Georgia Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Discuss Blind spot Collisions
Blind Spot Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia
The number of pedestrians killed in 2017 rose to unacceptable levels. Experts cite various reasons for the carnage on our roads. Distracted driving is one of the most often cited explanations for a fatal pedestrian crash. Distracted walking is another reason why deaths have escalated. Drivers must be more vigilant than ever as people mindlessly attempt to navigate busy intersections while staring down at the time computer in their hands. These pedestrians could unwittingly walk into a driver’s blindspot and be struck by the driver who never saw the person walking into the car’s path of travel.
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law have represented hundreds, if not thousands, of pedestrians and their families who were injured when struck by a driver who failed to account for the blindspot. Montlick’s pedestrian accident lawyers fight tenaciously for their clients and their families. We understand how devastating it can be for a family if a loved one was killed or severely injured in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else's negligence. Our accident attorneys treat each case as if it was their own and strive to achieve justice for the victims of pedestrian accidents and their families.
Georgia Ranks as 16th Most Dangerous State for Pedestrians
According to data released by the Governors’ Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 2017 was the deadliest year for pedestrians out of the last 25 years. The GHSA data is not finalized. However, the organization estimates that 6,000 people died in pedestrian accidents last year. Pedestrians' deaths account for approximately 16% of all vehicular fatalities. The number was 11% just a short time ago and the recent increase in deaths has raised genuine concerns about the safety of pedestrians nationwide.
Georgia was not immune from these devastating accidents but fared much better than other states. Ninety-two pedestrians died after being struck by a car between January 2017 and June 2017 in Georgia. Georgia’s final accounting of roadway deaths for the whole year is not complete. Consequently, Georgia’s rank as 16th deadliest state for pedestrians could change. Deadliness is not based on adding the number of pedestrian deaths. Instead, the GHSA measures deadliness based the number of incidents per 100,000 people. (Crime rates and other statistics involving populations are measured similarly.) Georgia’s pedestrian death rate was 0.8 per 100,000.
Why are Georgia’s Roads Deadly?
The GHSA argues that distracted driving and walking increase the pedestrian death toll. The GHSA also states that increased marijuana use might be to blame for the increase in pedestrian deaths. Moreover, there may be another reason why so many people die in car accidents, involving blind spots. Pulling into or backing out of a parking spot, turning left, or approaching an intersection have the potential of putting pedestrians in the blindspot. The driver has the obligation to understand that this is a possibility and take the appropriate measures to prevent pedestrians from getting lost in the blindspot.
A typical motor vehicle has three blind spots that are created by pillars. The “A pillar,” which is the post that separates the driver’s window from the windshield and connects to the roof, can impede the vision of a driver turning left or right. The “B pillar,” or the side metal door, blocks the driver’s vision when looking over his shoulder and blocks from sight anything immediately on the right side of the car. Lastly, the “C pillars” connect the back of the car to the roof and block vision to the rear of the driver.
Drivers are Liable for Not Checking Their Blind spot
Newer cars have pedestrian and blind spot warnings, but, those safety devices do not alleviate the driver’s duty to make sure he or she can rule out a pedestrian in their blindspot. A driver owes pedestrians a duty of care to proceed with caution. Therefore, most pedestrian accidents are caused by the negligence or carelessness of the driver in failing to act to prevent hitting a pedestrian.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else's negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation with our experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Georgia. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, 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 our attorneys 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.
Sources:
https://patch.com/georgia/buckhead/georgia-ranked-16th-highest-u-s-pedestrian-deaths-report
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/bus-driver-did-not-follow-blind-spot-procedures-before-crash/article_d7bdf42e-5280-11e1-abaf-0019bb2963f4.html
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/traffic/rules-of-the-road/article160216674.html
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333