When drivers don’t stay alert and follow traffic laws, they can hit pedestrians who may be crossing the road or getting out of another vehicle. These collisions can leave victims with severe injuries and even internal organ damage that require medical treatment and lengthy recovery periods. Fortunately, injured pedestrians can seek financial compensation for their medical expenses and other losses by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
If you were injured while walking in Indian Land, SC, call David Blackwell Law to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. We’ll review your case, explain your options for financial recovery, and answer any questions you have about the process.
How Can Our Attorney Help with Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Our skilled pedestrian accident attorney can assist you with your case in various ways, including:
- Investigating the accident – We will investigate the collision that caused your injuries to identify any liable parties involved.
- Collecting evidence – Our team will gather the evidence necessary to hold the at-fault party financially liable for your injuries, such as eyewitness statements, accident scene photographs, and traffic camera footage.
- Calculating the value of your case – We will estimate your personal injury claim’s value by adding up your medical bills, lost wages, and other estimated losses.
- Filing your claim – We will file your insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – We will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and seek a settlement that covers all your expenses.
- Representing you in court – If the insurance company doesn’t agree to a fair settlement, we will take your case to trial and seek the maximum compensation.
How Much Money Is a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
One of injury victims’ most common questions is what their case is worth. There is no set amount you could receive from your pedestrian accident case. Compensation for pedestrian accident injuries can cover your:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
However, several factors can contribute to the value of pedestrian accident cases. The most significant factor is the extent of your injuries. This is because more severe injuries typically result in more expensive medical bills and more lost wages due to a longer time off work.
Another key factor is the insurance policy limits of the driver who hit you. South Carolina requires all drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. If your losses exceed the driver’s policy limit or they don’t have insurance, you may need to seek compensation through a pedestrian accident lawsuit or other sources. Insurance claims and lawsuits have pros and cons, so it’s important to speak to an attorney about your options.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim After a Pedestrian Accident?
Under South Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, victims typically must file their pedestrian accident claims within three years. If you file your lawsuit after the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case without a hearing. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can collect the necessary evidence and file your suit before the deadline.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents in Indian Land result from driver negligence. Some of the most common ways negligent drivers cause pedestrian accidents are:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are texting, eating, or drowsy are less likely to see pedestrians in the road or react in time, even if they do see them.
- Speeding – The faster a vehicle travels, the more distance it needs to stop and the less time the driver has to react, leading to a higher chance of striking a pedestrian.
- Intoxicated driving – Drunk drivers not only put themselves and other motorists in danger but pose a significant risk to pedestrians.
- Poor weather conditions – When drivers fail to slow down in wet, icy, or foggy conditions, they may be unable to stop if a pedestrian enters the road.
- Failure to yield – Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and always be careful not to hit anyone on foot.
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate your pedestrian accident to determine what caused it and who may be responsible for your injuries.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians often suffer from severe injuries after being struck by vehicles. The initial impact with the car can cause considerable damage, and victims can also suffer injuries from the secondary impact with the pavement. Some of the most common injuries seen in these accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries – TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries resulting in significant cognitive and physical impairment.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can cause chronic pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis in severe cases.
- Bone fractures – Broken and fractured bones are particularly common due to the impacts pedestrian accident victims suffer.
- Internal organ damage – Depending on how fast the vehicle was going when it hit you, it may cause internal organ damage. These injuries don’t always show symptoms immediately, so getting checked out by a medical professional is crucial.
- Soft tissue injuries – A pedestrian accident can strain, sprain, or tear ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Severe soft tissue injuries may require surgery and extensive physical therapy.
Call Our Experienced Indian Land Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you were hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian in Indian Land, South Carolina, contact David Blackwell Law for a free case review with a pedestrian accident attorney with over 20 years of experience. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients, leading to a high client satisfaction rate. Here’s what one of our clients said about working with us:
“Being in an auto accident is a life changing experience. Life-altering injuries, property damage, missed work, and medical bills only contribute to an already stressful situation. David Blackwell Law stood up for me and guided me through the entire process, ensuring that I received fair compensation to secure my future.” – Ralph Hotham Jr.
Come see for yourself why our experienced legal team in Indian Land is known for the way we treat our clients.