Daily Archives: November 15, 2013

 According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,432 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 69,000 were injured in traffic accidents in the United States in 2011. This is an increase of 3 percent from 2010. In 2011, pedestrian deaths accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 3 percent of all people injured in traffic crashes. On average, one pedestrian will be injured every 8 minutes and one will die every 2 hours in a traffic accident this year. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are common on roads and interstates in Georgia and across the United States. The most common places where pedestrian accidents occur include crosswalks, streets, and parking lots.

When a pedestrian in any type of pedestrian accident they have nothing to protect them. Therefore, they are very vulnerable to serious injuries. Pedestrian accidents can include not only being injured by cars, but motorcycles, trucks and even bicycles. Most victims of pedestrian accidents suffer broken bones, severe cuts and lacerations, bleeding and bruising. Injuries that are a result of pedestrian accidents can be severe, debilitating and sometimes permanently life altering. The results of these types of accidents result in significant financial losses to the individuals involved and their families. Although a monetary recovery can never repair the damage that is caused to the victim and their family, it can at lease ease the financial burdens created by pedestrian accidents.

Immediately after a pedestrian accident occurs, the insurance company for the automobile, motorcycle or truck will begin an investigation. Insurance companies have established very specific and elaborate procedures to try to limit the recovery of the injured pedestrian to the lowest possible amount, especially in the early stages of the claim. The insurance company will take recorded statements from the persons involved in the pedestrian accident, interview witnesses, take photographs and obtain the police report pertaining to the pedestrian accident. Typically, the insurance companies try to reach a quick settlement with an injured pedestrian to avoid responsibility for future medical expenses, lost wages and other damages that may develop. In order to avoid this trap and handle the complicated process of a pedestrian accident, a victim of this type of accident should contact a knowledgeable and experienced Atlanta attorney immediately. At Sunne Law, we understand how difficult this can be and are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation if you are a victim of a pedestrian accident.