Guam · 6 min read · Published Jun 2025
Pedestrian Accidents in Tumon: What You Need to Know
Tumon Bay is Guam's tourist hub — and one of its most dangerous areas for pedestrians. The combination of heavy traffic on Marine Corps Drive, intoxicated drivers, distracted tourists, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure creates serious risks. This guide explains pedestrian rights under Guam law, the most dangerous areas in Tumon, and what to do if you are struck by a vehicle.
Pedestrian Rights Under Guam Law
Guam law (16 GCA § 3109) requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Pedestrians also have a duty to exercise reasonable care — jaywalking or crossing against a signal can reduce your recovery under Guam's comparative fault rules. However, even if you were not in a crosswalk, a driver who was speeding, distracted, or impaired may still be primarily at fault. The key question is whether each party exercised reasonable care under the circumstances.
High-Risk Areas in Tumon
Marine Corps Drive (Route 1) through Tumon is the most dangerous road for pedestrians in Guam. Crosswalks near the major hotel strip — particularly near the Guam Premier Outlets, Pleasure Island, and the T-Galleria area — see frequent pedestrian accidents. The combination of high vehicle speeds, limited lighting at night, and tourists unfamiliar with local traffic patterns creates dangerous conditions. The intersection at Pale San Vitores Road and Marine Corps Drive is particularly hazardous.
Government Liability for Dangerous Pedestrian Infrastructure
If inadequate crosswalk markings, missing pedestrian signals, poor lighting, or deteriorated sidewalks contributed to your accident, GovGuam may share liability. However, government claims require filing a tort claim notice within 18 months (5 GCA § 6106) of the injury. Photograph the dangerous condition immediately — governments repair hazards quickly once they become aware of liability exposure, and your evidence may disappear.
Tourist Pedestrian Claims: Special Considerations
Tourists injured as pedestrians in Tumon face the same challenges as tourist car accident victims: they may be leaving Guam soon, they may not know local law, and they may not realize the severity of their injuries until they return home. If you are a tourist, get a police report before you leave, photograph everything, and contact an attorney before you depart. An attorney can handle your claim remotely.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks under Guam law
- Comparative fault applies — jaywalking reduces but does not eliminate your recovery
- Government claims for dangerous crosswalks require a 18-month administrative claim (5 GCA § 6106) notice
- Photograph the crosswalk and road conditions before leaving the scene
- Tourist pedestrians can pursue claims remotely after returning home
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was hit in a crosswalk but the driver says I stepped out suddenly?
Witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction can establish what actually happened. Drivers often claim pedestrians 'appeared suddenly' to deflect fault. An attorney can gather evidence to rebut this narrative.
Can I recover if I was jaywalking when hit?
Yes, under Guam's comparative fault system. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were jaywalking and found 40% at fault, you still recover 60% of your damages. The driver's duty to exercise reasonable care does not disappear just because you were not in a crosswalk.
What if a hotel shuttle hit me outside the hotel?
Hotel shuttles are common carriers in Guam and are required to carry commercial liability insurance. If a hotel shuttle struck you, you have a claim against the hotel and/or the shuttle operator. These are typically well-insured defendants.