Pedestrian Accident Lawyer In Moncks Corner, SC
A collision between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle can cause severe injuries, such as broken bones, head and neck trauma, internal injuries, and road rash. However, many pedestrian accidents could be avoided if motorists always exercised their duty of care when pedestrians are present on or near roadways. If you were struck by a car recently and suffered pedestrian accident injuries, our Moncks Corner pedestrian accident attorney at George B. Bishop, Jr. Attorney at Law may help you get compensation for your injuries.
How Most South Carolina Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Anyone can be injured or killed as a pedestrian, but the NHTSA states that most victims are 65+ or under 15. Also, pedestrian accidents are more likely to happen in cities than in rural areas. Most pedestrian accidents in the state occur at night and at non-intersections instead of intersections.
Alcohol is also a factor in many pedestrian accidents. If the driver was under the influence of alcohol and hit you, your attorney will find out and hold them accountable in a personal injury lawsuit. The driver also could face criminal charges. Many pedestrians are also injured because drivers are speeding, distracted, fatigued, or making illegal turns.
What Are Your Rights As An Injured Pedestrian?
In South Carolina, motorists must drive with a duty of care to avoid injuring other drivers and pedestrians. While it might seem obvious that drivers should use care around pedestrians, these serious accidents happen every day. This is why state law in South Carolina specifically states that ‘every vehicle driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians.’
If a driver does not exercise their duty of care and hits a pedestrian, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. This includes money for medical bills and lost income, and also for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and related non-financial losses.
Most pedestrian accidents are filed with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. However, South Carolina only requires drivers to carry $25,000 of bodily injury coverage, so your attorney may explore other avenues of compensation, such as:
- Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
- A claim for a defect in the road or vehicle
- A claim for a defect with your bicycle or helmet
- A claim against the liable driver’s employer if they were working at the time
- A claim against another party who shared fault for the accident
It isn’t uncommon for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to claim the pedestrian was partially at fault. The insurer may attempt to reduce their exposure by blaming you for your injuries. Your attorney will fight any claim that you were partially at fault for your injuries. But even if you were partially liable, you still can receive damages in a South Carolina claim or lawsuit.
Speak To Our Moncks Corner Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Were you hit by a car recently and injured? You could be entitled to compensation in a pedestrian accident lawsuit. If it’s proven that the driver was at fault, you could be compensated for your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Our Moncks Corner pedestrian accident attorney, George B. Bishop, Jr. can help. Just call our law office for a consultation at (843) 761-8213 or use our online contact form.