Spartanburg Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

We are all pedestrians at some point. Some of us go for walks in our neighborhoods for exercise and leisure, while for others, walking is a major part of their commute each day. South Carolina has warm weather for most of the year, and as a result, we have a higher amount of pedestrian traffic than in many other states.

Although walking is an enjoyable activity, it can be dangerous as well. In fact, pedestrian accidents have increased sharply in recent years. More than 6,000 pedestrians are killed in traffic related accidents in the US each year, and another 70,000 suffer serious injuries. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian crashes are the cause of nearly 10% of all traffic-related fatalities.

If you or someone close to you has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, you may have a right to compensation. Unfortunately, however, the party responsible for your injuries is not likely to willingly cover the full extent of your losses. Most often, you will be dealing with an insurance adjuster whose goal is to mitigate the insurer’s losses by paying out as little as possible for your injuries. With so much at stake, it makes sense to have a skilled legal advocate in your corner who is looking out for your best interests.

At the Nowell Law Firm, we understand the enormous physical, emotional, and financial toll pedestrian accidents take on victims and their families, and we are here to provide strong legal guidance and moral support during this difficult time. Our South Carolina attorneys have an in-depth understanding of personal injury law, and we have a successful track record obtaining favorable results for our clients. We take the time to thoroughly investigate your claim, and we work hard to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of South Carolina Pedestrian Accidents

As we touched on earlier, pedestrian deaths have been on the rise in South Carolina and across the country. There are several possible reasons for this, here are some that were cited by experts in a recent NPR report:

• Population Growth: South Carolina is not only a popular tourist destination, it is also becoming an increasingly preferred state to live in. Many other states have growing populations as well. With an increased population comes a rise in the number of pedestrians that commute to various places or just go out for a leisurely walk.

• Larger Vehicles on the Road: As fuel prices have dropped and incomes have risen, a growing number of Americans now prefer larger vehicles such as SUVs, full-size pickup trucks, and vans. For drivers of these vehicles, it is more difficult to see pedestrians because of their higher ground clearance. And when a pedestrian is struck by a large vehicle, there is a higher likelihood of serious injuries and fatalities.

• Distracted Driving: Since the advent of the automobile, motorists have always had to deal with various types of distractions. But in today’s digital age, the electronic distractions we now have can be far more deadly. Texting while driving and similar activities distract motorists in three ways; visually, manually, and cognitively. The end result is that the driver’s focus is taken completely away from the road, causing them to miss important details like a pedestrian crossing the road in front of them.

In most collisions in which a vehicle crashes into a pedestrian, the accident is caused by the vehicle driver, although there are some cases in which a pedestrian may contribute to the accident as well. Some of the most common reasons pedestrian accidents occur include:

• Distractions: As we have talked about, distracted driving often plays a role in a pedestrian crash. But a distracted pedestrian may also contribute to the crash.

• Speeding: When a driver exceeds the speed limit, they have less time to adjust to adverse conditions that may arise. And when a vehicle crashes into a pedestrian at a higher speed, the chances of severe and catastrophic injuries increase.

• Aggressive/Reckless Driving: Excessive speeding, tailgating, dangerous and illegal turns, refusing to yield the right-of-way, and running stop lights and stop signs are just a few examples of aggressive or reckless driving behaviors that often contribute to a pedestrian accident.

• Alcohol: Alcohol is a factor in approximately 50% of all pedestrian crashes. In about two-thirds of those cases, a drunk driver causes the crash. In the other one-third of these cases, the pedestrian is impaired by alcohol.

• Drowsy Driving: When someone is driving while drowsy or fatigued, there is a danger that they may fall asleep behind the wheel, which can lead to disastrous consequences. But even if this does not happen, a drowsy driver has a harder time staying focused and they often have reduced peripheral vision. This could cause them to miss a pedestrian who was walking nearby.

What to Do if You are Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

What happens shortly after a vehicle crash is crucial to the well-being of those involved, and to any subsequent legal claim that may be filed. Here are some important steps you should take if you are involved in a pedestrian accident:

• Get Immediate Medical Help: The first priority after any type of auto accident is to make sure everyone involved receives prompt medical care. Even if you do not feel hurt right away after the crash, call 911 anyway to get checked out.

• Contact the Police: The police should be called to the scene of any pedestrian accident with injuries. The police will file an official report which will be relied upon heavily during the injury claim.

• Document Everything: In addition to the police report, you should compile your own report of the incident. If you are physically able, take multiple photographs of the accident scene, or ask someone to do this for you. Write out a detailed report about what happened while everything is fresh in your mind or use your voice recorder to create an audible report. Lastly, make sure to obtain statements and contact information from any individuals who may have witnessed the event.

• Speak Cautiously: Do not admit any type of fault for the accident, and do not discuss the details of it with anyone at the scene or on social media. What you say can be used against you during a legal claim, so it is best to say as little as possible about the incident.

• Contact a Skilled Attorney: At your earliest convenience, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who can help you pursue a legal claim. The sooner you get an attorney involved, the better the chances that you will be able to recover maximum compensation.

Call Our Knowledgeable and Compassionate South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one suffered injury in a pedestrian accident, the Nowell Law Firm is here to help. Message us online or call our Spartanburg, SC office today at (864) 469-2481 to schedule a free consultation and case a