Columbia Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Compensation for Pedestrians Injured in South Carolina Communities
Walking through the historic streets of downtown Columbia, heading to a Gamecocks game at Williams-Brice Stadium, or commuting to work should not be a life-threatening activity. Unfortunately, for many residents and visitors in South Carolina’s capital, a simple walk can end in a devastating collision.
If you or a loved one has been struck by a motor vehicle, you are likely facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a difficult road to physical recovery. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we understand the unique vulnerabilities of pedestrians. Our Columbia pedestrian accident attorneys fight to ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable and that victims receive the full compensation they deserve under South Carolina law.
Here's why you should choose our team:
- Decades of combined experience
- Millions of dollars won on behalf of our clients
- You don't pay unless we win your case
Call or contact us online today to schedule a free case evaluation.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot is struck by a motor vehicle. These incidents can involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, or even bicycles. Because pedestrians lack physical protection, these accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Pedestrian accidents can happen in a variety of situations, including:
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
- Vehicles turning at intersections without checking for pedestrians
- Cars backing out of parking spaces or driveways
- Distracted drivers not noticing pedestrians
- Speeding drivers unable to stop in time
Victims of pedestrian accidents may suffer long-term consequences, including costly medical treatment, time away from work, and ongoing rehabilitation. When the accident is caused by a negligent driver, injured pedestrians have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
South Carolina Pedestrian Laws
South Carolina statutes are designed to protect those on foot, but they also place certain responsibilities on pedestrians to ensure safety. Key laws found in Title 56, Chapter 5 of the SC Code of Laws include:
- Right-of-Way in Crosswalks (S.C. Code § 56-5-3130): Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- The "Due Care" Requirement (S.C. Code § 56-5-3150): Regardless of who has the legal right-of-way, every driver has a duty to "exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian." This includes sounding the horn when necessary and exercising extra precaution when children or incapacitated persons are present.
- Walking on Roadways (S.C. Code § 56-5-3160): If sidewalks are provided, pedestrians must use them. If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder or the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
- Crossing Outside Crosswalks: If a pedestrian crosses a road at any point other than a crosswalk, they must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 7,000 pedestrians died in accidents that involved a motor vehicle in 2020 alone. That’s equivalent to 1 death every 75 minutes.
Additionally, 1 out of every 6 people who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 were pedestrians.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Often Occur in Columbia?
Columbia's mix of heavy commuter traffic, student foot traffic near the University of South Carolina (USC), and busy commercial corridors makes it a hotspot for pedestrian incidents. High-risk areas often include:
- Assembly Street & Gervais Street: The heart of downtown sees high volumes of both cars and pedestrians near the State House and local businesses.
- Blossom Street: This area serves as a primary artery for USC students moving between classes and housing.
- Two Notch Road: Heavy commercial development and high speed limits make this one of the most hazardous stretches for those attempting to cross the street.
- The Vista: While pedestrian-friendly in design, the high concentration of nightlife and restaurants often leads to accidents involving distracted or impaired drivers.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering.
These injuries may include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
- Cuts, bruises and abrasions
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It’s vital to get immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident, even if you don’t initially feel injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical treatment can worsen your condition and make it harder to obtain compensation later on.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents occur because of driver negligence. When motorists fail to follow traffic laws or drive responsibly, pedestrians can suffer serious harm.
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, using GPS, or other distractions can prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians.
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce a driver’s ability to stop in time.
- Failure to yield: Drivers may ignore crosswalks or fail to yield while turning at intersections.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction times.
- Running red lights or stop signs: These violations frequently lead to intersection crashes involving pedestrians.
- Poor visibility: Nighttime driving or bad weather can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
In many cases, these accidents are entirely preventable when drivers remain attentive and obey traffic laws.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability is a crucial step in pursuing a pedestrian accident claim. While the driver of the vehicle is often responsible, other parties may also share liability depending on the circumstances.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers who failed to yield or were distracted
- Employers if the driver was operating a company vehicle during work
- Vehicle manufacturers if a defective part contributed to the accident
- Government entities responsible for unsafe road designs or malfunctioning traffic signals
An experienced Columbia pedestrian accident attorney will review the facts of the case, gather evidence, and determine which parties should be held accountable.
Evidence in pedestrian accident claims may include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Medical records
Properly identifying liable parties is essential for maximizing compensation.
Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrian accident victims often face significant financial and emotional burdens. A personal injury claim may help recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Potential compensation may include:
Economic damages
- Medical bills and hospital expenses
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In cases involving extreme negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be available to punish the responsible party.
Our Columbia pedestrian accident attorney at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can help evaluate your losses and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
What should I do after a pedestrian accident?
After a pedestrian accident, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the accident to law enforcement
- Document the scene if possible
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney
These steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in South Carolina?
In most cases, South Carolina law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe may prevent you from recovering compensation.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule, you may still recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?
While hiring a lawyer is not legally required, pedestrian accident cases can be complex. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame to the pedestrian. Our Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers can help protect your rights and negotiate for fair compensation.
Get a Free Consultation With Our Columbia Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential that you hire an experienced attorney to ensure your rights are protected. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our accident attorneys will gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to get you maximum financial compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay us anything unless we win. Our team of skilled lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule your first free consultation and learn more about how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our Satisfied Clients
-
“Being involved in a life-changing event is when you realize that we are really not in control of our lives and how we choose to handle it is where we find our character. Thank God for my legal team, Jacob and Erica, and everyone else involved.”- Former Client
-
“George kept me informed and gave loving advice all the way through. I could call him when I needed. He recognized my personal, mental and physical struggles. You can trust in him. GOD knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he made him.”- Former Client
-
“He was patient, listened, considerate, explained things to me that my previous attorney did not, and broke every part of my case down so I was sure to understand every aspect of my case before leaving his office.”- Cassandra J.
-
“Promises were kept and interactions were both personal and professional. I would highly recommend Mr. George and his firm to anyone in need of legal help.”- Former Client
-
“I had a workers compensation claim that my wonderful lawyer Lawton Harper was able to help me with. He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
-
“When my case took a hit from the doctor’s final impairment rating, Danny didn’t give up – he went full force and earned me a fair settlement!”- Former Client
-
“Lawton Harper has been amazing helping me with my works compensation case. He explained everything about what to expect throughout the case and was there for any questions or concerns I had.”- Kai P.
-
“He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
