In today’s car-centric society, we often overlook the impact on pedestrians. In Charleston, pedestrian accidents have increased in frequency and severity. Many of these collisions, often fatal for pedestrians, result from driver negligence.
Pedestrians are at a severe disadvantage when struck by a car or truck. However, a qualified Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer can help seek compensation for a victim’s injuries.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has industry experience and is dedicated to representing pedestrian accident victims. We can fight for your rights and help you achieve a measure of civil justice.
Since our firm works on a contingency fee basis, you can feel confident that your odds of victory are high if we agree to take your case. Contact us today to get the ball rolling on your accident claim.
How Our Charleston Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Support You After an Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to handle it alone. Our primary focus should be on your recovery and receiving the necessary medical treatment.
Let us at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm take on the burden of dealing with large insurance companies and navigating the complicated legal technique for you. This is our area of expertise, and we assist clients through this process every day.
When you hire our team, you can expect:
- We fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries.
- We handle all crucial communications with involved parties to protect your rights.
- We keep you informed about the status of your case and what to expect next.
- We gather essential evidence such as photos, videos, security footage, etc.
- We secure expert testimonies to strengthen your case.
- We find and speak with witnesses to support your claims.
- We organize your medical records and documents for clarity and thoroughness.
- We provide advice on important decisions throughout the process.
- We establish and prove the liability and negligence of the responsible parties.
- We evaluate and quantify all your past, current, and future damages, expenses, and losses to give you a fair understanding of your case’s worth.
We will fight for you in court if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement. With the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, you can trust that we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case while you focus on your recovery.
Do You Need Our Charleston Pedestrian Accident Law Firm?
After a pedestrian accident, many people are eager to put the experience behind them and return to normal life. If you were injured, you might worry that hiring a lawyer will prolong your case. While settling quickly by accepting the insurance company’s first offer is possible, this is rarely advisable due to how insurance companies often offer settlements far below what is needed for a full recovery, preying on claimants eager for a quick resolution.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a wise decision. Our Charleston, SC, pedestrian injury attorneys understand how to guide the legal system to your advantage. Even after attorney fees, claimants who hire a lawyer typically receive significantly higher settlements than those who don’t.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm ensures you receive the compensation you deserve, covering medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Injuries?
Here are some main causes of Pedestrian accidents in Charleston:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of pedestrian injuries. When drivers are texting, adjusting the radio, eating, drinking, or reaching for an item, their attention is diverted from the road; this inattention can lead to drivers failing to notice pedestrians until too late, even in areas where pedestrians have the right of way.
Distractions significantly increase the risk of accidents, as drivers are unaware of their surroundings. Preventing distracted driving involves staying focused on the road and avoiding activities that take your eyes, hands, or mind off driving.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving poses a severe threat to pedestrians. Intoxicated drivers experience impaired judgment and slower reaction times, making it difficult to respond quickly to pedestrians.
This danger is heightened at night when low visibility further complicates the driver’s ability to see pedestrians.
Drunk driving remains one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road, contributing to numerous pedestrian accidents. Drivers must avoid alcohol consumption before getting behind the wheel to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
Speeding
Speeding is illegal and particularly reckless in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as school zones. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, making accidents more likely.
Speeding also increases the severity of collisions, as the force of impact is greater at higher speeds. Pedestrians hit by speeding vehicles often suffer more severe injuries due to the increased momentum.
Adhering to speed limits and driving cautiously, especially in pedestrian areas, is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring safety.
Failure to Stop or Yield Right-of-Way
Failing to stop or yield the right-of-way is a common cause of pedestrian injuries. Drivers may roll through stop signs, try to speed through yellow lights, or fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
These actions can lead to dangerous situations where pedestrians are struck by vehicles that should have stopped or given way. Ensuring drivers adhere to traffic signals and yield to pedestrians can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect vulnerable road users.
Unsafe Weather Conditions
Hazardous weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice can make roadways slippery and reduce visibility. When drivers do not adjust their speed to accommodate these conditions, they may find it difficult to stop to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Wet or icy roads increase stopping distances, making drivers need to slow down and drive cautiously in poor weather. Proper vehicle maintenance, such as ensuring good tire tread and functioning brakes, also plays a role in preventing weather-related accidents.
Backing-Up Accidents
Backing-up accidents occur when drivers reverse their vehicles without adequately checking for pedestrians. This is particularly common when drivers back out of driveways onto streets, focusing on oncoming traffic and neglecting to see pedestrians on the sidewalk or roadway.
These accidents can be prevented by drivers taking the time to thoroughly check their surroundings before backing up and using mirrors and backup cameras effectively. Pedestrians should also remain vigilant and avoid walking behind vehicles that are reversing.
What Damages Available to You After a Pedestrian Accident?
Each case is unique, so it’s best to speak with one of our attorneys to learn more about what you may be entitled to. However, generally, there are a few different forms of damages you may be eligible for: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: This includes past, current, and future medical costs resulting from the accident, such as emergency visits, follow-up appointments, scans/screenings, surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and more.
- Lost Wages: If the accident forced you to miss work, you can receive compensation for those missed days or hours. Additionally, if the accident prevents you from returning to your job in the same capacity, you may be eligible for compensation for reduced earning capacity.
- Property Damage: This covers any damage to your personal property.
- Wrongful Death: If the accident tragically resulted in a loss of life, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial costs and more.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Anxiety and Depression
- Loss of Consortium
- Diminished Quality of Life
Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident. It can be nearly impossible to place a hard value on these damages without the expertise of an experienced lawyer.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in court to punish the defendant for malicious conduct and deter others from acting similarly.
Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Charleston
In Charleston, South Carolina, pedestrian accidents due to driver negligence are prevalent in various locations throughout the city.
Here are some of the common hotspots:
King Street
- Intersections: King Street and Calhoun Street, King Street and Market Street
- Details: These intersections experience high volumes of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, especially during rush hours, which increases the likelihood of collisions.
Meeting Street
- Intersections: Meeting Street and Mary Street, Meeting Street and Broad Street
- Details: Meeting Street is a major thoroughfare in Downtown Charleston that attracts numerous pedestrians and vehicles daily. The heavy traffic and pedestrian activity make it prone to accidents, particularly when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians or follow traffic signals.
Tourist Attractions
- Locations: The Battery, Waterfront Park, East Bay Street, Murray Boulevard
- Details: Areas near these popular tourist spots see significant foot traffic from visitors. Drivers may become distracted by scenic views or congested streets, leading to accidents involving pedestrians crossing or walking along these roadways.
College Campuses
- Campuses: College of Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
- Streets: Coming Street, Ashley Avenue
- Details: Streets adjacent to these campuses witness a mix of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Students crossing streets between classes or walking to nearby amenities are particularly vulnerable to accidents if drivers do not observe pedestrian right-of-ways or speed limits.
Major Thoroughfares
- Roads: Savannah Highway (US-17), Crosstown Expressway (US-17)
- Intersections: US-17 and Lockwood Drive, US-17 and Bee Street
- Details: Crosswalks along these busy roads require cautious navigation by drivers to prevent accidents. High-speed and high-volume traffic contribute to the risk of pedestrian collisions.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Charleston, our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers are experienced attorneys who specialize in handling such cases. We understand the familiar locations and causes of pedestrian accidents in the city and are dedicated to helping victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Whether the accident occurred on a busy street like King Street or near a college campus, Ali Awad provides expert legal support to guide the intricacies of pedestrian accident claims.
What to Tell the Insurance Company After a Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident, the insurance company will likely contact you. While it may seem like these companies are there to help you obtain the compensation you need for your losses and injuries, this is often not the case.
Insurance companies, like other businesses, aim to make a profit. They can increase their profits by offering you less money or denying your claim altogether.
When these companies call, they act in their interest, hoping to catch you at your most vulnerable and get you to admit to something that can hurt your case.
Speak With Our Experienced Charleston Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Immediately!
Suppose you or a loved one has recently suffered injuries in a Charleston pedestrian accident due to driver negligence. In that case, consulting with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible is essential.
The knowledgeable legal team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is ready to aggressively fight for your rights and pursue the full compensation you need to recover.
Contact our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer at (864) 664-3865 or schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll help you explore all your legal options.
FAQs:
- What Are Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can result in various injuries depending on the impact location.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Muscle trauma
- Pelvic fractures
- Vertebrae injuries
- Shoulder displacements
- Concussions
- Skull damage
- When Should I Contact a Lawyer?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after being evaluated by a medical professional and documenting your injuries. Our Charleston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can begin an independent investigation into your accident while you recover.
- How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that payment is “contingent” upon winning your case in court or obtaining a settlement for you. If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.
