Fatal Hit and Run Accident Reinforces Risks to Atlanta Pedestrians
A pedestrian was fatally run down by a man driving an SUV this weekend as he crossed Marietta Street in Cobb County, Georgia. Witnesses indicated that the vehicle that fled the scene never even slowed down as it crashed into the pedestrian. This tragic accident is just one of many fatal pedestrian accidents in Atlanta and throughout the State of Georgia. A fatal pedestrian hit and run accident can devastate a family emotionally and financially.
When a motor vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the injuries are almost always serious- including head and neck injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones, even fatalities. The human body was simply not designed to withstand the impact of thousands of pounds of metal moving at high speeds. When a fatal Georgia pedestrian accident is combined with a driver who flees the scene, the stress and grief associated with the accident is even greater. At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we understand the heartache that accompanies such a tragedy and have been helping victims of fatal pedestrian accidents for over 39 years.
This recent tragedy is simply one example of the serious risks faced by pedestrians in Atlanta and throughout the State of Georgia. A recent study compared pedestrian accident fatality data for 21 international cities and concluded that Atlanta, Georgia was the most dangerous city in the world for pedestrians. The study concluded that Atlanta has 10.97 pedestrian fatalities for every 100,000 pedestrians. Other major U.S. cities were amongst the top 10 most dangerous cities for pedestrians, but Atlanta was at the top of the list. Many from Atlanta are unhappy with the study and are disputing its validity, but the fact remains that the streets of Atlanta pose a real risk of injury for pedestrians.
A motor vehicle, if not handled responsibly, is an extremely deadly weapon. A person who negligently or recklessly operates a vehicle resulting in the death of a pedestrian may be prosecuted criminally for vehicular homicide, referred to under Georgia law as "homicide by vehicle." A first degree homicide by vehicle of a pedestrian includes the following:
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Stop for Police
- Habitual Offender
- Overtaking a Bus
Second degree homicide by vehicle includes pedestrian accidents that result from such activities as speeding or failure to yield. A driver's conviction for homicide by vehicle will typically be used to establish liability in a wrongful death lawsuit, and may also form the basis for assessing punitive damages to discourage reckless conduct that poses serious injury to others.
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.