Myrtle Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Many people in South Carolina, whether residents or tourists, choose to walk as a way to enjoy the sights, get to work or school, or just to exercise the dog. Whatever the reason, pedestrians should be able to feel safe when walking South Carolina’s streets. Unfortunately, drivers, who have a responsibility to keep an eye out for pedestrians, yield the right-of-way, and obey traffic signals, often fail to do so, putting any pedestrians who are nearby at risk of serious injury. Drivers who exhibit this kind of negligence can be held liable for their actions and required to compensate victims for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more about your own legal rights to compensation after an accident, reach out to our Myrtle Beach pedestrian accident lawyers today.
Motorist Responsibilities
While it’s true that pedestrians are required to obey traffic control signals, South Carolina law also states that pedestrians have the right-of-way in certain situations, namely when at crosswalks with no traffic control devices. Besides having to give pedestrians the right-of-way at controlled intersections, drivers must also respect crosswalks, stopping well before they enter them. Drivers who are entering or exiting a parking lot or parking garage must also yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks. Motorists who fail to fulfill these obligations can be held liable for resulting accidents.
Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in South Carolina
Most pedestrian accidents involve vehicles and a negligent driver who:
- Drove while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Was driving while distracted;
- Chose to speed or drive recklessly;
- Fell asleep at the wheel; or
- Violated another traffic law by failing to yield, running a red light, or making an illegal turn.
This kind of negligence results in more pedestrian accidents than most people realize. For instance, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, South Carolina had one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the nation. This is an alarming statistic for anyone who walks or drives regularly in the state.
Recovering Damages for Pedestrian Injuries
While collisions between pedestrians and motorists often occur at low speeds (taking place at crosswalks or in parking garages), they still often result in serious injuries for the pedestrian, who is exposed to the full force of impact. Common injuries include crushed, broken, and dislocated bones, internal bleeding and organ damage, spinal cord injuries, severe lacerations and amputations, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Besides being painful, these injuries are notoriously expensive to treat. Fortunately, injured pedestrians who can prove that someone else was at fault for their crash could be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses for ambulance services, emergency treatment, surgery, medications, and physical therapy;
- Lost wages incurred while recovering;
- Loss of future income if the injury resulted in permanent disability;
- The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property; and
- The pain and suffering endured because of the accident.
For help pursuing damages after your own pedestrian accident, reach out to our legal team today.
Speak with Our Experienced Myrtle Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
You shouldn’t have to struggle to make ends meet because you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. For a free review of your own case, reach out to our dedicated Myrtle Beach pedestrian accident lawyer at The Stanley Law Group by calling 803-799-4700 today.
