Top Reasons Charleston is a Dangerous City for Pedestrians

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Serving Clients in Charleston, Goose Creek and Summerville

Walking is an excellent way for many people to explore the city of Charleston. Tourists and locals alike can be found throughout the year traversing the many charming streets of Charleston including King Street, Market Street and Meeting Street. Unfortunately, there are risks to being a pedestrian in and around the Charleston area.

According to recent data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, nearly 200 pedestrians were hit in 2019. South Carolina ranks 4th in the U.S. for pedestrian fatalities according to a recent report by Car Insurance Comparisons which was based on census and NHTSB information.

At the Steinberg Law Firm, our dedicated team of Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers help our injured clients seek the justice they deserve. For 95 years, we have recovered compensation for countless clients, helping them move on with their lives after suffering severe injuries. If you were a pedestrian struck by a car in Charleston, let us help you navigate your next steps. Call our team today at (843) 720-2800.

What Makes Charleston Dangerous for Pedestrians?

A popular Lowcountry attraction includes taking a drive down Ashley River Road. While the scenic road is appealing to both residents and tourists, parts of this busy byway have unfortunately been the scene of deadly pedestrian accidents.

While pedestrians must practice safe street-crossing and be aware of their surroundings, South Carolina drivers are also responsible for being cautious and driving safely. It can be extremely distracting driving in Charleston – stores, restaurants, bars and historic attractions, as well as bike taxis, tourist buses and horse drawn carriages, create a myriad of things to look at and avoid. Dangerous Charleston streets include Calhoun, King, Meeting, and St. Philip.

In addition, Charleston recently made the list of most walkable cities in the United States. With a high volume of pedestrian traffic on old city roads, the chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident are high. Downtown Charleston consists of cobblestoned streets, outdated traffic lights, and unintuitive roads, confusing drivers and pedestrians. Although the county continues to improve pedestrians’ and bicyclists’ experiences by implementing plans for bridges and walkways, serious accidents do occur.

At Steinberg Law Firm, we have had many cases involving cars and trucks striking pedestrians including a young woman who was in the downtown Charleston crosswalk and struck from behind by a drunk driver and another case where a woman standing in the middle turn lane waiting to cross a busy street was hit by an SUV.

Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrians injured in an accident can bring a lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for the accident. A severely injured pedestrian may recover financial compensation to cover accident-related expenses. To prove a liability in a pedestrian accident lawsuit, the injured victim must first establish how a person was legally negligent.

In most pedestrian accident lawsuits, a pedestrian may bring a case against a driver who hit them. While not every pedestrian accident is the driver’s fault, motorists often bear at least some responsibility in many of these cases. Additionally, the local government may be liable for pedestrian accidents in some situations. While governments are entitled to immunity from personal injury lawsuits, that is not the case where an accident resulted from a government’s negligent failure to maintain a road or crosswalk in safe condition.

Regardless, pedestrians should be prepared to face claims that they were partially responsible for the accident. According to one report, pedestrians contributed to the accident in nearly 65 percent of the cases. If a pedestrian is partially at fault for an accident, they are typically not prevented from bringing a lawsuit or obtaining compensation from another at-fault party. However, being at fault can reduce their compensation amount. This is why it is so critical to have an experienced injury lawyer on your side. Countering these accusations is key to winning your case and securing the maximum compensation available.

Have You Been Injured in a Charleston Pedestrian Accident?

If you or a loved one was recently hit by a car while walking, contact the Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm. Since 1927, our lawyers have aggressively advocated for accident victims in Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek and throughout the Lowcountry.

We understand the tragedy your family is going through. Our experienced car accident lawyers will meet with you to discuss your injuries and craft a recovery plan. With years of experience and dedication, we strive to pursue compensation from negligent parties responsible for your serious injuries.

To learn more and schedule a free consultation, reach out to the Steinberg Law Firm at (843) 720-2800 today. You can also reach us through our online contact form.