As a pedestrian, being struck by a vehicle can have devastating consequences. Being aware of common causes and places for pedestrian accidents can help you mitigate the risk of being hit. Although you may think South Carolina is relatively safe, a report from Car Insurance Comparison recorded South Carolina as the fourth most dangerous state for pedestrians in 2022.
If you or a loved one are struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, knowing what to do can help strengthen your claim. With Allen Law on your side, you stand a better chance of receiving a favorable amount of compensation to reflect your loss. Call us today at (843) 882-5005 for a free consultation.
Common Places for Pedestrian Accidents
Although a pedestrian accident can happen anywhere and anytime, certain places pose a higher risk for these types of accidents. Higher-risk areas include:
- Around schools: Particular factors that make schools a high-risk area for pedestrian accidents include the high volumes of cars and children at pick-up and drop-off times, rushing parents, and the difficulty of seeing smaller children.
- Parking lots: Parking lots are a common area for accidents as pedestrians may walk from any direction and cars may reverse without paying proper attention.
- At pedestrian crosswalks: Although these should be the safest place for pedestrians, in reality, many pedestrian accidents occur at crosswalks where drivers fail to observe traffic signals, are not paying attention to pedestrians, or are driving over the speed limit.
Considerations as a Pedestrian
Pedestrians have complete right of way on sidewalks, when indicated to cross at lights, and at pedestrian crossings. However, even if you are crossing with the right of way, drivers can fail to stop for a number of reasons, causing a collision.
Although pedestrians can be at fault for the collision by crossing when they did not have right of way, most commonly it is drivers who are at fault. Common causes where the driver is responsible for a pedestrian accident include being distracted, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and excessive speed.
If you are struck as a pedestrian, it is crucial for you and anyone else involved to receive medical attention. If you are in a position to, take photos of the scene, and call the police. This will assist with evidence for your case and proving fault. Calling a lawyer straight away will also ensure you have all the evidence you need for a strong case and do not say or do anything that may prejudice your position.
How a Lawyer Can Help you Get Compensation
Where a pedestrian is injured due to a driver’s negligence, the pedestrian can receive compensation for a range of economic and non-economic losses, including medical expenses and lost income, as well as compensation for their injury and pain or suffering. In the tragic event that the pedestrian is killed, their family can pursue compensation for the loss of their loved one.
Having a skilled pedestrian injury lawyer on your side as an accident victim helps you to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. A lawyer can assist with determining fault, negotiating settlements with insurance providers, or arguing your case in court.
Julian Allen, as a former defense lawyer for insurance companies, knows the tactics used by insurance providers to reduce or deny compensation and how to counter them. As an aggressive negotiator and passionate litigator, your chances of receiving favorable compensation are drastically increased with Julian Allen on your case.
Call Allen Law today at (843) 882-5005 so we can begin helping you.