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If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking in Savannah, you’re facing more than just physical injuries. Medical bills are piling up. You might be unable to work. And the driver’s insurance company is already building a case to minimize what they owe you.
Chattahoochee Injury Law represents pedestrian accident victims throughout Savannah and the surrounding areas. Founding Attorney Benjamin Clary has spent 13 years handling personal injury cases in Georgia, including pedestrian collisions that result in catastrophic harm. He understands the challenges you’re facing and fights to recover full compensation for clients who were hurt through no fault of their own.
You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. Our Savannah, GA pedestrian accident lawyer offers free consultations and works on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Contact us to discuss your case.
Pedestrian accident claims in Georgia involve specific state laws that affect how much compensation you can recover and whether you can recover anything at all. Ben Clary earned his law degree from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and has been licensed to practice in Georgia since the beginning of his career. He knows how Chatham County courts operate. He understands how local insurance adjusters handle pedestrian claims. And he’s built relationships with medical providers throughout Savannah who can document injuries thoroughly.
When you work with a personal injury lawyer in Savannah, GA, local knowledge matters. Insurance companies approach claims differently depending on jurisdiction, and an attorney familiar with the area can anticipate their tactics. Ben has handled cases involving crashes on Bay Street, accidents near Forsyth Park, and collisions in parking lots throughout the Historic District. Geography affects evidence, witnesses, and liability, and we account for all of it.
Chattahoochee Injury Law has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in accidents across Georgia. We’ve secured substantial settlements in commercial vehicle cases, premises liability claims, and motor vehicle collisions. Every case is different, but our track record demonstrates that we know how to build claims that insurance companies take seriously.
From the moment you hire us, we handle every aspect of your claim, including medical records, insurance correspondence, and settlement negotiations. If litigation becomes necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court.
Ben Clary has earned a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability, and has been rated by Super Lawyers. These recognitions reflect his commitment to thorough, ethical representation. But what matters most is the attention each client receives throughout their case.
We work on contingency. That means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. No retainers. No hourly billing. We advance the costs of investigating and building your claim, and we only get paid when you get paid.
This structure allows injured pedestrians to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. You’ve already suffered enough. Worrying about legal fees shouldn’t add to your burden.
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“Ben Clary and his Paralegal Dominic were nothing but AMAZING! Since this was my first injury motor vehicle accident I had no idea what to expect. They were very informative from beginning to end. I had direct communication with my attorney AT ALL TIMES. He was literally a text/call a way. I loved that. I am very pleased with my experience with Chattahoochee Injury Law. Highly Recommend!” — Fabiola Winspeare
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Pedestrian collisions happen in many different circumstances. The location, the type of vehicle involved, and the driver’s conduct all affect how we approach your claim. Below are the most common pedestrian accident cases we handle in Savannah.
Understanding Georgia’s pedestrian accident laws helps you know what to expect from your claim. Several statutes directly affect how liability is determined and how much compensation you can recover.
Georgia law requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years of the accident date. This deadline is established under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Miss it, and you lose the right to pursue compensation through the courts. Insurance negotiations take time, and starting early protects your ability to file suit if needed.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. If you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re 50% or more responsible, you cannot recover anything.
Insurance adjusters routinely try to assign blame to pedestrians for jaywalking, distracted walking, or wearing dark clothing at night. We counter these arguments with evidence and protect your right to full compensation.
Georgia traffic code establishes when pedestrians have the right of way and when they must yield to vehicles. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91 and O.C.G.A. § 40-6-92 govern pedestrian conduct at crosswalks and other locations. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections with traffic control signals. Understanding these laws strengthens your claim when a driver violates them.
When a drunk driver strikes a pedestrian, Georgia law may allow claims against establishments that overserved alcohol to the driver. O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40 creates liability for providers who serve alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals. These claims add potential sources of compensation beyond the driver’s insurance policy.
Pedestrian accidents often cause severe, life-altering injuries. The compensation you deserve reflects the full scope of how this crash has affected your life. Georgia law allows recovery for three main categories of damages.
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses. Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and medical equipment, form the largest component for many pedestrians. According to the CDC, pedestrian injuries frequently require extended medical treatment due to their severity.
Lost wages also fall into this category. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the income you’ve lost. For serious injuries causing permanent disability, you may also recover lost earning capacity, which is the difference between what you could have earned and what you can earn now.
Other economic damages include property damage, transportation costs to medical appointments, home modifications required due to disability, and in-home care expenses.
Non-economic damages address losses that lack a direct dollar value: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of consortium affecting your spouse. These damages are more difficult to quantify, but in severe pedestrian accident cases, they frequently exceed economic damages. Physical wounds heal. The psychological impact and diminished quality of life often persist far longer.
Georgia allows punitive damages in cases involving willful misconduct, malice, fraud, or wanton disregard for the safety of others. O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1 governs when these damages apply. Drunk driving cases, hit-and-run accidents, and situations where drivers acted with extreme recklessness may warrant punitive damages.
Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. While not available in every case, they significantly increase potential recovery when applicable.
The actions you take immediately after being struck by a vehicle affect both your health and your legal claim. If you’re physically able, following these steps protects your interests.
1. Stay at the scene. Unless you need emergency medical transport, remain at the accident location. Leaving can complicate your claim and may create legal issues.
2. Call 911. Report the accident to police and request emergency medical services. A police report creates an official record of what happened, including the officer’s initial assessment of fault.
3. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, get examined. Adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries don’t always show immediate symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries can have delayed onset. Medical records linking your injuries to the accident are crucial evidence.
4. Document everything you can. If you’re able, photograph the scene. The vehicle that struck you. Your injuries. Skid marks, debris, traffic signals, weather conditions. Capture the driver’s license plate if they attempt to leave.
5. Collect driver and witness information. Get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. Obtain names and phone numbers from anyone who witnessed the accident.
6. Don’t admit fault. Be careful what you say at the scene. Apologizing or saying you didn’t see the car can be used against you later. Stick to facts when speaking with police.
7. Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your own insurer, but keep the conversation brief. Don’t provide recorded statements or accept settlement offers without legal guidance.
8. Preserve evidence. Keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing. Don’t wash them. Save any damaged personal items. These may serve as evidence of the impact’s severity.
9. Track your recovery. Document your injuries, symptoms, and how they affect daily life. Keep a journal. Save receipts for all expenses related to the accident.
10. Contact a pedestrian accident attorney. Insurance companies start building their defense immediately. You need someone protecting your interests from the start. A lawyer handles communications with insurers, preserves evidence, and ensures deadlines are met.
Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in Savannah and throughout Georgia. Understanding the scope of this problem provides context for the risks walkers face daily.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes nationally in a recent year. This represents the highest number in decades. Georgia consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians.
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that pedestrian fatalities make up a disproportionate share of traffic deaths in the state. Urban areas like Savannah see higher pedestrian traffic and correspondingly higher accident rates.
Several factors contribute to Savannah’s pedestrian risks. The Historic District draws tourists who walk extensively. College students from SCAD traverse the city on foot. Older neighborhoods have infrastructure that predates modern pedestrian safety standards. And like much of Georgia, Savannah sees significant drunk driving on weekend nights.
Speed plays a critical role in pedestrian accident severity. According to NHTSA research, a pedestrian struck at 40 mph has an 85% chance of dying. At 20 mph, that risk drops to 10%. Many Savannah streets have speed limits that, when violated, create deadly conditions for walkers.
Distracted driving has worsened pedestrian safety nationwide. Drivers looking at phones miss walkers entering crosswalks. The CDC reports that distracted driving kills approximately 3,000 people annually across all crash types.
Poor lighting contributes to nighttime pedestrian accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that most pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. Savannah’s tree-lined streets and historic lighting can create visibility challenges that increase risks for evening walkers.
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee comes as a percentage of the settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you don’t pay attorney fees.
It depends on the complexity of your injuries and the insurance company’s willingness to offer fair compensation. Simple cases may settle within a few months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or litigation can take a year or longer. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial while pursuing efficient resolution.
You may still have options. Uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy can provide compensation. If the accident occurred on commercial property, the property owner’s insurance may apply. We investigate all potential sources of recovery.
Possibly. Georgia’s comparative negligence law reduces your compensation based on your percentage of fault, but doesn’t eliminate recovery unless you’re 50% or more responsible. Jaywalking doesn’t automatically mean you caused the accident. Drivers still have duties to watch for pedestrians and avoid collisions when possible.
Hit-and-run cases are more challenging but not hopeless. We work with law enforcement to identify the driver using surveillance footage, witness statements, vehicle debris, and other evidence. Your uninsured motorist coverage may also provide compensation while the investigation continues.
Almost never. Initial offers are typically far below the actual value of your claim. Insurance companies make low offers hoping injured pedestrians will accept before understanding what their case is worth. Consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement.
This happens frequently with pedestrian accidents. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal damage often have delayed symptoms. Seeking prompt medical attention creates documentation of your condition, and follow-up visits establish the progression of your injuries. Don’t settle your case until you understand the full extent of your harm.
Evidence drives fault determination. Police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction, and traffic law analysis all play roles. We investigate thoroughly to establish the driver’s negligence and counter any attempts to blame you for the collision.
Yes. Georgia’s wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to file claims for the loss of their loved one. These cases seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Everything related to the crash and your injuries. Photographs of the scene and your injuries. The clothing and shoes you wore. Medical records and bills. Pay stubs showing lost wages. Witness contact information. Communications with insurance companies. Your attorney can guide you on additional documentation to preserve.
Most cases settle without trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to court. Having an attorney willing and able to litigate often motivates insurers to settle reasonably.
There’s no standard formula. Value depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the impact on your daily life. Permanent disabilities and disfigurement increase case value. We evaluate every aspect of your damages to determine what fair compensation looks like.
If your health insurance pays for accident-related treatment, the insurer may have a right to reimbursement from your settlement. This is called subrogation. We negotiate with all lienholders to maximize what you actually receive.
As long as you’re within the two-year statute of limitations, you can file a claim. However, evidence degrades over time, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies become more skeptical of delayed claims. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Pedestrians have no protection. A car’s frame absorbs impact; a pedestrian’s body takes the full force. This typically results in more severe injuries and higher damages than vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. Insurance companies know this and often fight harder to reduce payouts.
Certain areas of Savannah present heightened risks for people on foot. Awareness of these locations helps pedestrians stay alert, but it doesn’t excuse drivers who fail to exercise caution.
Bay Street sees heavy pedestrian traffic from tourists visiting River Street attractions. Vehicles traveling between downtown destinations frequently cross paths with walkers, and the volume of activity creates dangerous conditions.
Victory Drive is a high-speed corridor where pedestrians crossing face significant risks. The road’s width and vehicle speeds make timing crossings difficult, particularly for older adults.
Broughton Street, while more pedestrian-friendly in the Historic District, still sees accidents where cars enter and exit parking areas or make turns at intersections.
Abercorn Street running through Midtown has limited pedestrian infrastructure in many sections. Walkers crossing to reach shopping centers face fast-moving traffic and inadequate crosswalks.
DeRenne Avenue near the hospitals sees pedestrians navigating to medical appointments, often when they’re already in compromised physical condition. Heavy traffic and complex intersections add danger.
MLK Jr. Boulevard has wide lanes and vehicles traveling at speed, creating challenging conditions for pedestrian crossings between downtown and west Savannah.
After a pedestrian accident in Savannah, you may need assistance from various local agencies and organizations. The following resources can help with medical care, accident reporting, and recovery.
Savannah Police Department – (912) 651-6675 – https://www.savannahpd.org/ – For obtaining accident reports and reporting hit-and-run incidents.
Memorial Health University Medical Center – (912) 350-8000 – https://www.memorialhealth.com/ – Level I trauma center providing emergency care for serious pedestrian injuries.
St. Joseph’s Hospital – (912) 819-4100 – https://www.sjchs.org/ – Additional emergency medical services in the Savannah area.
Chatham Area Transit – (912) 233-5767 – https://www.catchacat.org/ – Public transportation options when you’re unable to drive during recovery.
Georgia Department of Driver Services – (678) 413-8400 – https://dds.georgia.gov/ – For obtaining accident records and driver information.
Chatham County Solicitor General’s Office – (912) 652-7090 – For information on criminal charges against drivers who struck pedestrians.
Chattahoochee Injury Law does not endorse any of these organizations. This list is provided for informational purposes only.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident in Savannah, Georgia, you deserve an attorney who will fight for full compensation. Chattahoochee Injury Law represents pedestrian accident victims throughout Chatham County and surrounding areas.
We offer free consultations with no obligation. Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Insurance companies are already working to minimize what they owe you. Contact our office today to schedule your free case review and learn how we can help you move forward.
