Savannah Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Advocating for the Injured in Chatham County, GA

As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) observes, everyone eventually becomes a pedestrian. Whether walking in your neighborhood or commercial areas on your way to a restaurant, shop, or other destination, you become a pedestrian the moment you step out your door or vehicle. Unfortunately, this can put you at risk for an accident that may result in serious injuries. 

Unfortunately, pedestrians face a much higher risk of injury or death than motor vehicle occupants when involved in traffic accidents. Lacking any physical protection, a pedestrian can be severely injured even when struck by vehicles at low speeds, such as 30 mph.

Recovering the compensation you deserve from an at-fault driver can be difficult for many reasons. Turning to a proven personal injury firm, such as Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C., can significantly increase your chances of a better result. Insurance companies will take your case more seriously when a respected law firm represents you. Our team has decades of knowledge and experience that can be used to maximize your damages in an injury claim or lawsuit. 

Call 912-513-2346 or contact Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. online to book a free consultation with a Savannah pedestrian accident attorney. 

Pedestrian Accidents in Savannah

Per the NHTSA, more than 7500 individuals lost their lives, and over 67,000 were injured in pedestrian accidents nationwide in 2022. Pedestrian safety in Savannah is a significant concern due to our city’s traffic patterns and infrastructure. Savannah’s busy streets increase interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, elevating the risk of accidents.

Certain areas lack adequate sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals, making it challenging for individuals to navigate safely. Incidents of speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield to pedestrians are prevalent, further endangering those on foot.

The Challenges of Recovering Compensation

The challenges of recovering fair compensation in the wake of a Savannah pedestrian accident can be extensive. 

Because Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, you cannot recover damages if you are found 50 percent or more at fault, such as in jaywalking, crossing against a signal, or walking while distracted by your cell phone. If you are less than 50 percent at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

Furthermore, Savannah’s high-traffic areas and dangerous intersections can increase the risk of disputes over fault. Insurance companies may argue that you were not in a marked crosswalk or were distracted to reduce the payout. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often occur due to a combination of factors, including driver negligence and unsafe conditions. Common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers texting, browsing, or otherwise distracted often fail to notice pedestrians crossing or walking along the road.
• Speeding: Higher vehicle speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.
• Failure to yield: Drivers may fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections, leading to accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers have reduced judgment and slower reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of hitting pedestrians.
• Poor visibility: Accidents are more likely to occur at night, during adverse weather conditions, or in poorly illuminated areas.

These causes can lead to severe injuries or death due to the direct impact on pedestrians from vehicles and the pavement, sidewalk, or ground. These injuries can range from broken bones and soft tissue injuries to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, damage to internal organs, and internal bleeding. Injuries can take weeks, months, or even years to recover from or may result in permanent disability. 

Liability & Insurance Coverage in Pedestrian Accident Claims

Determining liability in pedestrian accidents can be complex. Drivers are often held liable for failing to exercise due care, but instances can occur where pedestrians may share some responsibility. For example, a pedestrian crossing outside a designated crosswalk may complicate the liability determination. 

Insurance plays a critical role in compensating victims. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may be filed against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, pedestrian victims may need to rely on their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if available. However, navigating insurance policies and claims can be challenging without professional guidance.

Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Essential

Pedestrian accidents often involve severe injuries, significant medical expenses, and disputes over liability. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. 

Our skilled attorneys can: 

• Investigate the accident to establish liability.
• Collect evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Represent your case effectively in court if a settlement cannot be reached.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Savannah, Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. is here to help. With deep experience handling complex pedestrian accident cases, we are dedicated to fighting for justice and maximum recovery for our clients.

Call 912-513-2346  or contact us online to book a free consultation with a Savannah pedestrian accident attorney today.