Media outlets suggest that most car accidents in Savannah occur at the intersection of White Bluff and Abercorn. One-fourth of all collisions that happen at this intersection result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Other dangerous intersections in Savannah include:
- King George and Abercorn
- The intersection at I-16 and Chatham Parkway
- Abercorn and Rio Road
- DeRenne Avenue and Truman Parkway
It doesn’t matter where in Savannah your collision happened. If your accident and injuries have occurred due to the negligence of another party, you can seek financial recovery from your losses by consulting a car accident lawyer.
Why Do Car Accidents Frequently Happen at Certain Intersections?
Many factors make some intersections in Savannah more dangerous than others, including:
Poorly Designed Roadways
Unfortunately, Savannah has several areas where poor roadway design contributes to collisions. For example, narrow lanes make drivers more likely to collide because there is little leeway to avoid a crash when one driver changes lanes abruptly or drifts into another lane.
One intersection with significant traffic engineering issues is Chatham Parkway and Interstate 16. All of I-16 is particularly dangerous because of its design. In fact, some call it the Devil’s Highway. This road carries much more traffic than intended. Its design did not account for Savannah’s growth, and consequentially, accidents happen frequently on this road.
Complicated Intersections
In Savannah’s commercial areas, intersections can be especially complex. Red lights, turn signals, and other traffic lights regulate traffic patterns, but this can be difficult to navigate for drivers unfamiliar with the area. The most confusing intersections also tend to occur in high-traffic areas, increasing the crash risk.
For example, consider the intersection of White Bluff and Abercorn Street near Oglethorpe Mall. This area is extremely crowded, and several lanes of traffic come from many directions. Lane markers are not always clear. They are often difficult to see because of other cars. All these factors combine to make it one of the most dangerous intersections in the city.
Another example is also on Abercorn Street, just across the river, where it intersects with King George Boulevard. Not only are there very narrow lanes, but there is near-constant construction that leaves cones and barrels along the roadway, lanes closed, and other distractions and hazards.
Areas With Heavy Traffic
There are frequent accidents in areas where traffic is often heavy. Congestion not only creates more opportunities for cars to collide, but it is often nerve-wracking, confusing, and distracting for drivers. All these factors contribute to collisions, too.
According to the Associated Press, Savannah is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. This is no surprise to anyone trying to commute in the city today versus 20 years ago. Roads designed to hold the population of the 1980s, 1990s, or even early 2000s now face significant issues because of the high traffic volume.
One example is the intersection of Chatham Parkway and Interstate 16. While much of I-16 has traffic congestion issues, this exit backs up regularly. Collisions regularly occur at this intersection, both on the interstate and Chatham Parkway.
Places Where Speeding Is Easy
Sometimes, drivers are tempted to break the speed limit because it’s easy. When other traffic seems to be moving much faster than the signs allow, it is almost contagious. However, the speed limit is what it is for a reason. Driving excessively fast in these areas can lead to dangerous circumstances and crashes.
One example of this occurs on Lynes Parkway/I-526. Too many drivers ignore the speed limit signs, which set a 45 to 55-mile-per-hour limit on most of the seven-mile road. They move at high speeds despite the at-grade intersections and even a school zone. There are many collisions at these intersections and on ramps.
Human Error Is the Leading Cause of All Traffic Accidents
The General Office of Motor Vehicle Management notes that human error causes 98 percent of all traffic accidents. This means, while some roadways in Savannah are inherently treacherous, drivers’ actions cause most collisions.
Examples of human error behind the wheel include:
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving (such as texting or addressing other passengers)
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Braking suddenly
- Failing to obey traffic signals
- Failing to use a turn signal when merging
If you were in an accident, and another driver’s negligence caused your collision, it doesn’t matter where the collision occurred; you could still hold the driver accountable for the full cost of your injury-related expenses.
Understanding the Types of Car Accidents in Savannah
Some collision types happen more commonly than others in Savannah. These accidents include:
Head-On Crashes
Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles collide hood-to-hood. These collisions are most likely to occur on one-way streets, divided highways, or when a driver crosses the centerline on a two-lane road. They are among the most dangerous types of accidents because of the force of impact. Airbags, seatbelts, and other safety features have improved the survivability of these collisions greatly.
Side-Impact Accidents
Side-impact crashes (or T-bone collisions) are extremely dangerous for the occupants of the vehicle hit broadside. There are fewer safety features built into the doors and sides of a vehicle than in the front or back, where metal frames, crumple zones, and other features absorb the impact.
Side-impact collisions are most likely to occur at intersections. A side-impact collision is possible when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield when turning.
Rear-End Collisions
Most traffic accidents are rear-end collisions. Many are minor fender benders that occur without significant injuries. However, they can be serious. Drivers must pay close attention to the traffic around them, especially in stop-and-go traffic. A turning traffic light, broken down vehicle, crash, or debris in the road could lead to a sudden stop. Distracted, fatigued, and drunk driving only increases the risk of rear-end crashes.
Rear-end crashes are most notorious as the cause of whiplash, which can cause lasting pain and limited range of motion in some people. However, many other injuries are also possible. Rear-end accidents can cause catastrophic neck, back, and head injuries under some circumstances.
Sideswipes
Sideswipe collisions are a type of side-impact crash that is not a T-bone accident. Instead, one driver moves their vehicle sideways into the side of another. It generally occurs because one driver fails to clear the adjacent lane before moving over.
Drivers must check the next lane before merging onto the highway or interstate, changing lanes to pass, or moving over to get into a turn lane. Double-checking a lane and using turn signals can prevent many of these crashes.
What Should an Injured Motorist Do After a Car Accident in Savannah?
No matter where your car accident in Savannah occurred if you were in a collision, the following measures could support your right to compensation. Some post-accident considerations include:
Requesting a Copy of the Accident Report
If law enforcement came to the accident scene, then it likely documented the collision in an accident report. You should request a copy of this document from the Savannah Police and check it for accuracy. An error or misunderstanding in the report could delay your claim in the long run.
Refusing to Give a Recorded Statement
Contrary to what the claims adjuster tells you, you don’t need to give a recorded statement. Giving such a statement only gives the insurance company more information to dispute your case. When you partner with an injury lawyer, they can supply the insurer with all necessary information. They can also prevent you from tactics that could derail or discredit your case.
Documenting the Accident Scene
If possible, take photos and videos of where the collision happened. Be sure to zoom in on roadway debris or other hazards that could have contributed to the crash. This information could bolster your claim or lawsuit later.
Savannah Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
While some collisions are more likely to cause serious injuries than others, catastrophic or fatal injuries can occur in any type of crash. Certain factors, like the vehicles involved, the speeds at which they were traveling, and roadway conditions can all increase the likelihood of life-altering conditions.
Some injuries seen in Savannah car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Skull fractures and other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Other significant neck and back injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Traumatic amputation
- Multiple fractures
- Burns and scarring
As noted, some injuries are much more likely to occur in some collisions than others. Studies on injuries in vehicle accidents show head, neck, chest, and abdominal injuries are common in frontal and near-side collisions. T-bone collisions frequently result in fractures of the skull, pelvis, and neck.
No Matter the Accident Type, Medical Attention Is Key
If you were recently in a car accident in Savannah, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel “fine.” Visiting a healthcare provider not only creates a record that your accident happened, but it also allows you to reach maximum medical improvement.
You need as much information as possible to support your personal injury case. Testimony from your doctor, imaging scans, lab test results, and other details can bolster your case’s outcome.
You Could Have a Case Against the Driver Who Caused Your Savannah Crash
Victims of Savannah car accidents have rights. They can pursue compensation for the injuries and damages they suffer by holding at-fault drivers accountable. Under Georgia law, all motorists have a duty of care to drive with reasonable caution. When they don’t, they could bear liability for any damages they cause.
You Could Recover Compensation for Your Injury-Related Losses
All motorists in Georgia must carry liability insurance. This pays for the other person’s losses in a collision.
If you were in a collision, compensable losses in your case may comprise:
- Medical care costs and any related expenses
- Future treatment and ongoing care costs
- Prescribed mobility and adaptive equipment
- Income losses for time missed at work
- Reduced earning ability based on lasting injuries
- Car repair and other property damage costs
- Miscellaneous expenses with receipts
- Pain and suffering
- Various non-economic damages, such as scarring, disfigurement, and disability
- Wrongful death-related damages, including funeral and burial costs
Chances are, you won’t have to file a lawsuit to recover damages. However, if litigation becomes necessary, you generally have two years to file your case. This makes promptly considering your legal options crucial; if the two-year window expires, you could lose the right to seek damages.
You Can Partner with a Savannah Car Accident Lawyer
You don’t have to manage the legal aftermath of a collision alone. You’re within your rights to hire a personal injury lawyer who can manage the claims process on your behalf.
You can rely on a lawyer to:
- Protect your rights and handle all communications
- Answer your questions promptly
- Investigate your accident
- Build a strong case for compensation
- Handle your claim or lawsuit
- Represent your best interests
Your Lawyer May File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Party
Attorneys resolve most car accident cases through insurance settlements. However, there are some cases where a lawyer recommends litigation.
This could occur when:
- The statute of limitations deadline is quickly approaching.
- The insurer denies the claim.
- The insurance company refuses to provide a fair offer.
- The attorney has another reason for recommending a lawsuit.
With legal help, you can put your worries aside and fully focus on healing.
You Could Hire a Lawyer at No Out-of-Pocket Cost
Personal injury attorneys generally work based on contingency fees. They do not charge upfront fees or ask clients to pay anything before the case closes. Attorneys take a pre-determined portion of the injured person’s losses to account for their services. Your lawyer can explain this process and how it works during your initial conversation with the firm.