If you are stuck by a negligent driver, as a pedestrian, you may be able to recover substantial compensation for your injuries, but that doesn’t mean that you will recover physically or emotionally. Your life can be changed forever, if you survive. Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons, but you can be on the lookout and possibly void getting hit, even if you have the right of way.
Checking Your Mail
Whether you have to cross the street or not, checking your mail, your Facebook feed or texting on the side of the road can be hazardous, especially in areas with fast-moving traffic. When you do it every day, it’s easy to get complacent. Even though drivers have a duty to watch for pedestrians, you have to be on guard. Always look for oncoming cars and resist the urge to use your smart phone until you are well out of harm’s way.
Ice Cream Trucks, Food Trucks and Other Street Vendors
You may think it’s obvious that people will be standing and milling about when a food or ice cream truck is stopped by the side of the road, but drivers aren’t always prepared. If they aren’t used to seeing street vendors, they may not know what’s going on and that they need to be on the lookout for pedestrians. Plenty of drivers just aren’t paying attention because they’re too busy playing with their phones, adjusting the dial on their radios or car stereos or even eating while driving. And, sometimes things just go wrong. Brakes fail, drivers have seizures, you never know what could happen. So, stay alert when doing business with street vendors, no matter how hard it is to tear your attention away from the food.
Bicycles on Sidewalks
In Georgia, it is illegal for anyone over 12 years old to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk, but that doesn’t always stop them. In certain areas, children under 13 are allowed to ride on the sidewalks, and they aren’t always in control. When it comes to oncoming bicycles, you don’t have the advantage of hearing them coming. Keep you eyes off your phone and be aware of your surroundings, even on the sidewalk.
If you have been hit by a car, truck or bicycle in Atlanta or Sandy Springs, Georgia, please call Robbins Law, PC, at 800-772-5555 or contact us to learn more about your rights today.