Studies are common to determine what dangers are on the road across the U.S. When these research projects are done, there is usually information about individual states. For example, some states are found to have greater risk for certain kinds of accidents than others. A recent study regarding pedestrian-auto accidents found that Georgia experienced a significant uptick in fatal pedestrian crashes in the first six months of 2018. This should be a concern for everyone in the state and those who have been affected must be aware of this information for use in a legal filing for compensation.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) says there were at least 130 pedestrian deaths in the state for the first half of last year. That is a 32 percent increase from the same time-frame in 2017. Across the nation, the first half of the year saw only a 3 percent rise from the year before. It is not yet known why Georgia has experienced so drastic an increase. There is, however speculation as to what factors could be important in this spike.
The growing economy and increase in people moving to the state could result in a greater number of vehicles being on the road. This will naturally increase the chance that there will be pedestrian-car accidents. In the report, people in Georgia and throughout the U.S. are facing greater dangers of a pedestrian accident when out and about. The study suggests that various factors from economics, population, demographics, fuel costs, and the amount of time people choose to walk rather than drive among other things are keys to the statistical rise.
Distractions are known to place people in jeopardy as more and more people have a smartphone and decide to use it for various activities when behind the wheel. An understated concern is the growing trend of people driving SUVs. These vehicles are larger and heavier than conventional passenger vehicles and can cause more damage with severe injuries and death. With the suburbs of Georgia becoming more popular and drivers moving at excessive speeds, pedestrians can be hit and killed.
Pedestrians are not accorded the protection that people in a vehicle are. Therefore, they can suffer serious injuries and death in pedestrian-car accidents. Head injuries, back injuries, cuts, broken bones and worse can result. Fatalities are common in these crashes and families must think about the future when this has occurred. A law firm experienced in pedestrian-car accidents can investigate the circumstances of the crash and take the necessary steps to file a lawsuit for compensation. Calling for guidance and help is imperative from the start.