Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen in a moment and often have devastating consequences, leaving victims with life-changing injuries and overwhelming medical bills. Whether you’re walking to work, crossing the street, or simply enjoying the sights of Savannah, being struck by a car can instantly change your life. At Suthers & Harper, we understand the unique challenges faced by pedestrian accident victims, and our team of experienced Savannah pedestrian accident attorneys is here to help. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve after a serious accident.

Hot Spots for Pedestrian Accidents in Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful city known for its historic charm, parks, and walkability. However, with the growing number of pedestrians, certain areas have become hot spots for pedestrian accidents. Some of the most common locations where pedestrian accidents occur in Savannah include:

Downtown Savannah: With its bustling streets, busy intersections, and tourist traffic, downtown Savannah is a common area for pedestrian accidents. Popular streets like Bay Street, River Street, and Broughton Street see high volumes of foot traffic, often leading to collisions between pedestrians and vehicles.

Near Schools and Universities: Areas around Savannah State University, SCAD, and local schools are also high-risk locations for pedestrian accidents. With students frequently walking to and from classes, these areas can be hazardous when drivers fail to pay attention or obey speed limits.

Major Intersections: High-traffic intersections such as Abercorn Street, Bull Street, and Victory Drive often see a mix of pedestrians and vehicles. These busy intersections are common sites for pedestrian accidents, especially when drivers run red lights or fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Tourist Areas: Savannah’s tourist areas, including Forsyth Park, the historic district, and the waterfront, are filled with pedestrians, making these areas particularly dangerous when drivers aren’t paying attention or fail to follow traffic laws.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you need a knowledgeable Savannah pedestrian accident lawyer to help you understand your rights and effectively pursue a claim against the at-fault party. 

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents happen for a variety of reasons, and most of these tragic accidents are entirely preventable. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Whether drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or using their navigation systems, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a devastating accident.

Failure to Yield: Georgia law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, but many drivers fail to follow these rules. This can result in accidents when pedestrians have the right of way, but drivers are not paying attention or are in a rush.

Speeding: Speeding significantly increases the likelihood of pedestrian accidents. Not only does it reduce the driver’s ability to stop in time, but it also makes the impact more severe when an accident occurs. Speeding in busy pedestrian areas is especially dangerous.

Impaired Driving: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced coordination, making them more likely to cause accidents. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to impaired drivers.

Left Turns at Intersections: Drivers making left turns at intersections may focus on oncoming traffic rather than checking for pedestrians. This is a common scenario for pedestrian accidents, particularly at busy intersections where drivers may be in a hurry.

Shared Fault in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that more than one party can share fault for an accident. In pedestrian accidents, this means that both the driver and the pedestrian may bear some responsibility for the collision. For example, if a pedestrian crosses outside of a designated crosswalk or disobeys traffic signals, they may be found partially at fault for the accident.

However, as long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were found to be 20% at fault for an accident and were awarded $100,000 in damages, you’d will receive $80,000.

Given Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, determining fault in pedestrian accidents can be complex, and insurance companies often try to place blame on the pedestrian to reduce their payout. This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced Savannah pedestrian accident attorney on your side. At Suthers & Harper, we will work to gather evidence, review police reports, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to ensure that liability is accurately assessed and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Speak with a Dedicated Savannah Pedestrian Accident Attorney About Your Case Today

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. At Suthers & Harper, our dedicated team of Savannah pedestrian accident lawyers is here to guide you through the recovery process and fight for the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move on with your life. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-320-2384 or connect with one of our attorneys by filling out our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.