Savannah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

As with most other states, pedestrian accidents in Georgia are on the rise. Higher numbers of pedestrians, increased traffic congestion, and additional driver distractions have led to more collisions, leaving pedestrians with severe injuries and other damages.

If a careless driver caused you harm, you—or an experienced personal injury attorney working on your behalf—can file a legal claim to help cover your losses. A compassionate Savannah pedestrian accident lawyer at Chattahoochee Injury Law can explain more during a consultation.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen

Several factors can contribute to vehicle-related pedestrian accidents. The most common causes include:

Motorist-Related Causes

  • Driver distractions, such as talking on the phone, reading or writing text messages, or engaging in conversations with passengers
  • Excessive speeding reduces reaction times and increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle
  • Driver impairment from drinking above the legal limit for alcohol or taking prescription or illicit drugs
  • Neglecting to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the road, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked
  • Low visibility from inclement weather, nighttime darkness, or fog
  • Driver recklessness, such as aggressive behavior, running red lights, and making illegal U-turns

Other potential causes include youth and inexperience, failing to check blind spots, and not getting enough sleep. Our experienced attorney can answer specific questions about motorist-related pedestrian accidents in Savannah during your initial consultation.

Pedestrian-Related Errors

While driver-related mistakes are often involved, the pedestrian’s actions can also put them at risk, including:

  • Distractions from their surroundings, such as listening to music or using a cell phone
  • Crossing the street outside of designated crosswalks or walking in the street when sidewalks, walkways, or paths are available
  • Failing to yield to a motorist and assuming a car will stop
  • Running into the path of a vehicle, with children being the most at risk for these accidents
  • Wearing dark clothing without using a reflector or flashlights at night
  • Intoxication from alcohol or drugs

According to guidance from Savannah.Gov, pedestrians must take responsibility for keeping themselves safe by staying alert and following road rules. This includes walking or jogging on sidewalks at all times when pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is available and using crosswalks.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors—such as construction zones, unkempt roadways, and lighting—can increase traffic accident risks. These external factors also include poor lighting for nighttime travel, weather-related conditions such as rain or snow, and a lack of adequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as crosswalks and sidewalks.

What To Do After an Accident

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, the priority is checking for injuries and seeking immediate medical care. If you do not need an ambulance and emergency care, start gathering evidence and other data relating to the accident, including:

  • Driver contact and insurance information
  • Pictures of the scene
  • Witness statements

Contacting a qualified Savannah pedestrian injury lawyer before calling the insurer can help increase the chance of collecting a fair settlement. Our seasoned Chattahoochee Injury Law attorney can handle the negotiations and advocate for the best potential outcome.

Speak to a Local Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Savannah Today

To reduce the risk of being hit by a car as a pedestrian and suffering life-altering harm, you should remain alert, cross at intersections, and find a well-lit area where you can see the oncoming traffic. If sidewalks and paths are unavailable, walk facing oncoming traffic and as far from the curb as possible.

While you can take steps to help keep yourself safe, accidents caused by negligent drivers can still occur. If you have been involved in this type of accident, call our office to speak to a Savannah pedestrian accident lawyer.