According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of pedestrians who died in traffic accidents in 2015 was 5,376.
Georgia law recognizes the pain and suffering families go through and provides fair compensation to the loved ones of those who died because of another person’s negligence.
Intersection issues
You might think that intersections are less dangerous for pedestrians than, say, walking on the side of the road. While signaled crosswalks provide a greater degree of safety, pedestrians are still in danger from drivers who make left-hand turns. The problem here is that neither is looking at the other. The pedestrian is looking straight ahead while the motorist is concentrating on getting through the intersection.
Soundless cars
Battery-operated cars are almost silent. People on foot are not only looking at traffic but listening, as well. A collision can occur because a pedestrian does not hear the approach of one of these vehicles, and the driver may not be paying attention.
High speed
Walking is a common activity in many communities. However, as neighborhoods deal with growing populations, high-speed roads become increasingly necessary to move people around. More people mean more cars, and more cars make walking riskier. In fact, statistics indicate that most pedestrian fatalities happen in urban locations, and at night. Speed also increases the chance of a vehicle-pedestrian collision.
Helping those left behind
In the state of Georgia, families of people who die because of negligence on the part of someone else are eligible to receive compensation that represents the “full value of life” of the deceased. For example, if a motorist strikes and kills a man crossing the street in a crosswalk, the victim’s family should receive compensation based on his earnings, both current and future, as well as his love of life. A pedestrian fatality due to a negligent driver will have a lasting effect on friends and loved ones.