South Carolina has a serious pedestrian safety problem and consistently ranks near the bottom nationally for walkers and bikers alike. While walking is a common way to get around Greenville, people on foot face serious dangers when sharing the road with cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Each year, Greenville County sees pedestrian crashes that cause injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. A simple walk to work, the store, or school can turn tragic when a driver does not pay attention or obey traffic laws. Pedestrians struck by a vehicle are far more likely to suffer brain injuries, broken bones, and other harm compared to people in cars.
At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we have helped tens of thousands of people across South Carolina since 1968 and have secured over half a billion dollars for our injured clients. Our proven process and award-winning attorneys provide strong legal representation for pedestrians injured in collisions.
Over the years, we have secured meaningful results for clients facing the devastating consequences of being struck by vehicles. In one real-world example, we obtained a $100,000 personal injury settlement for a pedestrian, illustrating the dangers people face while simply walking near traffic. In another case, we achieved a $270,000 workers’ compensation settlement for a law enforcement officer who was hit by a car while directing traffic, suffering serious injuries that required surgery and physical therapy. These cases reflect the different scenarios and severe harm that can occur when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle.
If you or a loved one has been hit while walking in the Upstate, our Greenville pedestrian accident attorneys can stand by your side, explain your rights, and fight for fair compensation under South Carolina law.
How Joye Law Firm Can Help After a Greenville Pedestrian Accident
After a Greenville pedestrian accident, many people are left unsure about what to do next. At Joye Law Firm, we use our decades of experience to guide injured pedestrians step by step through the legal process. Here’s how our team can help:
- Investigation of the accident: Our Greenville pedestrian accident attorneys use cutting-edge technology and old-fashioned hard work to review police reports, roadway photos, stop sign or crosswalk conditions, and witness statements to understand how the collision occurred.
- Analysis of negligence: We consult professionals when needed to determine whether distracted driving, speeding, or alcohol use contributed to the incident.
- Handling insurance company communications: We take over all communication with insurers, so injured pedestrians are not pressured into low settlements or unfairly blamed.
- Calculating damages: Our team documents the full extent of losses, including medical bills, lost wages, lost income, pain and suffering, and future needs to make sure nothing is overlooked.
- Protecting clients’ rights: By providing legal representation, we ensure pedestrians are treated fairly under South Carolina law and not left vulnerable to insurance company tactics, like lowball offers.
- Experience since 1968: Joye Law Firm has successfully represented injured South Carolinians for decades, earning trust through proven results and our commitment to the community.
- Guiding clients through the process: Our client service is where we shine. We know what it is like to be in your shoes and want to make this difficult situation as easy for you as possible. We explain each step clearly, from filing claims to potential court proceedings, so clients know what to expect at every stage. It’s no wonder why so many Joye Law Firm clients leave 5-star Google reviews.
South Carolina Law on Pedestrian Accidents
Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-3230, pedestrians are given specific protections and responsibilities when using crosswalks and public roadways. The law requires that drivers exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, particularly when they are in marked crosswalks or intersections. Motorists must slow down or stop if necessary to yield the right-of-way.
At the same time, pedestrians also have duties under this statute. They are expected to use crosswalks when available and must not suddenly leave a curb or safe place and walk into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop safely. This means that while the law focuses on keeping pedestrians safe, it also highlights shared responsibility between drivers and people walking to avoid accidents.
Violations of this statute may establish negligence in a civil claim after a pedestrian accident. For example, if a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, it can serve as strong evidence of liability. On the other hand, if a pedestrian fails to exercise caution when entering the roadway, their own negligence could reduce or bar recovery of damages under South Carolina’s comparative negligence rules.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Greenville
Understanding why pedestrian accidents happen is an important part of building a strong case. Below are some of the most common causes seen in Greenville and throughout South Carolina.
1. Distracted Driving 
Drivers who glance at their phones, adjust GPS, or take their eyes off the roadway often fail to see pedestrians. This type of negligence is one of the leading causes of crashes involving people walking.
2. Speeding on Major Corridors
High speeds reduce reaction time. Along Greenville’s major corridors, speeding drivers are less able to stop in time, leading to serious pedestrian injuries.
3. Failure to Yield at Crosswalks and Stop Signs
When drivers ignore traffic signals or refuse to yield at crosswalks and intersections, pedestrians are placed in direct danger of being struck.
4. Alcohol and Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug use continue to play a role in pedestrian crashes. Impaired drivers cannot react properly and often hit pedestrians crossing at night or near entertainment areas.
5. Parking Lot Accidents 
Even at low speeds, drivers who back up without looking can hit pedestrians walking in parking lots. These incidents often cause painful injuries.
6. Poor Roadway and Sidewalk Design
In some cases, accidents stem from unsafe infrastructure. Narrow or non-existent sidewalks, poorly lit intersections, and unclear crosswalks increase risks for pedestrians.
