Walking is a great way to improve your general health, but in the state of South Carolina, pedestrians are at a higher risk of being injured in an accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Charleston, we have Charleston personal injury lawyers who can help you seek justice.
The Charleston pedestrian accident attorneys at Shelly Leeke Law Firm have helped clients throughout South Carolina recover large settlements from personal injury accident cases. Our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers offer a free consultation session to any victim considering legal options after a pedestrian accident.
Speaking with a lawyer first before the other party’s insurance adjuster is the best approach to ensure that your claim for a pedestrian-car or pedestrian-bike accident is successful. Read on to learn more about pedestrian accident settlements and to see if you qualify.
Pedestrian Accident Causes and Injury Types
When pedestrians are struck, negligence is often to blame. The negligence doesn’t always fall on one party, though, and injuries can vary from minor sprains to severe conditions like paralysis or even wrongful death.
Both causation of your pedestrian accident and the extent of your injuries are major factors that affect the payout amount of your personal injury settlement. Common causes include:
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs/alcohol
- Driving when distracted, particularly when texting or conversing on a phone
- Driving while exhausted or sleepy
- Reckless driving and speeding
- Failure to give pedestrians the right of way
- Not checking for pedestrians before backing out of a parking place or driveway
- Disregarding traffic lights and signs
- Vehicle defect
- Lack of roadway signs
If a collision occurs with a pedestrian between a motorist or cyclist, pedestrians are the least protected and more likely to sustain the following injuries:
- Head trauma or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
- Fractures or broken bones
- Soft-tissue damage
- Torn Ligaments
- Road rash or lacerations
- Paralysis
Pedestrian Accident Settlement Breakdown for South Carolina
If you have been hit in a pedestrian accident, it is natural to be curious about the worth of your pedestrian accident settlement. There isn’t a law that limits the amount a victim can claim from a personal injury case, but these factors have a huge impact on settlement value:
- Who caused the accident
- The extent and seriousness of your injuries
- Clarity of the party at fault
- What actions you took immediately and in the days that followed the accident
- The amount of insurance coverage that is available
- The effect of your injuries on your daily life and capacity to earn a living
Your settlement will be adjusted to include damages that cover medical costs, property loss, pain and suffering, and lost income as a result of your injuries. In the event that a pedestrian fatality occurs, you can pursue wrongful death compensation with help from our team of pedestrian accident lawyers in Charleston.
Increase Your Pedestrian Settlement Claim
The emotional toll that the accident caused, the time missed with family because of treatment, and the loss of income due to your injuries are the key components to negotiating your desired settlement package. In order to increase your pedestrian settlement claim, it is critical to:
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if you are not feeling hurt, some injuries take time to show symptoms. Your health is your main priority, and seeing treatment plans through to completion eliminates the chances of your pain being minimized by the insurance agency.
Compile Detailed Records
Compiling a detailed recording involves
- Taking pictures and video at the scene of the accident
- Keeping a journal of how you feel and how you behave post-accident
- Recording witness statements and contact information
- Keeping copies of all accident-related expenses
Educate Yourself About Personal Injury Law
The success of your case depends on your knowledge of personal injury law pertaining to pedestrian accidents, regardless of whether you intend to represent yourself or hire an attorney for your personal injury claim. During a free consultation, our personal injury attorneys are accessible to address any queries you may have.
Pedestrian Safety in South Carolina
Sadly, data from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that pedestrian accidents in South Carolina have been on the rise, moving the state into second place in the nation for pedestrian fatalities since 2020.
In response, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has made enhancements to improve pedestrian safety through ongoing efforts such as:
- SCDOT complete streets policy
- Complete streets council
- SCDOT roadway design manual updates
- SCDOT crosswalk implementation guidelines
- SC pedestrian and bicycle safety action plan
Our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers fight to provide financial stability and justice to the same individuals that these programs are designed to protect. As additional laws are passed, we hope to see a positive effect, but we remain committed to improving victims’ lives by securing just restitution.
Our Charleston Pedestrian Injury Lawyers Can Help You!
Contact us today. An initial claim evaluation and legal assistance are offered without cost to you or further obligation by the Charleston pedestrian accident attorneys of the Shelly Leeke Law Firm. We will examine your case and give you advice regarding your potential eligibility for compensation.
Our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers can help you preserve your legal rights if you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident that was someone else’s fault.
