Main Street in North Myrtle Beach is a bustling strip known for its beachside charm, vibrant energy, and foot traffic from families and vacationers alike. On what should have been a carefree stroll through the heart of this tourist hub while on vacation, a young woman and her sister entered a crosswalk with a walk signal, fully expecting drivers to obey pedestrian laws.
But that expectation was horrifyingly shattered in a split second.
As the sisters began to cross the street, a car exited a nearby parking lot and turned right onto Main Street. Showing no concern for others, the driver disregarded the walk signal and failed to check for pedestrians. Without slowing or stopping, the vehicle struck our client from behind. She was launched onto the hood of the car before violently tumbling to the pavement.
Immediate Aftermath and Ongoing Medical Concerns
Emergency services rushed our client to the emergency department, where she was treated for her injuries. The following day, she returned to the ER with new symptoms, which raised alarms about serious internal complications. Shortly after being discharged from the hospital, she returned to her out-of-state home, where she continued to experience pain, and she sought treatment from her primary care doctor.
In the weeks that followed, she underwent additional X-rays, received further evaluation, and was recommended for physical therapy and chiropractic care. Her recovery also demanded time off work to attend appointments and allow her body time to heal.
CCTV Footage Captures Car Hitting Pedestrian in Violation of South Carolina Traffic Laws
As soon as the case was brought to Joye Law Firm, Attorney Connor Johnson began building a strategy that prioritized getting our client maximum compensation. He was assisted by Case Manager Cierra Greer. Attorney Johnson knows from experience what it takes to pressure the insurer into paying what is fair, and how to prevent them from taking advantage of an out-of-state visitor with limited legal resources.
The first step was obtaining video surveillance. A FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request allowed them to access CCTV footage of the collision. The video was clear. It showed the at-fault driver completely ignoring the walk signal and plowing through the crosswalk. More than just helpful, the footage was indisputable proof of negligence and a powerful tool in negotiations.
“There’s an inherent imbalance when a pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle—thousands of pounds of steel against a vulnerable human body,” explained Attorney Johnson. “But when you add in the clear violation of traffic laws, a blatant disregard for safety, and a driver who’s not just unapologetic but combative, there’s a real possibility for punitive damages.”
Fighting for the Full Insurance Policy Limits and Winning
Initially, the insurance company offered only $50,000 in bodily injury coverage, but Attorney Johnson wasn’t satisfied with that offer. He pushed the insurer not only to recognize the full scope of the client’s injuries, but also to consider the egregious behavior of their insured driver and the exposure of punitive damages.
“Punitive damages are about more than the injury,” he explained. “They’re about the behavior. Juries award punitive damages when they believe someone should be punished for their reckless behavior and actions. This case had all the elements: clear video proof, a driver who broke pedestrian safety laws to endanger the public, and absolutely no remorse. We made it known that if this went to trial, we’d be coming for more than just compensation for the injuries sustained; we’d be asking a jury to make an example of that driver.”
Under that pressure, the insurer agreed to pay the entire policy limit: $100,000.
Swift Legal Action and Strategic Settlement Negotiation
From the date of the accident to final disbursement, the case took just nine months, an impressively short timeframe in the world of personal injury claims. This efficiency was made possible through a combination of:
- Rapid evidence collection (especially the crucial CCTV footage)
- Diligent tracking and documentation of medical care
- Strategic legal positioning
- Experience in anticipating and overcoming insurance defense tactics
Attorney Johnson credited the result not just to the facts of the case but also to his client for seeking help quickly.
“This is a perfect example of why it’s critical to get legal help immediately, especially when you’re out of town,” he emphasized. “If our client had waited until she got home to take action, vital evidence could have been lost. Delay can make it harder to connect the injuries to the accident or even prove liability at all.”
A Word of Advice for Vacationers Injured in South Carolina
Attorney Connor Johnson offered two key takeaways for anyone injured while traveling:
- Seek immediate medical attention. “Delaying care doesn’t just hurt your health, it can hurt your case. Insurance companies will argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t even caused by the accident if there’s a big gap between the incident and treatment.”
- Don’t try to go it alone. “There’s a reason personal injury law is a profession. Practicing law is like playing chess, you have to know how to move the pieces. Gathering evidence, knowing which arguments to make, how to present them, and when to push; it’s a game the insurance companies are very good at playing. You need someone who knows the rules, knows the players, and knows how to win.”
Get Legal Help After
This case is a powerful reminder that serious injuries can happen anywhere, even on vacation, and that having a strong legal team can make all the difference. Thanks to the swift, strategic, and skilled work of Attorney Connor Johnson and Case Manager Cierra Greer, Joye Law Firm was able to secure every penny available under the at-fault driver’s policy, ensuring our client had the financial support she needed to recover and move forward.
Injured while traveling? Don’t wait. Call Joye Law Firm today at (888) 324-3100 for a free consultation and let our experienced attorneys help you protect your rights.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
