You may suffer an injury in a pedestrian accident. At this point, it may be beneficial to consult with a Beaufort personal injury lawyer. From here, you can work with an attorney who may help you hold the at-fault party accountable.
If you want to hire a Beaufort pedestrian accident lawyer, the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to help you out. Our attorney can take a look at your case and discuss your legal options with you. To get started, contact us today.
South Carolina Pedestrian Laws
Motorists must comply with pedestrian laws. Failure to do so can result in an accident that leaves a pedestrian with an injury. Pedestrian rules in effect include:
- Exercising due care to avoid crashing into a pedestrian
- Yielding to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
- Not passing a vehicle to ensure a pedestrian can safely use a crosswalk
If a driver violates these rules or others, they can cause an accident. The motorist may be at fault for any crash-related damages. A Beaufort pedestrian accident attorney may help the collision victim seek the most compensation possible from the at-fault motorist.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash
A pedestrian accident attorney in Beaufort can handle the legal details surrounding your crash. However, there are steps you can take as soon as your crash happens to build a compelling case against the at-fault party. Here are some of the things you should do after a pedestrian accident:
Call 911
You may believe there is no need to call 911, but doing so may do more harm than good. By dialing 911, you can have medical professionals and police officers come to the accident scene. These emergency responders can assist you and make sure you receive plenty of care and support in the initial moments following your collision.
Collect Evidence
You can use your smartphone to capture photos and videos at the accident scene. Also, it may be a good idea to get the at-fault motorist’s insurance information. In the days after your collision, you can request a car accident report from the police.
Get in Touch with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Beaufort
You may feel your crash is minor, and as such, no claim is necessary. Regardless, it may be helpful to discuss your collision with an attorney. This allows you to review your legal options and make an informed decision about whether to file a claim.
When in doubt about what to do after a pedestrian collision, it may be best to pursue legal help. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers resources to help you navigate the legal process following a pedestrian crash. For more information, reach out to us.
How Much a Pedestrian Crash Claim Is Worth
Your attorney can help you calculate the value of your claim. In many cases, you can recover compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. There are instances where you may have to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
South Carolina requires drivers to have auto insurance. If a driver crashes their vehicle into you and you suffer an injury, you may be eligible for damages from their insurer. Yet, filing an insurance claim does not guarantee you will get compensation.
An insurance company is focused on keeping its clients happy. Therefore, an at-fault driver’s insurance carrier may prioritize its client’s well-being over yours. This may lead the business to work diligently to dispute your claim, and you may need an attorney to help you get the best results out of the claims process.
Damages You Can Recover After a Pedestrian Collision
You may request economic and non-economic damages relating to your accident. Economic compensation may be provided for quantifiable losses, and non-economic damages may be offered for subjective ones. Reasons why damages may be awarded due to a pedestrian collision include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
Your pedestrian accident lawyer in Beaufort may urge you to seek the maximum amount of damages. They may work with you to build a compelling argument. This may help you achieve the optimal case results.
Comparative Fault in a Pedestrian Accident Case
It may be clear you are in no way responsible for your pedestrian collision. The defendant in your case may attempt to argue otherwise. If they can prove you are partly or primarily liable, you may not be able to secure the full damages you originally requested.
Per the South Carolina Contribution Among Tortfeasors Act, comparative fault applies to personal injury claims. The act allows a judge or jury to find that a defendant and plaintiff share responsibility for an injury. If this occurs, the plaintiff may receive only a portion of the damages they wanted or no compensation at all.
As an example, a judge or jury may say you are 20% responsible for your pedestrian collision. In this situation, you may receive 80% of the damages you pursued. Comparatively, if a judge or jury finds you to be 51% at fault, you may be ineligible for damages.
Pedestrian Crash Case Settlement
The average settlement for a car accident or any other injury claim varies. You may have an opportunity to settle your pedestrian collision case outside the courtroom. Just because you have this option does not always mean it is in your best interests to pursue it.
If the defendant in your case proposes a settlement, you may want to review the proposal with your lawyer. You do not have to make an instant decision regarding the offer. By discussing the proposal with your attorney, you can weigh its pros and cons and understand the ramifications of any decision you make on it.
Your attorney will provide honest and unbiased feedback about an offer. If your lawyer does not feel the defendant is offering enough compensation, they will let you know. With a proposal, you have the final say on it and may choose to accept, reject, or counter it.
Partner with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Beaufort
Legal help is available to those who have suffered an injury in a pedestrian collision. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm makes it easy to connect with an experienced Beaufort pedestrian accident attorney. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.
