Hit While Walking? We Know the Stats and the Law—Let Us Level the Field for You.
Walking should be a safe and simple way to get around. Unfortunately, in South Carolina, pedestrians face significant risks on our roads. Understanding the statistics behind pedestrian accidents can shed light on the dangers and highlight the importance of legal support if you're injured.
Alarming Trends in South Carolina Pedestrian Accidents
Recent data reveals concerning patterns in pedestrian safety across the state.
Fatalities Over the Years
- 2020: 191 pedestrian fatalities. (Source)
- 2021: An increase to 194 fatalities. (Source)
- 2022: A slight decrease to 173 fatalities. (Source)
While the slight decline in 2022 is encouraging, the numbers remain alarmingly high, emphasizing the ongoing risks pedestrians face.
Comparison to National Averages
South Carolina's pedestrian fatality rate has consistently been higher than the national average, indicating a pressing need for improved safety measures and awareness.
Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in South Carolina
Many pedestrian crashes result from preventable causes—often involving negligence or distraction.
Common Contributing Factors
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems can lead to missed crosswalks and slower reaction times.
- A distracted driver is less likely to notice someone in a crosswalk or near a roadway, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Drivers often fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks or while turning at intersections.
- This is one of the most common and dangerous forms of driver negligence, especially in high-traffic urban areas.
- Speeding: The faster a vehicle is moving, the greater the impact—and the lower the chance a pedestrian will survive.
- Speed reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance, making collisions more likely and more severe.
- Poor Visibility: Nighttime, fog, and poorly lit roads all contribute to reduced visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
- Wearing dark clothing or walking outside designated crossing areas can further increase the risk.
How to Avoid a Pedestrian Accident
Preventing pedestrian accidents is a shared responsibility between drivers and those on foot.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Use Crosswalks and Sidewalks: Always cross at marked intersections whenever possible.
- Avoid walking in the road, especially at night or in areas with poor lighting.
- Wear Reflective Clothing: Visibility is key—especially during dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours.
- Use flashlights or wearable lights when walking in low-light areas.
- Stay Alert: Avoid using headphones or looking at your phone while walking near traffic.
- Being aware of your surroundings gives you a better chance of reacting to danger.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Slow down in pedestrian-heavy areas: Especially near schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods.
- Lower speeds save lives and give drivers more time to react.
- Always check crosswalks and intersections: Yield to pedestrians, even if you don’t see one right away.
- Many accidents occur because drivers assume a crosswalk is clear when it isn’t.
- Avoid distractions behind the wheel: Stay focused and be prepared for unexpected pedestrian movement.
- A moment’s distraction can have lifelong consequences.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit While Walking
Knowing what to do after a pedestrian accident can protect your health and your legal rights.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Call 911 Immediately: Seek emergency medical care—even if injuries aren’t obvious.
- Head trauma, internal injuries, and fractures may not show symptoms right away.
- Request a Police Report: This official documentation is key to your case.
- Make sure to share your version of what happened.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle involved.
- Collect names and contact information for witnesses as well.
- Do Not Speak to the Insurance Company Alone: Their job is to minimize what they pay you.
- They may try to twist your words or pressure you into a lowball settlement.
- Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney: The sooner you involve a legal team, the better protected you’ll be.
- At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we’ll handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.
Legal Rights of Injured Pedestrians
If you're struck while walking in South Carolina, it's crucial to understand your legal rights:
- Right to Compensation: You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Comparative Negligence: South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning if you're found less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages—though they may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How Christmas Injury Lawyers Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. Our firm brings extensive experience in handling such cases:
Our Approach to Pedestrian Injury Cases
- Expertise in South Carolina Pedestrian Laws: We understand the intricacies of traffic and pedestrian statutes.
- We know how to identify liability and hold negligent drivers accountable.
- Thorough Investigations: Our team conducts comprehensive investigations to build strong cases.
- We gather security footage, interview witnesses, and consult accident reconstruction experts.
- Aggressive Representation: We don’t back down when insurers push back.
- Whether through tough negotiations or trial, we fight for the full compensation you deserve.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in South Carolina
What if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when I was hit?
You may still have a valid claim. South Carolina law does not automatically bar recovery if you weren’t in a crosswalk, especially if the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent. Every situation is unique—let us review the facts and determine your options.
Can I file a claim if a hit-and-run driver hit me while walking?
Yes. If the driver fled the scene and cannot be identified, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We can help you explore this path and file a claim appropriately.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in South Carolina?
The statute of limitations is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you are found to be less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident attorney?
At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront—and nothing at all—unless we recover compensation for you.
Let’s Level the Field for You
Pedestrian accidents remain a serious concern in South Carolina. If you've been injured while walking, it's essential to have knowledgeable and experienced legal representation in your corner.
Hit while walking? We know the stats and the law—let us level the field for you.
Contact Christmas Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
