Experienced Legal Representation for Injured Pedestrians in Savannah, Georgia
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the absence of physical protection during the collision. When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the consequences may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and permanent disability. Georgia law provides injured pedestrians the right to seek compensation when a driver, property owner, or third party is legally responsible for the incident.
Hasner Law, PC represents pedestrians injured on Savannah’s roads, intersections, parking lots, and sidewalks. We help injured victims and their families evaluate liability, pursue insurance claims, and prepare litigation when necessary. Whether the accident occurred at a marked crosswalk or outside of a designated crossing zone, legal consultation may help determine available legal options under Georgia law.
If you or someone you care about was injured in a pedestrian accident in Savannah, legal help is available. Hasner Law offers free consultations to assess your legal rights. There are no legal fees unless compensation is recovered. Call (912) 234-2334 or submit an online request to begin a confidential review of your claim.
Savannah Pedestrian Accident Guide
- Why Choose Hasner Law for Your Savannah Pedestrian Accident Claim?
- Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident
- What are Some Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Savannah?
- How to Prove Liability in Savannah Pedestrian Accident Cases
- Pedestrian Injury Insurance Claims and Settlement Process
- The Legal Stages of a Pedestrian Injury Lawsuit
- Special Considerations in Wrongful Death Pedestrian Claims
- Statute of Limitations and Legal Deadlines
- What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Savannah
- Contact a Savannah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Savannah Pedestrian Accident Claims
Why Choose Hasner Law for Your Savannah Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Hasner Law brings years of personal injury litigation experience to each case, including those involving serious pedestrian injuries. Our Savannah pedestrian accident lawyers understand the procedures required to prepare claims, communicate with insurers, and take legal action when negotiation efforts fail.
Local Experience in Savannah Courts
Hasner Law routinely represents clients before the Chatham County State and Superior Courts. Familiarity with local procedural rules, court personnel, and judicial expectations supports efficient case management and more effective trial preparation.
Proven Results for Injured Clients
Hasner Law has successfully recovered compensation for pedestrians and other injury victims throughout Georgia. Our results reflect a commitment to full financial recovery through verdicts, settlements, and insurance negotiations. To review past outcomes, visit our case results page.
Client-Centered Legal Service
Each case begins with a detailed review of the client’s circumstances. Our law firm maintains open lines of communication, providing status updates, document access, and one-on-one contact with attorneys throughout the claims process.
Investigation and Evidence Development
Pedestrian accident claims often depend on video surveillance, eyewitness testimony, vehicle impact analysis, and driver background checks. Hasner Law builds thorough, evidence-based cases with professional investigators, medical consultants, and litigation support experts.
Contingency-Based Representation
No client is charged legal fees unless compensation is obtained through a settlement or court verdict. Initial consultations are free, allowing injured parties to receive guidance without financial risk.
Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident
In Georgia, an injured pedestrian may seek compensation from the party legally responsible for the incident. The amount and type of damages depend on the severity of the injury, the available insurance coverage, and whether the incident caused temporary or permanent disability.
Medical Expenses
Medical damages may include ambulance transport, emergency care, hospital stays, physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, and prescription medications. If the injury requires long-term treatment or adaptive equipment, these costs may be projected and included in the claim.
Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity
If the injury causes a temporary or permanent inability to work, the injured person may seek reimbursement for missed wages and future income loss. Employer statements, tax returns, and vocational assessments are often used to support these claims.
Pain and Suffering
Georgia law permits injured parties to recover for physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional trauma caused by the accident. These damages are evaluated based on injury severity, recovery duration, and the long-term impact on daily living.
Disfigurement and Disability
Visible scarring, amputations, and permanent mobility limitations may justify additional damages. Independent medical evaluations and expert testimony are typically required to support these claims.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a pedestrian accident results in death, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. Damages may include the deceased person’s lost income, funeral expenses, medical bills, and loss of companionship.
Records, testimony, and legal argumentation must support every compensation category. Hasner Law assists clients in gathering documentation and preparing damage summaries based on Georgia’s tort law standards.
What are Some Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Savannah?
Pedestrian accidents occur in various settings, including intersections, residential streets, parking lots, and near construction zones. While many incidents involve driver error, other causes include unsafe property design or failure to implement safety measures.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Georgia law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. When drivers speed through intersections or disregard signage, pedestrians may be struck while lawfully crossing the street.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who use cell phones, adjust navigation systems, or engage in other distractions may fail to observe pedestrians. These incidents frequently occur at intersections and during turns, especially at night or during poor weather conditions.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment reduce reaction time, depth perception, and judgment. Impaired drivers are likelier to swerve into sidewalks, ignore traffic signals, or strike pedestrians legally crossing the road.
Low Visibility and Poor Lighting
Dark clothing, unlit walkways, and inadequate street lighting increase the risk of nighttime pedestrian accidents. Property owners and municipalities may be liable if the lighting conditions fail to meet safety standards.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid a pedestrian, especially in school zones or dense residential areas. Sudden lane changes or aggressive maneuvers also contribute to losing control near pedestrian zones.
Each cause has different legal implications depending on whether the driver was cited for a traffic offense, whether the pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk, and whether third parties contributed to the unsafe conditions.
How to Prove Liability in Savannah Pedestrian Accident Cases
Under Georgia law, drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians. Legal liability may be established through direct evidence, circumstantial proof, or statutory violations. The legal analysis often focuses on who had the right-of-way, whether traffic laws were followed, and what steps were taken to avoid harm.
Legal Standard of Care
Drivers must operate their vehicles reasonably safely and comply with Georgia traffic regulations. This duty extends to intersections, parking lots, and road shoulders. Pedestrians, in turn, are expected to use sidewalks, cross at designated areas, and avoid sudden entry into traffic.
Comparative Negligence
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the pedestrian is partially at fault for the incident, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their level of fault. If the pedestrian is 50 percent or more responsible, they are barred from recovering damages under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33.
Types of Evidence in Pedestrian Claims
- Video Surveillance. Intersection and security camera footage can show traffic signals, crossing behavior, and vehicle speed.
- Witness Testimony. Bystanders may confirm right-of-way, driver behavior, and pedestrian visibility.
- Vehicle Inspection. Damage patterns may indicate speed, impact angle, and braking attempts.
- Cell Phone Records. Evidence of texting or calling at the time of impact may support distracted driving claims.
Prompt evidence collection is essential. Hasner Law initiates preservation letters, requests video footage, and coordinates with investigators to gather materials before they are lost or overwritten.
Pedestrian Injury Insurance Claims and Settlement Process
Many pedestrian accident claims begin with an insurance claim rather than a lawsuit. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance typically covers bodily injury damages in Georgia. However, insurance companies often dispute fault or challenge the extent of the injuries.
Filing the Claim
After gathering medical documentation and evidence of fault, the injured party or their legal representative submits a claim to the driver’s insurer. The insurer may request recorded statements, medical records, or signed authorizations. Legal representation can help limit exposure to unfair claim practices.
Evaluating the Offer
When calculating an offer, insurance adjusters assess liability, injury severity, and prior medical history. These offers often undervalue non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or future medical expenses. Claimants are not required to accept the first offer.
Negotiation and Settlement
Settlement negotiations may occur over several weeks or months. Evidence, including medical reports, income loss documentation, and physician evaluations, must support a counteroffer. If an agreement is not reached, the claimant may proceed with litigation.
Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or carries insufficient coverage, the injured pedestrian may file a claim under their uninsured motorist (UM) policy, if available. Georgia insurers must offer UM coverage, but policyholders may waive it in writing.
What to Expect When Filing a Lawsuit
When insurance negotiations fail or liability is disputed, filing a civil lawsuit may be the next step. A pedestrian injury lawsuit follows a structured process governed by Georgia’s Civil Practice Act.
The Legal Stages of a Pedestrian Injury Lawsuit
- Complaint Filing – The plaintiff files a legal complaint in the appropriate Georgia court, such as Chatham County State Court.
- Service of Process – The defendant must be formally served with the complaint and given a chance to respond.
- Discovery Phase – Both parties exchange evidence, including medical records, photographs, deposition testimony, and expert reports.
- Pre-Trial Motions – Either party may file motions to exclude evidence or dismiss claims.
- Settlement Negotiations – Additional negotiations may occur after discovering the full liability and damages.
- Trial – If settlement efforts fail, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury determines fault and awards compensation.
Many pedestrian accident lawsuits resolve during pre-trial phases. However, trial preparation ensures that claims are supported by thorough documentation and legal argumentation.
Special Considerations in Wrongful Death Pedestrian Claims
If a pedestrian accident results in death, specific Georgia statutes apply. The wrongful death action may be brought by the deceased person’s spouse, children, or parents, depending on the family structure.
Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Claims
- The full value of the decedent’s life, including future income and benefits
- Medical and funeral expenses related to the accident
- Loss of companionship and familial support
If the decedent was struck by a government vehicle or injured on government-maintained property, notice of claim procedures apply. Depending on the agency involved, these claims may require formal written notice within six to twelve months.
Statute of Limitations and Legal Deadlines
Timely filing is required to preserve the right to compensation. Georgia law generally imposes a two-year deadline for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. Exceptions and shorter deadlines apply in specific cases.
Additional Filing Limitations
- Claims against Municipal or County Governments. Written notice must be submitted within six months of the incident.
- Claims against State Agencies. Written notice is typically required within twelve months.
- Claims Involving Minors. The statute of limitations may be tolled until the minor reaches age 18, though guardians may bring claims earlier.
Meeting all applicable deadlines is necessary to preserve the legal right to compensation. An attorney can help identify the appropriate timeline based on the facts and involved parties.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Savannah
Immediately after an accident, specific actions can help protect legal rights and strengthen the claim.
1. Report the Incident
Call 911 and request police response. The incident should be documented in an official accident report. This report often serves as the foundation for determining liability.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries appear minor, medical evaluation is necessary. Prompt treatment documents the connection between the accident and the injuries sustained.
3. Preserve Evidence
Take photographs of the scene, vehicle, roadway, and visible injuries. Collect contact information for witnesses. Preserve footwear and clothing worn during the incident.
4. Request a Copy of the Police Report
Obtain the accident report from the Savannah Police Department or the Georgia State Patrol. Review the report for any inaccuracies and submit corrections if needed.
5. Avoid Recorded Statements
Insurance representatives may request recorded statements shortly after the incident. Legal representation is recommended before speaking to insurers to avoid misstatements or misinterpretations of facts.
6. Contact An Attorney
An experienced Savannah pedestrian accident attorney can assess liability, calculate damages, and initiate claims. Early legal involvement ensures that deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
Contact a Savannah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Savannah, we can help you recover medical expenses, income loss, and other damages. Hasner Law represents injured pedestrians in Savannah and the surrounding areas.
Call (912) 234-2334 for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless compensation is secured. You may also submit a contact form to begin the case review process with a personal injury lawyer in Savannah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Savannah Pedestrian Accident Claims
What if I was not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident?
Georgia law does not require a pedestrian to be in a crosswalk to seek compensation. However, pedestrians crossing outside of a marked crosswalk must yield to vehicles under state law.
Liability will depend on the actions of both the pedestrian and the driver. Even if a pedestrian was not in a crosswalk, a claim may still succeed if the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to take reasonable steps to avoid the collision.
Can I recover compensation if the driver fled the scene?
A claim may be filed under your uninsured motorist policy. Surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony may assist in identifying the driver if available.
How long does it take to resolve a pedestrian accident claim?
Simple claims may settle in several months. Disputed liability or significant injuries, especially if a lawsuit is filed, may extend the timeline to a year or longer.
What if I lost income because of my injuries?
A compensation claim may include lost wages and future earning potential. Documentation from employers, tax returns, and medical providers supports these claims.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
Hasner Law operates on a contingency fee basis. No fees are charged unless compensation is recovered.
Hasner Law: Savannah Injury & Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
221 W York St,
Savannah, GA 31401
Ph: 912-234-2334
