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If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Savannah, we know that you may be facing serious injuries, and we are here to help you. Common injuries include broken bones, head trauma, internal damage, and road rash. According to NHTSA pedestrian data, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023. On average, a pedestrian died every 72 minutes. Seventy-four percent of those deaths happened outside of intersections, on stretches of road where many people assume they are visible to drivers.
Chattahoochee Injury Law has spent a dozen years representing people injured in accidents throughout Georgia. Our Savannah, GA pedestrian accident lawyer can review your case at no cost and help you understand what recovery may be available.
A pedestrian accident claim is a civil action brought by a person who was struck and injured by a motor vehicle while on foot. The claim seeks compensation from the driver or other party responsible for the collision, typically through that party’s auto insurance carrier.
Savannah presents a particular set of risks for pedestrians. The city’s historic squares, narrow downtown streets, busy commercial corridors along Abercorn and Victory Drive, and high-traffic tourist areas put pedestrians and motor vehicles in constant proximity. Add in rideshare pickups, commercial delivery vehicles, and drivers unfamiliar with local road layouts, and the risk compounds. Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of injury death in the United States, and pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users in any urban setting.
Our firm handles pedestrian injury cases arising throughout the Savannah area. Below is a summary of the scenarios we encounter most frequently.
Pedestrian accidents in Savannah present issues that are specific to this city. The historic district’s traffic patterns, the commercial corridors that lack adequate sidewalks or lighting, and the high volume of tourist foot traffic all contribute to the risk. Handling these cases well requires familiarity with local road conditions, how Chatham County courts handle personal injury litigation, and the tactics defense attorneys and adjusters use in this jurisdiction.
Benjamin Clary founded Chattahoochee Injury Law and has represented injured clients in Georgia for 13 years. He earned his undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston and his law degree from Mercer University School of Law. Ben has been recognized by Super Lawyers and carries an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for ethical standards and legal ability. He is familiar with the roads, the courts, and the carriers that handle claims in the Savannah area, and he has spent his career on the plaintiff’s side of personal injury litigation.
Chattahoochee Injury Law has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in pedestrian accidents, car crashes, and other negligence cases throughout Georgia. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results. They do reflect the preparation and persistence behind every case we take on. We accept pedestrian accident cases on a contingency basis. You owe no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our firm also represents injured clients across the full range of personal injury claims in the Savannah area.
Pedestrian injuries are frequently among the most severe in any personal injury practice. A person struck by a vehicle at even moderate speed can sustain fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ damage. The damages available under Georgia law should reflect that severity.
General damages compensate for harm that does not have a direct receipt. Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and the lasting impact the injuries have on your ability to function, work, and engage in the activities that made up your daily life before the accident. For a pedestrian who sustains a traumatic brain injury or permanent disability, these damages often represent a substantial portion of the total recovery.
Special damages cover the documented financial losses. Hospital bills, emergency surgery, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, lost wages, future earning capacity, and ongoing medical care. Pedestrian accident victims frequently require months or years of treatment, and the cost of that care must be fully accounted for in the claim.
Punitive damages may apply when the driver’s conduct was especially egregious. Striking a pedestrian while drunk and then fleeing the scene, for example, may support a claim for punitive damages in addition to compensatory recovery.
Liability in pedestrian cases centers on the driver’s duty to exercise reasonable care and yield to pedestrians where required. But liability is not always limited to the driver. A property owner whose poorly designed parking lot channels pedestrian traffic into a vehicle travel lane may share fault. A municipality that fails to maintain crosswalk markings or signal timing may be held responsible. Identifying every liable party is part of the work our firm handles.
Evidence in a pedestrian accident case needs to be collected quickly. Several key factors shape the strength of the claim.
Prompt medical treatment is essential. Many pedestrian injuries, particularly head injuries and internal trauma, may not be fully apparent at the scene. A thorough medical evaluation creates the documented connection between the crash and the injury. Without it, the insurance carrier will argue that the injuries were pre-existing or unrelated.
Scene evidence is critical. Photographs of the location, the vehicle, traffic signals, crosswalk markings, sight lines, and any obstructions should be taken as soon as possible. Surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses is valuable but can be overwritten within days if a preservation request is not made promptly.
Georgia’s comparative negligence law means that the defense will almost certainly argue that the pedestrian was partially at fault. The pedestrian was jaywalking. The pedestrian was looking at a phone. The pedestrian was wearing dark clothing at night. Anticipating those arguments and building the evidence to counter them is a central part of effective case preparation.
As with any injury claim, be cautious about recorded statements requested by the driver’s insurance carrier. Speak with an attorney before giving one. And restrict social media activity during the case. Any post that appears inconsistent with the claimed injuries will be used against you.
The timeline for a pedestrian accident case depends on the severity of the injuries and the complexity of the liability questions involved. Cases with clear fault and moderate injuries may resolve within several months. Cases involving permanent disability, disputed liability, or claims against a government entity will take considerably longer.
Settling too early is a common and costly mistake. If the full extent of the injuries has not been determined, the settlement will almost certainly undervalue the case. There is no second chance once the release is signed.
The general progression includes:
Most pedestrian accident cases in Georgia resolve before trial. We prepare each case as if it will go to a jury. That level of preparation influences the quality of the offers we receive.
Bring whatever materials you have. We will work on collecting the rest.
The consultation is free and confidential. You will leave with a realistic assessment of your case, the key legal issues, and the steps that would follow if you choose to move forward.
Several Georgia statutes govern pedestrian accident claims. The resources below provide a starting point for understanding the legal framework. They are not a substitute for advice about your particular case.
If you were struck by a vehicle in Savannah, GA, our firm is available to review your case at no cost. We work on contingency. No fees are owed unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us to speak with a Savannah pedestrian accident attorney. We will review the facts, explain what Georgia law provides in your situation, and give you an honest assessment of how our firm can help.