Pedestrians often sustain debilitating and fatal injuries in accidents because of their vulnerability. When drivers and others behave negligently on the road, they can put pedestrians at serious risk along with other motorists.
A recent study found that Columbia ranks among the very top deadliest U.S. cities for pedestrians. It's a troubling finding if you or a loved one ever travel on foot in Columbia or the surrounding area.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Columbia, South Carolina, you may file a claim against the liable parties involved. To seek the compensation you deserve in a pedestrian accident case, consult a Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer in Columbia with experience handling these cases.
The attorneys at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers have worked with many victims of car accidents involving pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles. We know how devastating these injuries can be, not just to the victim but to their family, too. Don't wait to seek the compensation you deserve. Call Morris Law today to learn how an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you.
- Why Turn to Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers?
- Compensation in Columbia Pedestrian Accident Cases
- An Alarming Rise in Columbia, SC Pedestrian Deaths
- Potential Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Columbia
- Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
- Other Pedestrian Accidents and Resulting Injuries
- Negotiating Settlements With Insurance Companies
- What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Columbia
- The Role of Comparative Negligence
- Contact Our Columbia Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
Why Turn to Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers?
Pedestrians who've been injured by a motor vehicle often require the help of a personal injury lawyer to obtain fair compensation for their damages and losses. Our experienced Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers can explain your legal rights and your best options for seeking compensation.
We exhaustively investigate every traffic accident case we take on to identify all the at-fault party or parties, collect evidence to support your claim, and work with your doctors to document the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. We will also negotiate your claim with the at-fault party's insurance company to reach a full and fair settlement that covers all your needs.
At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, our team of attorneys has helped recover millions of dollars for our clients over the years. We've represented clients in many complex and challenging personal injury cases, including those involving pedestrian injuries.
In one case, we recovered a $2 million settlement for a client involved in a pedestrian accident that resulted in a neck injury. We provide legal services to clients throughout South Carolina, including clients in Columbia and other nearby cities.
We keep you fully informed during the claims process. If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, our team of trial attorneys is prepared to take your case to court and argue it before a judge or jury.
If you would like to meet with us for a free consultation, visit our nearest office in Columbia. Contact our firm today to begin discussing a potential case with one of our attorneys.
Compensation in Columbia Pedestrian Accident Cases
If you've sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to recover compensation for various types of damages resulting from the accident. These damages may include a combination of economic and non-economic damages, along with punitive damages in some cases. How much you receive for your damages depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the toll they have taken on your life.
Some of the specific types of economic damages involved in pedestrian accidents can include:
- Medical bills, including the costs of initial treatment, ambulance rides, and ongoing care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or income resulting from the inability to work while recovering or because of disability
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
In addition to these and other economic damages, you may be able to recover compensation for the personal losses resulting from a pedestrian accident.
These losses are called non-economic damages and may apply to:
- Physical pain resulting from the injuries
- Mental anguish, including depression and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Victims' loved ones may also recover wrongful death damages if a victim dies from injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. These damages could include the above economic and non-economic damages and other losses resulting from the victim's death. For example, you might recover compensation to cover funeral and burial expenses along with the personal struggles stemming from the loss of a loved one.
In rare cases, pedestrian accidents may also warrant punitive damages to punish defendants for their negligence. Only the courts can award these damages in a trial, and they'll only apply if a judge or jury finds that a defendant acted with gross negligence or malicious intent to cause harm.
The legal team at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers can identify all damages resulting from your accident and determine how they can contribute to a settlement amount in a claim or lawsuit.
An Alarming Rise in Columbia, SC Pedestrian Deaths
Pedestrian accidents happen all over the country, and Columbia, SC, is no exception. According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (S.C. DPS), metropolitan Columbia experiences thousands of accidents yearly, many of which involve pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
A recent study published by Smart Growth America ranked Columbia twelfth in its list of the deadliest U.S. cities for pedestrians. In fact, researchers found a 75% increase in pedestrian deaths from 2010 to 2022. The U.S. South and Southwest are the deadliest areas overall. Other areas, including Charleston, the Greenville-Anderson area, parts of Aiken County, and Augusta, Georgia, ranked high among the deadliest cities.
According to the study, 144 pedestrians were killed in Columbia from 2018-2022, up from 94 in the previous three-year period.
Potential Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Columbia
Accidents occur all over the country, and Columbia, SC, sees many accidents every year. According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (S.C. DPS), metropolitan Columbia experiences thousands of accidents yearly, many of which involve pedestrian injuries. However, as with all other cities, some areas of Columbia are more accident-prone than others. These streets and intersections may see a higher number of accidents due to factors such as traffic and road conditions.
According to S.C. DPS data, the following are the most dangerous streets and intersections in and around Columbia:
- Richland I-26 West from Saluda River to the I-20 overpass
- Zimalcrest Drive
- I-20 East from the I-26 overpass to American Inn
- I-20 East from Broad River to Sunbelt Rentals
- I-20 West from Two Notch Road to the Fairfield Road overpass
- Richland 277 South
- Broad River Road
- I-77 South
- Farrow Road
- Hard Scrabble Road
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Low visibility
- Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
You may build a pedestrian accident case through an insurance claim or lawsuit against any liable parties responsible for the accident. However, in South Carolina, the statute of limitations gives you three years from the accident to initiate a lawsuit. Exceptions exist that may affect the timeline of your case, so don't delay seeking legal help. If you don't take legal action on time, you lose your ability to seek compensation.
To file your case on time, consult our Columbia SC pedestrian accident lawyers at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers.
Other Pedestrian Accidents and Resulting Injuries
Pedestrians in Columbia, SC, are struck by vehicles in a number of different circumstances. The following are some common pedestrian accident types:
- Distracted driving accidents- Drivers often get into accidents due to distractions that take their attention away from the road and pedestrians. For instance, drivers may engage with their phones, the dials and screens on the dashboard, or with other passengers in the vehicle, causing them to get into an accident.
- Backup accidents - Pedestrian accidents also frequently occur when vehicles back up, and the drivers don't check to clear the back of their vehicles. They may hit pedestrians when backing out of parking spaces, driveways, or other areas.
- Turning accidents - Drivers may hit pedestrians when turning and neglect to check crosswalks and other areas for pedestrians.
- Becoming trapped in intersections - Sometimes pedestrians may run out of time crossing an intersection when a traffic signal changes from Walk to Don't Walk. When this occurs, the pedestrian may suddenly become caught in active traffic by drivers who fail to notice the pedestrians or impatient drivers who negligently speed through intersections without looking carefully.
- Accidents involving multiple threats - In some cases, pedestrian accidents may result when multiple drivers fail to notice pedestrians and heed the right of way at an intersection, causing an accident.
These accidents can cause many serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians, including:
- Contusions, lacerations, and abrasions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Tears and sprains
- Road rash
- Amputations
Negotiating Settlements With Insurance Companies
Following a pedestrian accident, you might want to open a claim against the negligent party's insurance company to begin seeking compensation. After opening a claim, the insurer will designate an insurance adjuster to handle your case. The adjuster will then investigate your claim and negotiate a settlement.
Adjusters will work diligently to minimize or deny your settlement, even if they appear eager to assist you. Remember, adjusters don't work for claimants—they work for the insurance companies and will protect their company's best interests. You could inadvertently hurt your case if you don't have enough evidence or say the wrong thing during the claims process.
It's best to speak with an experienced Columbia pedestrian accident attorney to avoid all potential issues during the claims process, especially when negotiating a settlement. The Columbia pedestrian accident attorneys at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and resources needed to help claimants obtain the compensation they deserve in a pedestrian accident case.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Columbia
To increase your chances of succeeding with a pedestrian accident case in Columbia, there are certain steps you should take. These key steps include the following:
Follow Your Treatment Plan
After you've sought treatment for any injuries, you should stick with your doctor's treatment plan. This could entail taking the medications your doctor has prescribed, making and attending regular appointments, and engaging in therapy and other forms of recovery. Following your doctor's orders can help you fully recover and provide proof of your injuries and other damages.
If you have any trouble with your doctor's treatment plan, discuss these issues with your doctor before doing anything differently. Your doctor may work with you to develop a new, more effective treatment plan.
Collect All Relevant Evidence
You should gather as much evidence as you can to support your case. Your lawyer will also collect evidence to build a strong case, but there are some items you may be able to provide, including:
- Medical records and bills
- Receipts for repairs or replacements of damaged property
- Proof of lost income, such as tax documents and pay stubs
- Police reports developed at the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Photographs and video evidence of injuries and the accident scene
If you cannot get ahold of any of this evidence, our Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers may obtain it and organize it for use in a claim or lawsuit.
Document Your Recovery Experience
As you recover from any injuries and other damages, you may prove any non-economic damages by documenting your personal experience in a journal. You can include information about your daily routine, your progress, and any struggles you're experiencing following the accident. This documentation could help prove your pain and suffering and allow your attorneys to put a dollar value on it.
Speak With an Attorney
Before filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, consult a pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your options. Our attorneys can determine if you have a valid case and can represent you during the claims or legal process. Our attorneys can also collect and present evidence, provide statements to insurers or even take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair deal during initial negotiations.
The Role of Comparative Negligence
In South Carolina, comparative negligence determines how much compensation a pedestrian accident victim can receive. If a pedestrian is partially at fault, their recovery is reduced by their share of the blame. However, if they hold more than 50% of the fault, they may not recover damages.
Our experienced Columbia pedestrian accident attorneys work to prove driver error and help victims seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries or spinal injuries, despite shared fault in many pedestrian accidents.
Contact Our Columbia Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
In the event of a pedestrian accident in Columbia or another city in South Carolina, the experienced legal team at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers may be able to assist you. We have worked with many accident victims and their loved ones to recover the compensation they deserve, including clients involved in pedestrian accidents. Reach out to a Columbia personal injury lawyer.
To discuss a potential claim or lawsuit with our attorneys, contact our Columbia office today at (843) 466-4444 or online for your free case consultation.
FAQ on Pedestrian Accidents in Columbia, SC
1. What should I do if I’m injured in a pedestrian accident in Columbia?
After a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention, document the accident scene, and contact an experienced Columbia pedestrian accident attorney. They can help prove fault and handle your personal injury claim.
2. Can I recover compensation if I’m partly at fault?
Under South Carolina’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents often result from distracted driving, failure to follow traffic signals, or drunk drivers hitting pedestrians.
4. What types of compensation can I seek after a pedestrian accident?
You may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and serious injuries such as spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
5. How do Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers prove fault?
Experienced accident lawyers gather witness statements, accident reconstruction, and other evidence to determine fault and hold the negligent driver responsible.
6. What are the long-term impacts of pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can lead to permanent disability, severe injuries, physical pain, and even wrongful death. In these cases, an experienced legal team helps recover damages.
7. Do I need a lawyer if I’ve been involved in a minor pedestrian accident?
Even minor accidents can lead to serious injuries. Consulting a Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
8. How long do I have to file a claim for a pedestrian accident in South Carolina?
South Carolina law generally allows up to three years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a pedestrian accident.
9. What is a contingency fee basis?
A contingency fee basis means your lawyer only gets paid if you win your case, making it easier to afford legal representation.
10. Can I claim punitive damages in a pedestrian accident case?
In cases involving reckless or egregious driver behavior, such as drunk driving, you may be able to seek punitive damages in addition to compensation for your injuries.
