Myrtle Beach, known for its walkable streets, unfortunately also ranks as a hotspot for pedestrian accidents in South Carolina. The state, reflecting a national trend, has seen a worrying rise in these incidents over the past decade, as noted by the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Factors contributing to this increase include heightened pedestrian activity and escalating vehicular traffic. Acknowledging the dynamics of pedestrian accidents is essential for both prevention and response.
If an accident results in injury, victims have the right to seek compensation. Furthermore, in tragic circumstances where negligence leads to a fatality, families of the deceased may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and closure.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you have the legal right to hold the responsible parties accountable. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our team of dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach is here to support you.
We will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence and present your case effectively in court. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Reach out to us today to start on the path to recovery and justice.
Get Legal Claims Solved With the Help of Our Myrtle Beach Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
A Myrtle Beach pedestrian accident lawyer can be beneficial in managing the complications that follow a pedestrian collision. After such an incident, identifying the responsible party and gathering evidence to establish fault is required.
An experienced attorney will deploy various investigative techniques tailored to the specific circumstances of your accident. This may include visiting the accident site to better understand the scene, interviewing eyewitnesses to collect their official statements, and obtaining police reports that document the incident.
Additionally, your lawyer will search for any photos or videos of the accident, possibly from surveillance cameras, which could provide critical insights into what transpired.
Moreover, collaborating with experts specialized in pedestrian accidents can offer further depth to the evidence and strengthen your case. Throughout this process, your lawyer will handle all legal communications, ensuring that you are not burdened with the intricacies of legal dialogues and procedures.
They will also provide strategic advice to overcome potential legal challenges, ensuring a comprehensive approach to securing your rights and compensations for injuries and financial losses. This dedicated legal support aims to alleviate the stress of the aftermath.
Working with a lawyer from a Myrtle Beach personal injury law firm allows you to focus on your recovery with the confidence that your case is handled with expertise and attention to detail.
How Does Our Myrtle Beach Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Prioritize Your Best Interest?
Hiring a pedestrian accident attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, is important given the severe and often devastating nature of pedestrian accidents. Unlike passengers in vehicles, pedestrians lack any physical barrier to shield them from the impact of a collision with a car or truck, making their injuries potentially catastrophic or even fatal.
Recent statistics underscore the gravity of these incidents. From 2018 to 2023, the number of pedestrians killed increased by 16 percent (from 6,482 to 7,522), and the number of bicyclists killed increased by 29 percent (from 859 to 1,105).
In Myrtle Beach, drivers are legally required to exercise caution around pedestrians. This includes examining the area for pedestrians before turning, staying within marked lanes, avoiding driving on shoulders where pedestrians might walk, and being vigilant at intersections.
Despite these precautions, accidents still happen, often resulting in significant legal and medical consequences for the injured pedestrian.
Even if pedestrians believe they might be partly at fault—for instance, crossing outside a designated crosswalk or walking along the roadway—they should still consult an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. South Carolina’s comparative negligence laws may allow compensation to be recovered even if the pedestrian is partially responsible for the accident.
A skilled attorney can provide a professional liability assessment and help navigate the complex legal landscape to ensure the injured party receives the compensation they deserve. This legal support is indispensable in managing the aftermath of such life-altering incidents, advocating for the rights of the injured, and securing the necessary resources for recovery and rehabilitation.
Meet Myrtle Beach, SC Deadlines for Pedestrian Accident Compensation
In Myrtle Beach, SC, pedestrian accidents fall under personal injury law, which stipulates specific deadlines for filing a claim. According to S.C. Code § 15-3-530(6), victims of pedestrian accidents must file their claims within three years from the incident date to seek compensation for their losses.
However, it is not necessary to wait the full three years to initiate your legal proceedings. Engaging with a qualified pedestrian accident attorney in South Carolina can expedite the preparation and filing of your claim, often within months following the accident.
This proactive approach ensures that your claim is filed promptly and meticulously prepared to meet all legal standards.
Presenting a well-documented claim to the county clerk is crucial to facilitate a smooth process. If the looming deadline is causing you stress, our legal team is here to help. We will lead the investigation, gather all necessary evidence, and ensure your claim is submitted accurately and on time.
By entrusting us with your case, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve.
Essential Tips to Reduce Pedestrian Accidents in Myrtle Beach, SC
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides several guidelines to enhance pedestrian safety and minimize accidents in Myrtle Beach, SC:
- Adhere to Traffic Rules: Pedestrians should be predictable and follow all traffic regulations, signs, and signals to prevent misunderstandings and accidents.
- Utilize Sidewalks: Always use sidewalks when available. If a sidewalk is absent, walk facing oncoming traffic, keeping as far from vehicles as safety allows.
- Electronics and Alertness: Avoid distractions by not using electronic devices while walking. Staying alert increases your ability to react to potential hazards.
- Strategic Crossing: Always cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections, looking in all directions for traffic. If neither is available, choose a well-lit area to cross and ensure visibility to drivers.
- Visibility: Make eye contact with drivers to confirm they have noticed you, especially before crossing in front of a vehicle. Enhance your visibility at night by wearing bright clothing, using reflective items, and carrying a flashlight.
- Driveway and Parking Lot Vigilance: Be particularly cautious around driveways and parking lots where cars frequently move in unexpected patterns.
- Avoid Impairments: Refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs when walking, as these substances impair your ability to walk safely and make judicious decisions.
Key Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Accidents in Myrtle Beach
Pedestrian accidents in Myrtle Beach often stem from various common scenarios that pose significant risks to pedestrians:
- Street Crossings: Motorists in Myrtle Beach must stay vigilant, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as beach access points, shopping districts along King’s Highway, and routes frequented by joggers, cyclists, and families with strollers. Many accidents occur because drivers do not consistently watch for pedestrians, despite South Carolina law mandating that drivers yield to pedestrians at light-controlled intersections. In cases where a motorist fails to yield and a pedestrian is injured, the driver can be held liable for the resulting damages.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Accidents often happen when drivers try to beat red lights at intersections, potentially overlooking pedestrians legally crossing. Myrtle Beach has deliberately set lower speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas to allow drivers more time to react and prevent accidents.
- Lack of Sidewalks: In areas without sidewalks, pedestrians are advised to use the shoulder of the road. However, in Myrtle Beach, tourists and locals alike often walk close to the roadway, particularly in areas popular for shopping or near the beach, increasing the risk of being struck by a vehicle.
- Obstructed View Accidents: Incidents frequently occur when pedestrians emerge from between parked cars, particularly large vehicles like SUVs or trucks, which can obscure them from the view of oncoming drivers. These accidents can be particularly dangerous as they often happen at higher speeds and can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- School Zone Safety: Special attention is required in school zones where children are present during the morning and afternoon hours. Accidents here often involve children darting into the street unexpectedly. Motorists speeding or not adhering to school zone speed limits may find it difficult to stop quickly, leading to tragic consequences.
What Does Insurance Cover in Pedestrian Accidents?
In Myrtle Beach, SC, vehicle owners are mandated to carry both liability and uninsured motorist insurance coverage. If a pedestrian is injured in an accident, you can claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
This can cover various expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
Initiating a claim involves contacting the responsible driver’s insurance provider and, if necessary, pursuing further legal action through a personal injury lawsuit to seek proper compensation.
However, dealing with insurance companies on your own can be challenging. These companies often attempt to minimize their payouts by attributing some or all of the fault to the injured pedestrian.
This is why securing legal representation is required. Our skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach can provide long-term assistance.
Our law firm approach includes conducting a thorough independent investigation of your accident, compiling robust evidence to establish the driver’s liability, and engaging in assertive negotiations with the insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you are a victim of a pedestrian accident, consulting with an experienced attorney can significantly enhance your ability to focus the claims process effectively and secure a fair resolution.
The Severe Impact of Pedestrian Accidents on Victims in Myrtle Beach
Pedestrian accidents typically result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the significant force exerted when a vehicle collides with an individual. These incidents often leave pedestrians with devastating consequences.
Common injuries sustained in such accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These severe injuries can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and sensory functions.
- Permanent Scarring: Visible scars can result from road abrasions or surgical interventions, leading to long-term psychological distress.
- Multiple Fractures: The impact can break bones in multiple locations, necessitating surgeries and prolonged physical therapy.
- Back and Neck Injuries: These injuries can range from whiplash to more severe spinal damage, causing chronic pain and disability.
- Internal Organ Damage: The force of impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, requiring immediate and extensive medical treatment.
The treatment for these catastrophic injuries is complex and extensive. It often involves a combination of surgeries, long-term hospitalization, various therapies, and continuous medical care, making the cost of treatment staggeringly high.
These extensive medical needs highlight the importance of ensuring pedestrian safety and awareness to prevent such severe accidents.
Let Our Myrtle Beach Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Overcome the Challenges of Pedestrian Accidents
Suppose you or someone close to you has been involved in a pedestrian accident. In that case, the dedicated attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm in Myrtle Beach are here to safeguard your rights.
Our comprehensive services include conducting thorough investigations, filing claims, and providing consistent updates throughout the settlement process.
We are devoted to upholding justice and reducing your stress and financial burden. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t owe us any fees unless we secure compensation. Contact our law firm today at (843) 595-8405 for a complimentary consultation with an attorney.
