Distracted Driving Pedestrian Accidents In Atlanta: How A Moment Of Inattention Can Change Everything
A driver glances down at a text message for just five seconds. At 35 mph, that is enough time to travel the length of a football field, without watching the road. For pedestrians crossing Atlanta’s busy streets, that moment of inattention can be devastating.
If you or someone you love was struck by a distracted driver, contact our experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer for help. Find out more about the risks and how to protect your rights to compensation.
Distracted Driving Puts Atlanta Pedestrians At Risk
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road. When a driver fails to pay attention, it increases the risk of pedestrian accidents in Atlanta, and the consequences can be catastrophic.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claims the lives of nearly 3,500 people across the United States each year and leaves tens of thousands of others suffering serious harm. In Georgia, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) reports that distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes statewide.
Common forms of distracted driving that put Atlanta pedestrians at risk include:
- Texting, scrolling social media, or using apps while driving.
- Talking on a handheld phone.
- Adjusting GPS, music, or in-dash controls.
- Eating, drinking, reaching for items, and personal grooming.
- Conversations with passengers that divert attention from the road
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241) prohibits drivers from holding or using a phone while operating a vehicle. Despite this law, distracted driving remains a serious and persistent threat to pedestrians throughout Georgia.
What To Do After a Distracted Driving-Related Pedestrian Accident In Atlanta
Distracted drivers can cause potentially catastrophic injuries to Atlanta pedestrians. What happens in the immediate aftermath can impact your rights in a claim, as well as your health and financial security moving forward.
In Georgia, modified comparative negligence applies to pedestrian accident liability. You can seek compensation, provided you are less than 50 percent at fault. Insurers often use this to shift blame onto pedestrians and reduce or deny claims.
To protect your rights, take these steps if you or someone you love is hurt in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta:
- Call 911, remain at the scene, obtain the driver’s contact information, and request a copy of the official police report.
- Get medical care immediately, as potentially life-threatening pedestrian injuries often have subtle symptoms.
- Take photos or videos of the scene, and collect witness information if you can.
Get legal guidance before giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters or accepting any immediate settlements, which are unlikely to cover your total losses.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Distracted drivers can cause potentially life-threatening injuries to Atlanta pedestrians. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we protect your rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and fight to get the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Contact our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer today to request a consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties, including Alpharetta, Decatur, Jonesboro, Marietta, and coastal areas such as Savannah and St. Simons Island.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
gahighwaysafety.org/research/facts-and-statistics/
