Columbia Pedestrian Accident Attorney Near You

South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrian accidents, and the Midlands are no exception. In fact, Columbia pedestrian deaths and injuries have skyrocketed in recent years, giving the city the dubious honor as one of the 15 most dangerous metros for pedestrians in the country. Columbia pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere pedestrians and vehicles share space, including busy roads, sleepy neighborhood streets, and parking lots. However, these aren’t just minor fender benders. Pedestrian v. motor vehicle accidents result in serious injuries that leave victims unable to work or care for themselves. Facing uncertain futures and rising medical costs, many injured pedestrians opt to pursue a personal injury claim to hold the careless driver to account for accident-related injuries.

At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers assist injured pedestrians in pursuing financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from their accidents. Since 1968, our law firm has fought for the rights of tens of thousands of accident victims across South Carolina. We understand how overwhelming it feels to deal with injuries, insurance companies, and financial stress after a crash. Our award-winning team focuses on your legal rights, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a pedestrian accident in Columbia, contact Joye Law Firm today. Our pedestrian accident attorneys can review your situation and explain your legal options in a free consultation.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accident Cases

South Carolina pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, many of which require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation. Understanding these injuries helps you recognize why full compensation is necessary after a crash:

• Broken Bones: Fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and hips are frequent after a pedestrian accident. Some require surgery, while others need weeks or months of immobilization and physical therapy.
• Head Injuries and Concussions: Pedestrians often hit their heads on the pavement or a vehicle, leading to concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Symptoms like memory issues, dizziness, and headaches can appear days after the accident.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spine or surrounding nerves can cause permanent mobility issues, nerve pain, or paralysis. Treatment may include surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding may not be apparent right away. These injuries are life-threatening and require emergency care.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can cause long-term pain and limited range of motion, even in the absence of broken bones.
• Chronic Pain or Disability: Some injuries leave accident victims with ongoing pain, stiffness, or physical limitations that affect daily life and employment.
• Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are common after a pedestrian crash, impacting quality of life and recovery.

Each injury affects recovery time and medical costs. Documenting every injury through medical professionals is essential when seeking financial compensation in a personal injury claim.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in South Carolina Pedestrian Accidents?

Determining responsibility in pedestrian accidents depends on South Carolina law and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Liability is not always simple. Several parties may share fault based on their actions leading up to the crash:

• The Driver: In most pedestrian accident cases, the vehicle driver is held responsible. This typically happens when the driver fails to yield, ignores traffic signals, drives distracted, speeds, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.
• A Commercial Employer: If the driver was operating a company vehicle during work duties, the business may also be liable. Commercial companies are responsible for the actions of employees while they are driving within the scope of their employment.
• The Pedestrian (Partial Fault): In some situations, responsibility is shared. For example, both a distracted driver and a pedestrian who crossed improperly could be assigned percentages of fault. South Carolina uses a comparative negligence rule, meaning a pedestrian found partially responsible can have the compensation awarded in a jury trial reduced based on their percentage of fault.
• Your Own Insurance: If the driver who hit you lacks insurance or flees the scene, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may help cover your damages. If the driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages, which is common in South Carolina, your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may help. While this coverage is designed to protect you, insurance companies often resist paying these claims without a fight.
• Government Entities (Rare): If unsafe road design or broken pedestrian signals contributed to the accident, a government agency may be partly liable. Claims against public agencies have strict filing deadlines.

Each case depends on evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and video footage. Identifying every responsible party ensures your injury claim considers all possible sources of financial compensation. A thorough investigation helps protect your legal rights after a pedestrian accident.

Sadly, pedestrians are often too injured to give their side of story at the scene. Because of that, and anti-pedestrian biases, pedestrians are routine – and wrongly – assigned blame for their own wrecks.  At Joye Law Firm, our attorneys push back on unfair fault assignment and ensure our clients are compensated fairly.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Columbia Pedestrian Accident?

Injured pedestrians in South Carolina have the right to seek financial compensation for the losses caused by someone else’s negligence. Compensation may cover both direct economic and non-economic damages. Based on South Carolina law and our experience helping accident victims, here’s what compensation may include:

• Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, emergency treatment, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and long-term care related to your injuries.
• Future Medical Costs: If your injuries require ongoing treatment, such as therapy, follow-up surgeries, or home care, you can seek compensation for anticipated future medical expenses.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily, you may recover compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery period.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in permanent disability or limit your ability to work long-term, compensation can include the loss of future income.
• Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and discomfort experienced after your pedestrian accident, which can be included in your financial recovery.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges that develop after the accident can also be considered for compensation.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Serious injuries that cause long-term disability, scarring, or disfigurement may result in higher compensation due to the lasting impact on your life.
• Reduced Quality of Life: If your injuries affect your ability to participate in daily activities, hobbies, or family life, compensation may address this loss.
• Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Costs such as transportation to medical appointments, medical equipment, or home modifications may be recovered.

Calculating the full value of your personal injury claim requires a detailed review of your medical records, employment history, and long-term care needs. Documenting every loss strengthens your claim and supports your right to fair compensation.