While not everyone drives or owns a car, everyone is a pedestrian. This means that whenever you’re not in a vehicle, you are a pedestrian and at risk of potentially being hit by a motorist. It only takes a split-second for such an accident to happen, potentially turning your life upside down.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, talk to an experienced SC pedestrian accident lawyer to find out if you have a case. Our team has helped thousands of injury victims recover compensation for their injuries.
At McDougall Law Firm, we are always ready to help injured pedestrians seek justice. Give us a call at 843-438-4386 to talk to a lawyer today.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Modern cars are safer than ever, however, pedestrians are still vulnerable to accidents on our roadways. Some of the most common causes of accidents involving pedestrians include the following:
Distracted Driving
Many pedestrian accidents occur when the driver isn’t paying close attention to the road ahead. This could be because they are on the phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or heater in the car, or simply tending to children in the back seat. When a driver is distracted even for a few seconds, pedestrians are at risk.
Left-hand Turns
Many drivers making left-hand turns usually focus most of their attention on the oncoming traffic and whether the road is clear for them to turn, and forget to check for pedestrians.
Unmarked Crosswalks
Although most intersections have designated crosswalks, many still don’t. The lack of a clearly marked crosswalk could make the driver forget to check for pedestrians.
Distracted Pedestrians
Pedestrians can also be distracted while using the road, putting them at a greater risk of an accident. For instance, a pedestrian texting while crossing the road is likely not paying attention to potential hazards on the road.
Speeding
At higher speeds, the driver simply doesn’t have the time required to react to a pedestrian suddenly appearing on their path.
Driving Under the Influence
This causes the driver to have a slower reaction time when they spot a pedestrian in the roadway. Intoxicated drivers are also more likely to veer off the road and hit innocent pedestrians.
Pedestrian Negligence
Pedestrians can also make mistakes that can increase their risk of being hit by motorists. For instance, darting into traffic or failing to use designated pedestrian areas or sidewalks can increase their vulnerability to an accident.
Ignoring Traffic Laws
Running red lights, making illegal U-turns, and failing to follow the posted directional signs can contribute to pedestrian accident risks. Failure to slow down in school zones and other special zones puts children and other vulnerable people at risk of pedestrian accidents.
Lighting
Poorly lit or unlit areas of the road put pedestrians at risk of accidents due to lack of visibility.
A pedestrian accident lawyer from McDougall Law Firm can inform you of the steps to take following the accident. With our guidance, you can get a clear understanding of whether you have a legal case against another driver, how you can pursue the case, and the compensation you may be eligible for.
Why You Should Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Following a pedestrian accident, many victims hope to settle their cases quickly and move on with their lives as quickly as possible. For this reason, they end up choosing to handle the injury claim on their own without involving a lawyer.
However, they forget that the at-fault party and their insurance provider will have an army of professional attorneys whose aim is to pay as little as possible in compensation. Most insurance companies will calculate the value of your claim based on how assertive they think you will be.
Once you retain an attorney to represent you, they will know that they can’t take advantage.
In some instances, your insurance policy might have to compensate you for some or all of your damages. Our attorneys can make sure that the insurance adjusters evaluate the full extent of your damages.
It’s therefore critical that you call an experienced SC pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. When you come to us, you don’t have to pay us anything upfront – we only get paid when we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
How We Can Help You Recover Damages
Our pedestrian accident attorneys specialize in this area of personal injury law and therefore have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations governing pedestrian safety in South Carolina.
Their expertise in local and state laws can come in handy when identifying the liable parties and building a strong case to recover the maximum compensation possible.
Case Investigation
One key aspect of pedestrian accident cases is collecting evidence to support the claim. Our team has the skills and resources to conduct thorough investigations, consult with experts, and collect critical evidence.
This may include obtaining witness statements, collecting surveillance footage, and working with accident reconstructionists to confirm the cause of the accident.
Settlement Negotiations
Most pedestrian accident cases are resolved out of court, usually through negotiations with the defendant and their insurance provider. Our experienced attorneys have the skills to negotiate well on your behalf and make sure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses.
We know the tactics insurance companies may try to use to undermine your claim, and we can counter them with persuasive arguments and compelling evidence.
In a Pedestrian Accident? Call Us Today!
If you have been the victim and suffered from a pedestrian accident in Beaufort, SC, contact the McDougall Law Firm today at 843-438-4386 to schedule your free initial case evaluation.
