Pedestrian accidents can turn an ordinary walk into a life-altering event. When a car, truck, or other vehicle collides with a person on foot, the consequences can be catastrophic. Suppose you or a loved one were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Charleston, South Carolina. In that case, you might have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable and recover compensation.
Ty Robinson Law Firm is here to help. Our Charleston pedestrian accident attorney has 6 years of experience representing accident victims and has recovered millions of dollars in total. We aren’t afraid to take any case to trial if it’s in your best interest.
If you have any questions, call our Charleston, SC, office today at (843) 278-2222 for a free initial consultation with a Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer to learn about your next steps.
How Ty Robinson Law Firm Can Help You After a Pedestrian Accident in Charleston, SC
Dealing with injuries, lost income, and medical bills can be overwhelming on its own, not to mention facing insurance adjusters who want to pay you as little as possible. Ty Robinson Law Firm believes strongly in protecting the rights of pedestrian accident victims. Our Charleston personal injury attorney has the skills, resources, and willingness to go to court that are often necessary to achieve a fair outcome.
Here are a few ways our Charleston personal injury lawyer can make a difference:
- Thorough investigation: We’ll obtain the police report, interview witnesses, and gather any available camera footage. This helps us determine who caused your crash.
- Preservation of evidence: Time can lead to lost proofs—skid marks fade, and people forget details. We act quickly to keep essential evidence.
- Claim evaluation: We look at your medical bills, the severity of your injuries, and any long-term care needs to assess the true value of your case.
- Negotiation with insurers: Insurance companies often start with a lowball offer. We fight for a settlement that reflects all of your losses, including medical care, pain, and more.
- Litigation if necessary: If the defendant does not agree to a fair amount, we’re fully prepared to present your case to a judge or jury.
Our personal, hands-on approach means we keep you informed every step of the way. Call us today in Charleston, SC, if you’d like to learn about how we can protect your rights and financial future.
What Is My Pedestrian Accident Claim in Charleston Worth?
One of the first questions victims ask is how much money they might receive. The reality is that no two accident cases are alike, so there’s no fixed amount for every pedestrian claim.
Some factors consistently play a big role in determining a case’s value:
- Injury severity: Serious injuries that lead to lasting pain, disability, or disfigurement often result in higher compensation.
- Impact on daily life: If you can’t return to work or must switch jobs, you may be eligible for more damages.
- Fault: Clear evidence of the driver’s negligence can bolster your claim. If there’s a dispute or comparative fault, it might reduce what you can collect.
- Future medical needs: Ongoing care, like physical therapy or surgeries, can drive up the potential value of your settlement or verdict.
- Emotional toll: Pain, trauma, or anxiety can also significantly affect your final award, especially if you can show how deeply the accident changed your life.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can fully document your case, from projecting future costs to showing the emotional harm you’ve experienced. Insurance companies notice when you come prepared with expert opinions or thorough documentation, which often results in a fairer settlement offer.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Charleston?
The steps you take immediately after an accident can greatly influence your legal claim. While prioritizing your health is crucial, certain actions can keep your case on track. Remember that these guidelines are suggestions; if your injuries are severe, seek help first.
You should keep these recommendations in mind:
- Call 911: Report the incident to the police and request medical attention if you’re hurt. A police report can serve as vital evidence.
- Gather information: If you’re able, get the driver’s name, insurance details, and license plate number. Also, please note any witnesses and their contact info.
- Take photos: Document the accident scene, injuries, property damage, or anything else that might help establish what happened.
- Seek medical treatment: Even if you feel okay at first, see a doctor promptly. Some injuries aren’t obvious right away.
- Avoid accepting blame: A simple apology can be misconstrued as admitting fault. Stick to factual statements about what happened.
By following these steps, you can protect crucial evidence and strengthen your claim, whether or not you hire a lawyer right away.
What Compensation Is Available After a Charleston Pedestrian Accident?
In a pedestrian accident case, you might recover two primary types of damages: economic and non-economic. In certain extreme situations, you might also seek punitive damages.
Economic damages refer to the tangible costs from the accident, such as:
- Medical bills, including surgeries and rehabilitation
- Lost wages if you couldn’t work
- Property damage, if personal items were broken
- Future expenses for continuing treatment or vocational retraining
Non-economic damages address the intangible ways you’ve been hurt, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
Punitive damages might arise only if the driver’s conduct was exceptionally reckless (e.g., driving while extremely intoxicated). These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer, not necessarily compensate you—but you still receive the money if they’re awarded.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Pedestrian Accident in South Carolina?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar to recovery. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault for the crash, you lose the right to receive damages. If you’re under 51% at fault, you can still collect money, but it’s reduced by your share of blame.
Insurance adjusters often exploit this system to argue that you, as the pedestrian, somehow contributed to the accident—perhaps by jaywalking or ignoring signals. A Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer can push back, showing the driver’s negligence was the main factor. The stronger your evidence against the driver, the less likely you’ll be assigned an undue portion of fault.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Charleston?
Many personal injury attorneys in Charleston, SC, work on a contingency fee basis.
That means:
- No upfront costs: You typically don’t pay a retainer or hourly fee to start.
- Attorney’s fees only if you win: The lawyer’s payment is a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
- You might pay certain expenses: Filing fees or expert witness costs may be your responsibility unless your contract says otherwise.
This system allows injured victims to afford legal help without worrying about big bills when they’re already dealing with medical debts. Since the lawyer only gets paid if you recover money, they’re motivated to secure the highest possible amount for you.
How Long Do I Have To File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you normally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you don’t file by then, the court will likely dismiss your case. There can be exceptions—for instance, if a government entity is involved or if the victim was a minor—but they’re not very common.
Waiting too long can weaken your case for other reasons as well. Memories fade, physical evidence can get lost, and witnesses may move away. Talking to a lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure you meet the deadline and preserve the proof needed for a strong claim.
Contact a Charleston Pedestrian Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
A pedestrian accident can upend your life, leaving you injured, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. Ty Robinson Law Firm offers significant experience and has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims. We stand ready to take on the insurance company or any other responsible party, and we won’t hesitate to bring your case to trial if that’s the best path toward full compensation.
Don’t let time slip by or let insurance adjusters pressure you into a low settlement. Contact us for a free consultation to learn about your rights and find out how we can help. By partnering with a Charleston pedestrian accident attorney who’s willing to fight in court, you’ll have a dedicated advocate committed to maximizing your recovery and helping you move forward.
