Skilled Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in South Carolina

Involved in a Pedestrian Accident in South Carolina?

At David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers, our South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyers know that there is no more vulnerable position to be in than on foot when a reckless driver is on our roadways.

Since nearly all of us are pedestrians at some point throughout the day, we are all but defenseless when it comes to a distracted driver who does not stop at a crosswalk or a speeding driver who runs a red light, hitting those who are legally crossing at an intersection.

When these types of accidents occur, pedestrians are often severely injured by the impact. Many, including the 6,205 pedestrians who lost their lives in traffic collisions across the country last year — 165 of whom were South Carolinians — simply could not survive the catastrophic injuries from these crashes, leaving their families devastated.

These injury victims and their families deserve to pursue financial recovery from the negligent party who caused them harm, and our pedestrian accident attorneys in South Carolina are here to fight for justice on their behalf.

How Many Pedestrian Accidents Occur Each Year in South Carolina?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that pedestrian accident deaths were at a thirty-year high last year, with one person killed on foot every 85 minutes throughout the U.S.

According to our South Carolina Traffic Collision Factbook, our state recorded:

• 837 collisions involving pedestrians
• 688 serious pedestrian injuries
• 165 pedestrian fatalities

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver or have lost a loved one who was hit by a vehicle, contact our compassionate pedestrian accident attorneys in South Carolina to discuss your case during a consultation today.

What are the Most Common Factors that Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents in South Carolina?

The most common factor that contributes to personal injuries — whether they happen on foot, in a car, or on public or private property is negligence. When negligence is a factor anywhere, people are going to get hurt.

That is certainly true for pedestrians, which is why it is important to pay attention to your surroundings when you are on foot and to look twice for vehicles and drivers who may not see you, as the following factors can lead to serious injuries or even death.

• Failing to Yield

Drivers who fail to stop at crosswalks or yield to pedestrians at intersections when they have the right of way cause significant injuries to those who are on foot each year. These accidents are also common when drivers fail to stop for school buses that have their stop sign out with children exiting, causing tragic and preventable losses of young lives.

• Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is defined by the NHTSA as any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. That can include texting, eating, attending to passengers, picking up dropped objects, adjusting stereo or vehicle controls, or daydreaming. It only takes a second of looking down to collide with a pedestrian who is crossing a street or exiting a vehicle.

• Speeding

When motorists are speeding, they are much more likely to break other traffic laws too, like rushing through a light that is turning red, running stop signs, or failing to yield at crosswalks or come to a complete stop before turning on red. This is when pedestrians get hurt.

• Alcohol or Drug-Impaired Driving

Alcohol impairment is a significant contributor to pedestrian accidents and injuries, as it makes it difficult for drivers to control their speed, brake, or steer effectively. The NHTSA reports that even a small amount of alcohol can severely cloud a driver’s judgment and affect their driving ability, as nearly 2,000 people were killed in collisions last year where drivers had a blood alcohol content of less than .07, which is under the legal limit in South Carolina.

How Can Motorists Help Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in South Carolina?

Pedestrians do not have the right to disrupt traffic and thereby must follow the rules of the road when crossing at intersections or using crosswalks when they are available.

Motorists must also look out for pedestrians and understand that they may appear without notice while exiting buildings, vehicles, and from the vehicle’s blind spots.

Drivers must exercise caution when traveling in areas where children may be present, including schools, parks, and neighborhoods. Never attempt to pass a school bus that is stopped, as there is a high likelihood that a child will be crossing the roadway during loading or unloading.

Vehicle operators should always check their surroundings when backing up in parking lots, on streets, and anywhere they are pulling away to ensure pedestrians are not in their blind spots.

When drivers are focused on the road and are following traffic laws, signs, and signals, they can help keep pedestrians safe in our cities, towns, and very own neighborhoods. It is up to all of us to exercise caution in highly populated areas to ensure those on foot make it home to their families safely.

How Can David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers Help with My Pedestrian Accident Case?

While it is not required that pedestrian accident victims hire an attorney, there are many advantages to having a legal professional by your side when facing the insurance company for the necessary financial recovery that will help them get their lives back.

At David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers, our pedestrian accident attorneys will help build your case for success by:

• Routing all insurance company communication through our office
• Reviewing the police report and interviewing the first responders for important details regarding the cause of the crash
• Investigating the crash scene, vehicles, and any public footage of the collision
• Interviewing witnesses who were at the scene
• Outlining your complete financial recovery needs
• Compiling a demand letter for the insurance company
• Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf

Partnering with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney allows our clients to focus on their physical and emotional recovery needs while we pursue the negligent party for the financial compensation they deserve.

Contact Our Skilled Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in South Carolina Today to Schedule a Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, contact our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys at the David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers today by calling 803-258-6199. We provide consultations for all South Carolina residents, and never charge any legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case.

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