Charleston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Fighting for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Charleston, SC

Charleston’s vibrant streets and walkable neighborhoods make it a great city for pedestrians. However, with heavy traffic, distracted driving, and congested roads, pedestrian accidents occur far too often.

Walking through historic downtown Charleston or crossing busy intersections like King and Calhoun streets puts pedestrians at risk of being hit by negligent drivers. The city ranks as the 9th most dangerous for pedestrians in the U.S., with 147 fatalities between 2018 and 2022 and an average fatality rate of 3.66 per 100,000 people.

If you or a loved one has been struck by a car, you may be facing severe injuries, high medical bills, and lost wages. At Berly Rouse, our experienced Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers will help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, pain, and suffering.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Charleston

When a pedestrian is hit by a car, it’s often due to driver negligence. When motorists fail to obey traffic laws or engage in reckless behavior, they put those on foot at serious risk. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, using GPS, or adjusting the radio may not see a pedestrian crossing the street. Even a brief distraction can lead to a serious accident, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic.

Speeding and reckless driving. Driving too fast or making aggressive moves, like sudden lane changes or running red lights, makes it harder to react to pedestrians. In busy areas like Market Street or near The Battery, these behaviors increase the risk of serious accidents.

Failure to yield at crosswalks. South Carolina law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. However, many drivers fail to stop, leading to serious injuries.

Drunk or impaired driving. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time. Drunk drivers are more likely to run red lights, drive aggressively, and fail to see pedestrians.

Poor visibility and road conditions. Low lighting, heavy rain, or obstructed views can contribute to pedestrian accidents. Drivers are still responsible for slowing down, staying alert, and adjusting to road conditions to avoid accidents.

If you’ve been injured due to a driver’s careless actions, a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney at Berly Rouse can help you hold the responsible party accountable.

Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident Case

In pedestrian-car collisions, the injuries are often severe. Unlike passengers in a motor vehicle, pedestrians have no protection from the impact of a car accident. Common injuries in pedestrian accident cases include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Head injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairment and require extensive medical care.

Broken Bones

The force of impact often results in fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Serious accidents can cause paralysis or lifelong mobility challenges.

Internal Injuries

Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery.

Cuts, Bruises, and Soft Tissue Injuries

Even minor pedestrian accidents can cause painful injuries that require medical treatment.

These damages can affect your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. A Charleston-based personal injury attorney can help you file a pedestrian accident lawsuit to seek the financial support you need for recovery.

What To Do After Being Struck by a Car in Charleston

If you have been hit by a car, taking the right steps can help protect your health and strengthen your pedestrian accident claim:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Call 911 or visit a doctor as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor. Hidden damages, like TBIs, may not show symptoms right away. Keep all medical records as evidence.

Call the Police

Report the accident immediately and request an officer at the scene. They will document what happened, gather witness statements, and determine if the driver violated traffic laws. Ask for a copy of the police report for your claim.

Gather Evidence

Take photos of the accident scene, including crosswalks, traffic signals, skid marks, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Note any nearby surveillance cameras that may have recorded the crash.

Get Contact Information

Collect the driver’s name, insurance details, and license plate number. Speak with witnesses and get their names and phone numbers in case statements are needed later.

Be Cautious with Insurance Companies

Adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or deflect blame. Speak with a personal injury attorney before providing statements or accepting a settlement.

How a Charleston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

At Berly Rouse, our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys handle every aspect of your personal injury case, allowing you to focus on healing. Here’s how we can assist:

Investigating your case. We gather police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements to prove liability and support your claim.
Calculating your damages. We work with medical experts to determine the extent of your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and future expenses. We also factor in lost wages and pain and suffering, helping you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to minimize personal injury claims. Our pedestrian accident lawyers challenge lowball offers and fight for a fair settlement.
Litigating your case. If necessary, we are prepared to take your pedestrian accident lawsuit to court to secure the compensation you deserve from a judge or jury.

At Berly Rouse, we have years of experience with motor vehicle collisions and Charleston’s trial courts. Our personal injury lawyers will use proven legal strategies to build a strong case and pursue the best possible outcome.

Protect Your Claim After a Pedestrian Accident

At Berly Rouse, we understand the challenges pedestrians face after being struck by a vehicle. While you may have a long road to recovery, having skilled legal representation can give you peace of mind and help secure financial support for you and your loved ones.

Our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers have a strong track record of securing settlements and verdicts for clients. Let us fight for you.

Charleston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers​