Walking along the streets and paths of St. Simons Island should never put your life at risk, but when a driver fails to yield, runs a light, or simply isn’t paying attention, the consequences for a pedestrian can be devastating. Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, and the path to recovery, both physical and financial, can be long and complicated.
At Taylor Odachowski Schmidt & Crossland, LLC (TOSC), our attorneys are committed to standing up for injured pedestrians and their families throughout St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles. As a Martindale-Hubbell AV™-rated firm with decades of combined legal experience, we help victims navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the full compensation they are owed. Our St. Simons Island personal injury lawyers are ready to review your situation and help you take the next step.
The Pedestrian Accident Problem in Georgia
Pedestrian accidents are a serious and growing public safety concern across the state. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were 345 pedestrian fatalities in Georgia in 2022 alone, a 12% increase from the 307 recorded in 2021. In the same year, EMS transported more than 2,600 pedestrians involved in traffic-related crashes to hospital facilities across the state. These numbers reflect a dangerous trend that affects communities large and small, including tourist destinations and coastal towns like St. Simons Island where foot traffic is high year-round.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Serious
Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have no structural protection when a vehicle strikes them. Even at relatively low speeds, a collision between a car and a person on foot can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and other life-altering harm. The severity of these injuries often means extended hospital stays, significant rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care that creates lasting financial strain on victims and their families.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents on St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island draws visitors and residents alike to its beaches, shops, and village areas, creating conditions where pedestrians and vehicles frequently share the same spaces. Distracted driving is among the most common causes of pedestrian accidents, but speeding, failure to yield at crosswalks, impaired driving, and poor visibility at night or in low-light conditions also contribute significantly to these crashes.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?
In most pedestrian accidents, the driver of the vehicle bears primary responsibility, particularly when they were speeding, distracted, or violating traffic laws. However, liability in these cases can extend beyond the driver alone. Our St. Simons Island car accident lawyers regularly evaluate all potential sources of responsibility to make sure no avenue of compensation is overlooked.
Additional Parties Who May Share Liability
Depending on the facts of the accident, other parties may share responsibility for a pedestrian’s injuries. A government entity responsible for road design or maintenance may bear liability if a defective crosswalk, inadequate signage, or poor lighting contributed to the crash. In some cases, a vehicle’s manufacturer may be liable if a mechanical defect played a role. An employer may also be responsible if the driver who caused the accident was operating a vehicle within the scope of their employment at the time.
Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rules
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence standard under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. Even if an injured pedestrian is found to share some portion of fault, they may still recover compensation as long as their share of fault does not exceed 49%. However, any recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often attempt to shift blame onto pedestrians to minimize payouts, which is one reason why having experienced legal representation matters.
Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
A pedestrian accident can upend every aspect of your life in a matter of seconds. Georgia law allows injured victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses stemming from a negligent driver’s actions.
Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency room treatment, surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future care costs related to your injuries
- Lost wages: Income lost during your recovery period, as well as diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident
- Wrongful death damages: When a pedestrian accident proves fatal, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and related losses
Our St. Simons Island wrongful death lawyers regularly handle cases where pedestrian accidents have resulted in the loss of a loved one and can guide grieving families through that difficult process.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
What you do in the hours and days following a pedestrian accident can directly affect the strength of your legal claim. If you are physically able, document the scene by photographing the vehicle, road conditions, crosswalks, signage, and your injuries. Call 911 and get a copy of the official police report. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor at first, because some serious conditions do not present obvious symptoms right away.
Avoid speaking in detail with the at-fault driver’s insurance company before consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to look for statements that can reduce or eliminate your claim. Our Brunswick pedestrian accident lawyers and those on our St. Simons Island team handle all communications with insurance carriers so you can focus on your recovery. Evidence such as traffic camera footage and witness contact information can disappear quickly, so acting promptly is important.
Contact Taylor Odachowski Schmidt & Crossland, LLC for Help With Your Pedestrian Accident Case
If you or a family member has been struck by a vehicle on St. Simons Island or anywhere in the Golden Isles, TOSC is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to personal injury matters of all kinds, and we approach every case with the same level of commitment and thoroughness, regardless of its complexity. We also represent victims injured in related crash types, including our St. Simons Island motorcycle accident lawyer practice, which handles many of the same liability and insurance issues that arise in pedestrian cases.
With a proven track record and the AV™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell that reflects our standing in the legal community, TOSC is equipped to handle even the most challenging pedestrian accident claims. To speak with a member of our team, please reach out through our contact form.
