Crosswalk Accidents

Respected Savannah Car Accident Lawyers Committed to Aggressively Representing Injured Pedestrians 

Crosswalks are meant to provide a safe path for pedestrians to cross otherwise dangerous roads, but unfortunately, they are often the site of serious accidents. When drivers fail to yield or pay attention, pedestrians crossing at a designated crosswalk can suffer devastating injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crosswalk accident, the team at Suthers & Harper is here to help. Our experienced Savannah pedestrian accident attorneys have decades of experience handling these cases and know what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve for what you’ve been through.

Georgia’s Crosswalk Laws

Georgia law provides specific protections for pedestrians, particularly when they are using crosswalks. Under Georgia law:

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks: When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, drivers are required to stop and yield the right of way. This applies whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked at intersections.

Pedestrians have the right of way: Pedestrians in crosswalks have the legal right of way, meaning drivers must be prepared to stop and allow them to cross safely. This is especially important in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as near schools, parks, and busy city streets.

Drivers cannot pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks: If one vehicle has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross, it is illegal for another vehicle to pass that stopped vehicle. This law is in place to protect pedestrians from being struck by drivers who may not see them.

Pedestrians must obey traffic signals: Pedestrians are also required to follow traffic signals. If there is a “walk” signal, they have the right of way, but they must wait for the proper signal before entering the crosswalk.

Even with these protections in place, crosswalk accidents still occur far too often. Drivers may be distracted, speeding, under the influence of alcohol, or simply unaware of their surroundings, leading to serious and sometimes fatal accidents. If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk accident, a Savannah pedestrian accident lawyer with Suthers & Harper can help you hold the responsible driver accountable.

Can Pedestrians Still Recover Compensation if They Were Hit Outside a Crosswalk?

While crosswalks offer additional protections to pedestrians, not all pedestrian accidents occur within the confines of a marked crosswalk. If you were hit by a vehicle outside of a crosswalk, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, which allows injured parties to recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident.

For example, if you were crossing the street outside of a crosswalk but the driver was speeding or distracted, the driver may still bear the majority of the blame for the accident. Even if you are found partially at fault, you can still recover compensation, though your award may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For instance, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 30% at fault for crossing outside of a crosswalk, your compensation would be reduced to $70,000. However, because of this rule, it is crucial to work with a skilled Savannah pedestrian accident attorney who can help you defend against the insurance company’s claims that you were more than 50% responsible for the collision. 

Damages Available in a Georgia Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk or pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Common damages available in a Georgia pedestrian accident lawsuit include:

Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all past, current, and future medical expenses related to your injuries. This may cover hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy sessions, and any other necessary treatments—both in the past and future.

Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. If your injuries affect your long-term earning potential, you can also recover compensation for loss of future income.

Pain and Suffering: In addition to financial losses, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident. This can include compensation for ongoing physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care: Some injuries may require long-term care, including rehabilitation or home modifications. Compensation for these future expenses may also be available in a pedestrian accident lawsuit.

Every pedestrian accident case is different and affects the victim’s life in unique ways. In turn, the damages you can recover will depend on the specific details of your case. A knowledgeable Savannah pedestrian accident lawyer from Suthers & Harper can help determine the full extent of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation possible.

Let’s Work Together to Get You the Compensation You Deserve

If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Suthers & Harper, our dedicated team of Savannah crosswalk accident attorneys is here to help you every step of the way. We have gone head-to-head against some of the largest insurance companies in the nation and have a history of securing fair compensation for our injured clients. 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.