented many pedestrians involved in Georgia motor vehicle accidents throughout the State of Georgia for over a quarter of a century.
Such factors as age and gender play a major role in the likelihood that one will be involved in a pedestrian accident, as well as the likelihood of being fatally injured. Male children between the ages of 5-9 are the group greatest at risk for being involved in a pedestrian accident, presumably because they tend to be more prone to darting into the street. Males are far more likely than females to be involved in pedestrian accidents, accounting for 69% of all pedestrian fatalities. While the elderly are the least likely group to be involved in a pedestrian accident, they account for the highest fatality rate of 20% compared to only 8% for children under the age of 14.
A number of factors including population density, speed and alcohol make pedestrian accidents a particular concern for those in the Atlanta metro area. Over 85% of non-fatal pedestrian accidents and 72% of fatal pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas. Speeding and alcohol also are major factors in many pedestrian accidents. A motor vehicle that is speeding is involved in almost one-third of all pedestrian accidents. A speeding driver is more likely to run down a pedestrian because the driver has less time to swerve or brake to avoid hitting a pedestrian. A higher rate of speed also means that a pedestrian will usually suffer much more serious injuries. A pedestrian who is struck by a car traveling 64.4 mph has an 85% chance of being killed. Alcohol also plays a factor in slightly over one-third of all pedestrian accidents.
The really sad aspect of pedestrian accidents is that avoidable behavior such as obeying laws regarding drinking and driving and speed limits could save so many lives. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been representing residents of Georgia involved in pedestrian accidents for over 39 years.
Our experienced Georgia pedestrian auto accident attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located we are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24 hour Live Online Chat.
Our attorneys and staff will work hard to protect your interests and get you the compensation you deserve.