Summerville Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Summerville Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Summerville, South Carolina

When a driver strikes a pedestrian, the results can be catastrophic. The sheer size and weight of motor vehicles mean that pedestrians end up suffering debilitating injuries, some of which can be fatal. Driving recklessly, speeding and failing to yield at crosswalks are among the many forms of driver negligence that can cause pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian Deaths Are on the Rise

In 2019, the United States recorded the highest number of pedestrian deaths in around three decades. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), over 6,590 pedestrians were killed that year, accounting for 17 percent of traffic fatalities. This marked a rise from 12 percent in 2009.

Data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety shows that hundreds of pedestrian accidents occur in the state each year, making its roads one of the deadliest in the nation. The GHSA ranked South Carolina as having the sixth-highest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 people. Accidents in the state have claimed over 900 pedestrians and bicyclists’ lives in the last six years. 

Research consistently shows that large vehicles are especially dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to die in a car accident than vehicle occupants. Additionally, pedestrians struck by an SUV are twice as likely to be killed as those hit by a sedan.

Pursuing Compensation for Injured Pedestrians in Summerville

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries that require expensive medical treatment. Depending on the amount of time needed for recovery, you may also suffer a significant loss of income if you are required to take time off work. Being involved in a pedestrian accident is likely to be painful and extremely distressing. Filing a personal injury lawsuit allows Summerville pedestrian accident victims to recover financial compensation to cover all their losses, including but not limited to:

• Medical costs
• Lost earnings
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering

Depending on the details of your case, you may also qualify for punitive damages. While this type of compensation is rare, it is awarded to punish defendants in accidents caused by exceptionally reckless conduct. For example, if you were hurt after being hit by a drunk driver, you may be eligible to receive punitive damages.

When you hire the Steinberg Law Firm, our compassionate and skilled pedestrian accident attorneys will ensure you get the full compensation you deserve. If negotiating with insurance companies does not result in a fair settlement, we are ready to take your case to court.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Anyone involved in a pedestrian accident is likely to sustain serious injuries, some of which may even be life-threatening. Human bodies are not made to withstand the impact of a motor vehicle, especially one that is traveling at high speed. Recovering from injuries is often a long process involving hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy and ongoing treatment. The following are some of the injuries commonly reported in Summerville pedestrian accidents:

• Bruises, cuts and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Soft tissue and organ damage
• Amputation
• Paraplegia/quadriplegia 

When a pedestrian accident is fatal, the victim’s family members can pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. They may be eligible to receive compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support and other expenses.

Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Summerville

There is a higher risk of pedestrian accidents in urban areas that have a high volume of traffic. Intersections are a commonly reported site for collisions, but they can also occur in other places like sidewalks, parking lots and driveways when drivers fail to look out for pedestrians.

Driver negligence is often to blame for many pedestrian accidents in Summerville. When drivers disregard others’ safety on the road by speeding, ignoring stop signs, turning improperly or engaging in other reckless behavior, it can have devastating consequences. Here are some common forms of driver negligence that can cause pedestrian accidents:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Fatigued driving
• Failure to yield at crosswalks

People often assume drivers are to blame for pedestrian accidents, but that is not always the case. Although careless driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents, other parties may also share responsibility. For example, pedestrians have a duty to cross only in designated areas, be aware of oncoming cars and make sure they are not distracted when traveling on foot.

Additionally, if conditions like cracked sidewalks or malfunctioning traffic lights contribute to causing injuries in a pedestrian accident, a local government agency or property owner may be liable. Steinberg Law Firm can investigate your pedestrian accident and help you determine exactly how it occurred so that we seek compensation from the right parties.

Pedestrian Accident Liability

Both pedestrians and drivers have a responsibility to do their part in staying safe on the road. Because pedestrians are so vulnerable, motorists are required to drive cautiously and yield to them at crosswalks — while pedestrians must give vehicles the right of way when not using marked crosswalks.

Under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence system, the amount of compensation you can recover depends on your share of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent responsible for a pedestrian accident because you jaywalked, your damages will be reduced by that amount. Pedestrians are eligible to obtain compensation as long as they are less than 50 percent at fault for their injuries. 

In light of the complex laws at play in pedestrian accident cases, having experienced legal representation is vital. A negligent motorist and their insurance company may try to shift the majority of the blame onto you and pressure you into accepting less money than you deserve. With Steinberg Law Firm in your corner, you will have someone fighting for your best interests. 

Contact the Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Steinberg Law Firm

If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Summerville, it might be possible to obtain compensation for your injuries. We understand the stress and challenges you are likely to face in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, and our qualified pedestrian accident lawyers want to make the recovery process as easy on you as possible. Contact the Steinberg Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal rights.

Practice Areas

Results

WE HAVE RECOVERED OVER $500 MILLION FOR CLIENTS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, INCLUDING:

$3.15 Million

Car Accident Settlement

$1.0 Million

Pedestrian Accident

Leaders in the Legal Industry

Steinberg attorneys have been awarded numerous distinctions, such as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News & World Report, Gedney M. Howe, Jr. Award for Outstanding Public Service, the SC Leadership in Law award, and has been voted Best Workers’ Comp Firm in SC, among other distinctions.

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