Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Summerville, SC

As a pedestrian, you have the right to feel safe on the streets of Summerville. But when a negligent driver fails to follow traffic laws and injures you, your life can change in an instant. If you got hurt in a pedestrian accident in Summerville, SC, you need someone on your side to guide you through the legal process.

The Summerville, SC, pedestrian accident lawyers at Murphy Crantford Meehan can protect your rights and help you recover fair compensation for your losses. Our experienced team understands the challenges you’re facing and is dedicated to helping you find justice. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on your recovery. Call our Summerville personal injury lawyers today or complete our contact form for a free case review.

Key South Carolina Pedestrian Laws

South Carolina’s Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways outlines pedestrians’ rights and responsibilities on state roads, as well as the rights and duties of drivers when they encounter pedestrians. Here are the key details to know:

• Obedience to Traffic-Control Devices: Pedestrians must follow the instructions of traffic-control devices like signals and signs unless a police officer tells them otherwise.
• Local Regulations: Local authorities can require pedestrians to follow traffic-control signals strictly and may prohibit crossing streets in certain areas unless pedestrians use a designated crosswalk.
• Right-of-Way in Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks when there are no traffic signals. This means slowing down or stopping to let pedestrians cross safely. However, pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb and step into the path of a vehicle.
• Using the Right Half of Crosswalks: When possible, pedestrians should keep to the right half of the crosswalk. This simple rule helps maintain an orderly flow of foot traffic and prevents accidents.
• Crossing Outside Crosswalks: Pedestrians crossing at places other than marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections must yield to vehicles on the road. Additionally, crossing between adjacent intersections with traffic signals should only occur within marked crosswalks.
• Walking Along Highways: Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available. If no sidewalk is present, they should walk on the shoulder as far from the road as possible. On roads without shoulders, the law says pedestrians must walk near the edge of the road and face traffic.
• Pedestrians on Freeways: Walking on freeways is prohibited except in an emergency or when a pedestrian is performing official duties.
• Soliciting Rides or Business: It is illegal for pedestrians to stand in roadways to solicit rides, employment, business, or contributions.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Summerville

While pedestrian accidents occur in Summerville for many reasons, there’s one underlying factor in most of these crashes: Driver negligence. Here are a few examples of how negligent drivers can hit a pedestrian and cause a collision:

• Distracted Driving: When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting their GPS, they take their eyes off the road. This split-second distraction can cause drivers to miss seeing a pedestrian crossing the street, which can result in a collision.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of any collision. Drivers who speed through residential areas, school zones, or intersections are more likely to hit pedestrians, as they cannot stop in time when someone steps into the roadway.
• Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right to cross safely, but if a driver does not stop or slow down at a crosswalk, their carelessness can lead to severe injuries. This type of negligence is particularly dangerous at intersections without traffic signals.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs is another common cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs are not only breaking the law but also putting pedestrians at risk.
• Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers often have slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and decreased coordination, making them a significant hazard to pedestrians.
• Left and Right Turns: Accidents can happen when drivers make left or right turns without properly checking for pedestrians. Drivers may focus on oncoming traffic and forget to look for people crossing the street, leading to dangerous collisions.

Summerville, SC, Pedestrian Accident Statistics

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that 36 pedestrians were involved in crashes in Dorchester County during a single recent year. There’s no indication of how many of these accidents occurred in Summerville, but officials report that five pedestrians died and another nine suffered suspected severe injuries in these collisions. Another 21 pedestrians suffered “possible” or “suspected minor injuries” in crashes that year.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection pedestrians have compared to vehicle occupants. Therefore, the force of a vehicle striking a person can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects. Here are some common injuries pedestrians suffer in collisions with cars or other vehicles:

• Head Injuries: Pedestrians hit by vehicles can sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from the impact. These injuries can occur if the head strikes the windshield, hood, or pavement. TBIs range from comparatively mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially leading to cognitive issues, memory loss, and long-term disabilities.
• Fractures: The impact of colliding with a vehicle can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, and can lead to prolonged recovery periods or permanent movement disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a collision can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can significantly impact a person’s mobility and quality of life, as injured pedestrians often require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs, can occur from the blunt force trauma of a pedestrian accident. These injuries are frequently life-threatening and demand immediate medical attention.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Pedestrians may suffer cuts, bruises, and scrapes from contact with the vehicle or the ground. While some of these injuries might seem minor, they can lead to infections and permanent scarring.

Compensation for Injured Pedestrians in Summerville

Your compensation in a pedestrian accident depends on your accident-related expenses, the severity and duration of your injuries, and other factors. The key to maximizing your compensation is to work with an experienced and driven pedestrian accident lawyer. Your compensation can include money for:

• Past and future medical expenses related to the accident
• Lost income while you heal from your injuries
• Any reduction in your future earnings due to the accident
• Your pain and suffering
• Your emotional distress
• Your diminished quality of life
• Damaged personal property, if applicable

Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina

South Carolina law gives injured pedestrians three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the driver who hit them. If you wait too long to act, the courts will likely dismiss your case, regardless of its merits.

Another reason to act quickly after a pedestrian accident is that critical evidence can deteriorate or disappear within days or weeks of a crash. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident and preserve evidence while you heal, which gives you a better chance of recovering maximum compensation for your losses.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, protecting your rights is crucial for securing fair compensation. Here are the steps you should take:

• Seek Medical Attention: Follow your doctor’s advice and keep all medical records. Documenting your injuries and treatment is essential for proving your claim and maximizing your compensation.
• Report the Accident: If you haven’t done so already, report the accident to the police. Obtain a copy of the police report, as it provides an official account of the incident.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information for future statements.
• Keep Records: Document everything related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and any communication with insurance companies.
• Consult an Attorney: Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer right away. An attorney can handle the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

What Our Summerville, SC, Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Do for You

At Murphy Crantford Meehan, our pedestrian accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you through every step of your claim. We will handle all the details, including investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with the insurer on your behalf. Our goal is to secure fair compensation for your losses.

While you focus on healing, we can protect your rights and fight tirelessly on your behalf. Our team will keep you informed throughout the process, providing compassionate support and experience-based guidance.

Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Summerville, SC, Now

It’s crucial to act quickly after a pedestrian accident if you want to recover maximum compensation for your losses. Call Murphy Crantford Meehan now or reach out online for a free case evaluation.