A trip to Walmart is usually one of the most routine errands you can run. Park, grab a cart, pick up what you need, and head home. For one elderly South Carolina man, ordinary shopping was anything but. Instead of running a quick errand, he was rushed to the hospital after being violently struck by a car in the parking lot. His family feared he wouldn’t survive.
The crash’s devastating injuries severely worsened the man’s health. His family knew they needed help and hired Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers to pursue accountability. Attorney Tommy Terrell from our Myrtle Beach office took the lead on the case. Through a detailed investigation and persistent negotiation with multiple insurance carriers, Terrell secured a $550,000 settlement.
Pedestrian Parking Lot Accident Led to Severe Injuries, Emergency Surgery, and a Difficult Recovery
John*, an 88-year-old man from Little River, was crossing the Walmart parking lot in North Myrtle Beach when tragedy struck. While pushing a shopping cart across the marked crosswalk, a Jeep Wrangler struck him head-on. The impact threw John backward, slamming him onto the pavement and leaving him gravely injured.
He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors determined the severity of his injuries required immediate intervention. All his family could do was wait and pray.
John underwent emergency back surgery and remained hospitalized for several days. After his initial discharge, his condition declined, forcing him to be readmitted for additional treatment. His recovery was difficult and incomplete, marked by pain and loss of mobility.
At the time of the crash, John was also undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. While cancer ultimately caused his passing, the trauma from the pedestrian accident significantly worsened his condition and quality of life. He never fully recovered from the crash, and the injuries he sustained made the final months of his life far more painful and difficult than they should have been.
Multiple Insurance Policies and the Pursuit of Accountability for Pedestrian Accidents
Because of the seriousness of John’s injuries and his prolonged hospitalization, Attorney Tommy Terrell knew multiple layers of insurance coverage likely applied. He conducted an exhaustive review of all available insurance policies and opted to pursue claims involving bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage for his client. In total, Tommy implicated four separate insurance policies in the case.
Through careful investigation and strategic negotiation, Attorney Terrell secured tenders from the available insurance carriers, resulting in a $550,000 settlement. The recovery helped address significant medical expenses and provided a measure of accountability for a crash that robbed John of his comfort, independence, and dignity.
Standing Up for Vulnerable Victims and Their Families
Although no legal outcome can undo the harm caused or restore lost time, this case underscores the importance of holding negligent drivers accountable, especially when their actions profoundly affect vulnerable individuals. At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we remain committed to standing up for South Carolina’s injured pedestrians and their families, ensuring their voices are heard and their suffering is not ignored.
* Client’s name has been changed to protect his identity
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes
