You can enjoy a walk in Goose Creek, South Carolina, and expect nothing bad to happen along the way. Yet, a pedestrian accident can occur through no fault of your own. If you get hurt in a pedestrian accident, you can request compensation from any at-fault parties.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we understand the challenges that come with pursuing damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Our Goose Creek personal injury lawyer can review your case and help you file your claim.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Goose Creek
There is no surefire reason why pedestrian accidents take place in Goose Creek. Some of the most common reasons for pedestrian accidents in Goose Creek include the following.
Negligent Driving
A distracted or intoxicated driver can strike a pedestrian. When this happens, the pedestrian can come into contact with a motor vehicle’s bumper, hood, or windshield and suffer a serious injury. If the pedestrian does not file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver, they are 100% responsible for the costs of treating their injury.
Failure to Take Care of a Property
It is a property owner’s responsibility to take a reasonable amount of care of their land. However, there can be times when a property owner fails to do so, and a pedestrian who walks on the property suffers an accident and injury. In this scenario, the pedestrian can file a premises liability lawsuit against the negligent property owner.
Failure to Handle a Dog
A dog owner may keep their pet on a leash or fenced in a backyard. Regardless, the dog may get free and bite a pedestrian. If this occurs, the pedestrian can seek compensation in a dog bite accident lawsuit.
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Goose Creek, the Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you out. Our Goose Creek pedestrian accidents attorney can help you request the most damages possible. To get started, please reach out to our team today.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Goose Creek
If you get hurt in a Goose Creek pedestrian accident, try to remain calm, cool, and collected. As the pedestrian who was harmed by someone else’s negligence, it can be difficult to maintain your poise and composure. On the other hand, if you choose to take the high road, you can get through the incident and start to recover from it right away.
You can call 911 to get any medical help you need following your pedestrian accident. At this point, first responders will arrive on the scene to assist you and anyone else who may be injured. Also, you can meet with Goose Creek police officers to explain what happened.
After you do these things, connect with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Goose Creek. Your lawyer will make no assumptions about your case. Rather, they will commit the time, energy, and resources to learn about your case and help you file your lawsuit in accordance with South Carolina’s statute of limitations.
How Much Time You Have to File a Goose Creek Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is three years. In a pedestrian accident case, this window opens the day you suffer your injury. If you do not file your request for damages before this window closes, you cannot sue an at-fault party at a later date.
A pedestrian accident attorney in Goose Creek will make sure you submit your request for damages immediately. Once your lawsuit is filed, your attorney will work with you to build your case. They will help you prepare for your trial date, too.
When you choose a pedestrian accident lawyer, it is beneficial to select one that has received dozens of positive client testimonials. This attorney knows the ins and outs of South Carolina’s legal system and can help you overcome any legal challenges you face. Plus, they may be able to negotiate a pedestrian accident lawsuit settlement before you need to go to trial.
How a Goose Creek Pedestrian Accident Settlement Works
In the weeks and months after you file your Goose Creek pedestrian accident lawsuit, the defendant in your case may find you have a wealth of evidence that you can use against them. Rather than go to a trial and risk losing, the defendant may choose to offer a settlement. By doing so, the defendant is willing to pay a portion of the damages you originally requested in exchange for a quick case resolution.
If you receive a settlement offer in your pedestrian accident case, you do not have to accept it. Generally, it is a good idea to evaluate a settlement proposal with your lawyer. When you do, you can find out how your attorney feels about the offer, which can help you make an informed decision about it.
You may find that you and your attorney agree that a settlement offer is insufficient. If this happens, you can decline the proposal. Your attorney will then notify the defendant’s lawyer about your decision, and negotiations can continue until your trial date.
How a Goose Creek Pedestrian Accident Case Gets Resolved During a Trial
If your Goose Creek pedestrian accident lawsuit goes to trial, a judge or jury makes a decision on it. A judge or jury hears testimony and reviews evidence from both sides. They then let you know if you will receive any damages.
When you have an experienced lawyer at your side, you are well-equipped to present a compelling argument. Your attorney can explain why you deserve full damages. On top of that, they can dispute any claims that the defendant’s lawyer makes against you.
If a judge or jury is convinced that the defendant is fully responsible for your pedestrian accident and injury, you will be awarded damages. The defendant will be required to pay the full damages you originally requested. As soon as you receive your damages, your case is closed.
Hire a Goose Creek Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you with your pedestrian accident claim in Goose Creek. To learn more or request a free case evaluation, please contact us today.
