Date: November 29, 2011By: Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

A 24-year-old from Brantley County, Georgia was charged with multiple offenses after an accident that killed two teenage pedestrians late last week. The pedestrians were correctly walking in the lane to face oncoming traffic, but were fatally struck by a vehicle very early on Friday morning. David Batten has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and driving on the wrong side of the road. According to the Florida Times-Union, he has been released on bail of $31,400 from Brantley County Jail.

Batten was driving his 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Buffalo Creek Road in the Hickox community when he reportedly veered to the side and struck two teens. The victims, 19-year-old Dakota Bennett, of Waycross, and 18-year-old Michael Perkins, of Brunswick, were walking east in the westbound lane.  The Georgia State Patrol reports that Perkins was dragged under the SUV and both teenagers died at the scene. Batten was not injured in the accident.

Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to accidents when walking on the street, especially when some motorists drive recklessly, are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or are distracted by the use of a cell phone or other device. Studies show that Georgia is one of the top ten most dangerous states for pedestrians, as its rate of fatal pedestrian accidents actually increased in the last ten years. If you or a loved one is struck by a vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Fill out the free form on the right to contact an experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer to see if you have legal recourse for your accident. 

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Keywords: fatal pedestrian accident, Georgia pedestrian accident