Residents who are trying to stay in shape, save money and take positive steps for the environment will try to find alternative methods of transportation rather than driving everywhere. Part of that is riding a bicycle or walking. While this is beneficial in myriad ways, there will still be cars sharing the road and those on bicycles or on foot can be seriously injured and killed in pedestrian and bicycle car accidents. Understanding the prevalence of these accidents and how the aftermath can be so damaging is imperative when thinking about a legal filing for compensation.
There are innumerable anecdotes of people — often children — being injured and killed in these car accidents. The statistics are troublesome. On one road in Atlanta where two children were hit and killed within hours of one another, it was discovered that there were 145 of these car vs. bicyclists or pedestrians within the prior three years. This led to it being considered one of the riskiest locations in the city. It dovetails with the rising number of pedestrian fatalities in the nation. Georgia is experiencing this problem just like the rest of the U.S.
The Atlanta Regional Commission says that the metro region consisting of 20 counties has had an increase in pedestrian and bicycle vs. car accidents from 1,700 to 2,500 in the nine years from 2006 to 2015. That is a rise of 53 percent. The number of fatalities rose by 26 percent. There are many factors that are viewed as relevant when assessing the causes of these crashes and why they are increasing so dramatically. Of course, driver behaviors such as texting and driving or using other devices when behind the wheel is important. But since more people are taking to the roads on bicycles or as pedestrians, it is increasing the chances of there being these crashes.
Since most streets and roads are not constructed with pedestrians and bicyclists in mind, they are vying for room with drivers who might not be paying strict attention to them or the road or are reckless and negligent in that they do not care about riders and pedestrians. Bicyclists and pedestrians should be aware of all they will face after they have been injured in car accidents. There can be medical expenses, major injuries, long-term damage and the inability to get back to work. A law firm experienced in car accidents will understand the statistics and how to pursue a claim. Calling for help immediately is imperative.