SC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, SC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Mount Pleasant, the Arndt Law Firm can help recover the compensation you deserve. Contact an experienced Mount Pleasant, SC pedestrian accident lawyer today to protect your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Pedestrian accidents can happen in an instant, transforming a simple walk to work, a jog along Shem Creek, or a family stroll through Park West into a life-threatening emergency. Whether crossing Coleman Boulevard, walking through the Mount Pleasant Towne Center parking lot, or navigating the busy intersections along Highway 17, pedestrians face serious risks from distracted drivers, speeding motorists, and inadequate infrastructure.

At our firm, the Arndt Law Firm, we understand the challenges faced by pedestrians injured in accidents. Located in Mount Pleasant, we are dedicated to representing those throughout Charleston County. Our team is committed to ensuring that victims receive the essential medical care and support they need during this difficult time. We work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable, so our clients can focus on healing and moving forward with their lives. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.

When those at fault face real consequences, it sends a message that careless driving won’t be tolerated. This accountability may help encourage safer driving habits and push local authorities to improve crosswalks, signals, and other safety measures.

Dangerous Intersections and Pedestrian Hotspots in Mount Pleasant

Certain areas of Mount Pleasant are known for their high pedestrian traffic and increased risk of accidents. These include:

Coleman Boulevard & Fairmont Avenue: This busy retail corridor experiences heavy vehicle traffic and short crossing signals, making it difficult and potentially unsafe for pedestrians to cross in time.
Highway 17 near Mount Pleasant Town Center: The wide lanes and fast-moving vehicles pose a serious risk to pedestrians, especially at dusk when visibility is limited.
Long Point Road & Belle Hall Parkway: Frequent near-misses may occur here as turning vehicles and short pedestrian intervals leave little margin for safety.
Shem Creek Boardwalk area: Popular with joggers and tourists, it can become hazardous after sunset due to limited lighting and heavy evening foot traffic.
Wando High School vicinity (Carolina Park): Heavy pedestrian traffic from students may increase the risk of accidents during school drop-off and pickup times.

Awareness helps both drivers and pedestrians stay alert and proactive.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Mount Pleasant

Recognizing the common causes of pedestrian accidents can help victims better understand when negligence may be a factor and when they may have a valid legal claim.

Distracted Driving

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) states that distracted driving remains a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Mount Pleasant. Often, drivers focus on their phones instead of the road, texting, checking emails, scrolling social media, or adjusting their GPS. Even a brief distraction can cause them to miss a pedestrian crossing a street, walking through a parking lot, or stepping into a crosswalk. On busy roads like Coleman Boulevard or Highway 17, that split second of inattention can lead to devastating consequences.

The rise in cell phone use while driving has created a serious and preventable safety problem. Although South Carolina law (SC Code 56-5-3890) prohibits texting while driving, many motorists continue to disregard the prohibition. When a driver looks down at a phone, their focus shifts away from the road, and pedestrians vanish from their view. That loss of awareness can turn an ordinary moment into a life-changing accident.

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks

Under South Carolina law, drivers are required to stop and yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Unfortunately, many serious accidents occur when motorists disregard this rule and fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians.

These incidents can be common in high-traffic areas, such as the crosswalks at Mount Pleasant Towne Center, busy intersections along Coleman Boulevard, and school zones in neighborhoods like Carolina Park and Park West. Drivers often rush through intersections as the lights change, overlooking pedestrians who are still in the crosswalk.

Right-turning vehicles are another frequent danger. Drivers may focus on oncoming traffic instead of checking for people crossing in front of them. When drivers fail to yield, even a moment’s impatience can result in a collision.

Speeding

Speed plays a significant role in the severity of a pedestrian accident. Research shows that when a vehicle is traveling at about 20 mph, the survival rate for a struck pedestrian is relatively high, but as speeds climb into the 30-40 mph range, the survival rate declines. Beyond, the chance of death or serious injury rises steeply. This is especially true on major roads like Highway 17 and Long Point Road, as well as in Mount Pleasant’s residential neighborhoods, where pedestrians are often nearby.

Driving too fast limits a driver’s ability to react and increases the distance needed to stop. A pedestrian stepping out from behind a parked car, crossing an intersection, or walking through a parking lot may appear suddenly. When a driver is speeding, there’s simply not enough time or space to avoid a collision.

Driving Under the Influence

Impaired drivers pose a serious danger to pedestrians. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times, impair judgment, and reduce coordination. Impaired drivers often fail to see pedestrians at night, drift into sidewalks, or strike pedestrians at intersections.

South Carolina has strict DUI laws. Drivers who cause pedestrian accidents while intoxicated may face both criminal prosecution and substantial civil liability, including potential punitive damages in appropriate cases.

Left Turn Accidents

Drivers making left turns often focus exclusively on oncoming traffic, failing to notice pedestrians crossing in front of them. These accidents can be common at busy intersections throughout Mount Pleasant, where multiple pedestrians cross simultaneously with traffic.

Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lots throughout Mount Pleasant, at Towne Center, grocery stores, shopping plazas, and apartment complexes are frequent sites of pedestrian accidents. These crashes may happen when drivers back out of spaces without looking, cut across parking rows, or drive too fast through crowded lots. Pedestrians walking to or from their vehicles are especially vulnerable in these busy areas.

Unsafe conditions often make the problem worse. Poor lighting, worn or faded crosswalk markings, and missing or unclear signs can reduce visibility and increase confusion. Property owners have responsibilities to maintain safe parking areas, and when they fail to do so, both drivers and pedestrians are put at risk.

Inadequate Pedestrian Infrastructure

In the town of Mount Pleasant, there are still gaps in critical pedestrian infrastructure: sidewalks, marked crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and lighting in some neighborhoods and along key roadways. Pedestrians forced to walk in roadways or cross streets without marked crosswalks can face a higher risk of injury. Under certain circumstances, when poor infrastructure contributes to an accident, municipalities or property owners may share responsibility for failing to provide safe conditions.

Poor Visibility Conditions

Darkness, rain, fog, and glare from the sun reduce visibility, contributing to pedestrian accidents. Drivers are generally expected to adjust their speed and remain alert under these conditions, and failing to do so may constitute negligence. Pedestrians walking at night without reflective clothing are still entitled to protection from drivers who must maintain a proper lookout.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians have no protection when struck by vehicles. Even at lower speeds, impacts can cause serious injuries that may require extensive medical care.

Head and Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of pedestrian accidents. Head impacts cause concussions, skull fractures, and severe brain trauma.

Severe TBI can result in cognitive impairments, memory problems, personality changes, seizures, and permanent disability requiring lifelong care. Even mild traumatic brain injuries cause persistent headaches, dizziness, concentration difficulties, and emotional changes.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Vehicle collisions can put extreme force on the spine, leading to fractured vertebrae and damage to the spinal cord. These injuries can have life-altering consequences. In some cases, they cause complete paralysis, resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Other times, the injury is partial, leaving some movement but still causing significant disability, chronic pain, and long-term challenges.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious fractures. Common injuries include broken legs, hips, arms, wrists, ribs, and facial bones. These injuries can require surgery, long-term treatment, and extensive recovery, significantly impacting a victim’s daily life.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma causes internal bleeding, organ damage, and life-threatening injuries. The liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs are particularly vulnerable. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can prove fatal without prompt treatment.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Road rash occurs when pedestrians slide across pavement, causing severe abrasions that may require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring. Muscle tears, ligament sprains, and tendon injuries cause pain and may require surgery.

Amputations

Severe pedestrian accidents sometimes result in traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that surgical amputation becomes necessary. These life-altering injuries require prosthetics, extensive rehabilitation, and lifelong adjustments.

Psychological Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accident victims frequently develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and phobias about crossing streets or being near traffic. The psychological impact can be as disabling as physical injuries.

South Carolina Pedestrian Laws and Rights

Pedestrians in South Carolina have clear legal protections, and understanding these rules is key to holding negligent drivers accountable. Knowing when pedestrians have the right of way, what drivers must do to prevent accidents, and how shared responsibility affects recovery can make a significant difference after an accident.

Pedestrian Right of Way

In South Carolina (under SC Code Section 56-5-3130), drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within crosswalks (marked or unmarked) and when crossing sidewalks. If a driver doesn’t yield, they can be considered legally at fault. Pedestrians must also be careful, yielding to vehicles when crossing outside crosswalks.

Crosswalk Rules

At intersections with traffic signals, pedestrians must obey the pedestrian signals when they are present. At intersections without signals, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing within crosswalks. Outside crosswalks, pedestrians must yield to vehicles; however, drivers still have a duty to avoid striking pedestrians.

Sidewalk Requirements

When sidewalks are available, pedestrians are expected to use them rather than walk in the street. However, many areas in Mount Pleasant lack sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk along or in roadways. In these cases, walking facing oncoming traffic helps pedestrians see vehicles and stay safer.

Driver Duties

In South Carolina, drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, regardless of whether the pedestrian is in a crosswalk or has the right of way. This includes maintaining proper lookout and controlling the vehicle to prevent collisions. Failing to do so can establish negligence in an accident.

Comparative Negligence

South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence. Injured pedestrians can recover damages even if partially at fault, provided their fault does not exceed the defendant's fault. If a pedestrian is 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover. If less than 50% at fault, recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if a pedestrian crosses outside a crosswalk at night while wearing dark clothing, and a driver is texting, both may share fault. If the pedestrian is found to be 30% at fault and the damages total $100,000, the recovery would be reduced to $70,000.

These laws help ensure both pedestrian safety and fair compensation when collisions occur.

The Road to Recovery After a Pedestrian Accident

Healing from a pedestrian accident goes far beyond physical recovery. An experienced Mount Pleasant, SC pedestrian accident lawyer can explain what recovery truly involves to help prepare victims and families for what’s ahead.

For many survivors, that path forward may include:

Medical Recovery and Rehabilitation

Serious injuries like fractures, spinal damage, or head trauma require immediate emergency care and months, or even years, of follow-up treatment. Physical recovery also involves learning to adapt. Some survivors may relearn to walk, while others rely on mobility aids or home modifications. These changes carry both emotional weight and financial costs.

Financial and Employment Challenges

Time away from work can complicate the recovery process. Lost wages, medical bills, and transportation costs can quickly accumulate. Even victims with health insurance often discover that deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-network specialists create severe financial strain.

When injuries result in permanent limitations, victims may need to change professions or stop working altogether. At The Arndt Law Firm, our team of experienced South Carolina Pedestrian accident lawyers can help calculate future earning potential, a critical component of every personal injury claim.

Emotional and Psychological Healing

Many survivors of pedestrian crashes in Mount Pleasant describe lasting fear, anxiety, or nightmares after the accident. Some develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the collision was violent or fatal for another person involved. Mental health professionals often play a key role in recovery, helping victims rebuild confidence to walk outdoors again.

Community Support and Resources

Mount Pleasant and Charleston County offer several local organizations and rehabilitation networks that assist accident victims and their families. Support groups, counseling programs, and church-based initiatives help people cope with trauma, connect with others facing similar challenges, and regain a sense of normalcy.

Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s an essential part of the healing process. Recovery means addressing the physical, emotional, and financial impact of an accident as one interconnected process.

Damages Recoverable in Pedestrian Accident Cases

South Carolina law allows comprehensive recovery for losses resulting from pedestrian accidents caused by negligent drivers.

Medical Expenses

Pedestrian accident injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, medical equipment, and ongoing treatment. Severe injuries can result in medical costs exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. Future medical expenses are compensable when injuries require ongoing care.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

Time away from work during recovery results in lost wages. Severe injuries may prevent victims from returning to previous occupations, resulting in diminished earning capacity. Young victims with decades of working years ahead face particularly significant losses when permanent disabilities limit career options.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions deserves substantial compensation. Pedestrian accidents cause suffering that may warrant significant damages.

Emotional Distress

Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and phobias resulting from pedestrian accidents are compensable. Psychological treatment costs and damages for mental anguish are included in claims.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Permanent scars from road rash, lacerations, and surgical procedures affect appearance and self-esteem. Significant scarring warrants compensation for the permanent alteration to one's appearance.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Pedestrian accidents may prevent victims from participating in activities they previously enjoyed. Physical limitations and psychological trauma diminish quality of life in ways deserving compensation.

Wrongful Death Damages

When pedestrian accidents prove fatal, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims, recovering loss of financial support, loss of companionship, medical expenses before death, and funeral costs.

Punitive Damages

When there is clear evidence that the driver acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, South Carolina courts may award punitive damages. Examples include drunk driving, extreme speeding, or intentionally striking pedestrians. Punitive damages punish egregious conduct and deter similar behavior.

How Pedestrian Safety Improvements Can Save Lives in Mount Pleasant

Pedestrian safety is a community priority. As Mount Pleasant grows, so does the need for infrastructure that supports safe walking and cycling. Improvements such as well-lit crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and stricter speed enforcement can significantly reduce accident rates.

By pursuing justice for injured pedestrians, law firms like The Arndt Law Firm help spotlight these systemic issues. A skilled Mount Pleasant, SC pedestrian accident lawyer can ensure every case contributes not only to personal recovery but also to public safety.

The Legal Process for Pedestrian Accident Claims

Successfully pursuing a pedestrian accident case requires experience, persistence, and a clear understanding of South Carolina’s legal process. These are the immediate steps to take after an accident:

Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
Report the accident to law enforcement for official documentation and record-keeping purposes.
Photograph evidence, including the scene, vehicle, injuries, and surroundings.
Collect witness contact information.
Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.

Prompt legal representation ensures critical evidence, such as surveillance footage or traffic-cam data, is preserved before it’s lost.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

The Arndt Law Firm can conduct comprehensive investigations, including scene reconstruction, vehicle inspections, and expert testimony, to support clients. They may obtain police reports, analyze skid marks, interview witnesses, and cross-check driver phone records to establish negligence beyond doubt.

Identifying Liable Parties

Beyond the driver, other responsible entities may include:

Employers of on-duty drivers
Government agencies responsible for dangerous road conditions
Property owners of unsafe parking lots or walkways
Vehicle manufacturers (in rare defect cases)

Insurance Claims and Negotiations

Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame. A legal representative handles all communications, negotiates firmly, and fights for fair compensation, especially in cases where at-fault drivers carry only the state minimum coverage of $25,000 per person, often insufficient for serious injuries.

Filing Lawsuits and Going to Trial

If negotiations fail, the lawyer can file a lawsuit. Most personal injury cases in South Carolina must be filed within three years of the accident; however, claims involving government entities often have shorter deadlines.

The Arndt Law Firm’s trial-ready approach may prompt insurers to settle fairly before court, but when necessary, the legal team can prepare to present compelling evidence before a jury.

Why Choose The Arndt Law Firm

Pedestrian accident cases require attorneys with specific knowledge and commitment to protecting vulnerable road users.

Trial Readiness

While many cases settle, achieving fair settlements requires a demonstrated willingness to proceed to trial. Jonathan Arndt approaches every case with thorough trial preparation, consistently resulting in better outcomes.

Compassionate Representation

Pedestrian accident victims need attorneys who understand the physical and emotional trauma they endure. The Arndt Law Firm treats every client with compassion and maintains clear, regular communication throughout the legal process.

Local Knowledge

Based in Mount Pleasant, The Arndt Law Firm has a deep understanding of Charleston County courts, local medical facilities, and the specific risks that pedestrians face throughout the community. This local knowledge can provide strategic advantages in building cases and presenting evidence that resonates with local juries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a claim for a pedestrian accident?

South Carolina law requires that most pedestrian accident claims be filed within 3 years of the accident date. Claims against government entities have shorter deadlines. Consulting an attorney promptly ensures that deadlines are met.

What if I was jaywalking when the pedestrian accident occurred?

Even if a pedestrian was jaywalking, they may still recover damages under South Carolina’s comparative negligence system, as long as their fault does not exceed the driver’s fault. Pedestrians are still protected from negligent drivers.

Can I recover damages after a pedestrian accident if the driver didn't see me?

Yes. Drivers have a legal duty to maintain a proper lookout. Failing to see a pedestrian does not excuse negligence and can support a claim for damages.

What if the driver fled the scene after an accident?

If the driver fled, the pedestrian can still pursue recovery. Uninsured motorist coverage on their own auto policy may provide compensation, and a police investigation may help identify the driver.

How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

The value of a pedestrian accident case depends on the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, lost income, long-term disability, and the degree of the driver's negligence. Severe injuries or permanent disabilities often lead to higher settlements or awards.

Should I accept the insurance company's settlement offer after a pedestrian accident?

Pedestrians must not accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Initial offers are often lower than the case’s actual value. Once a release is signed, additional compensation cannot be pursued.

What if I don't have health insurance?

If a pedestrian does not have health insurance, attorneys can help arrange treatment on a lien basis, allowing medical providers to be paid after the case resolves.

What if my loved one died in a pedestrian accident?

If a loved one died in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for lost financial support, loss of companionship, medical expenses before death, and funeral costs.

Contact a Mount Pleasant, SC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Recovery and Justice

Pedestrian accidents cause devastating injuries and life-altering consequences. When driver negligence causes these injuries, victims deserve compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the profound impact accidents have on every aspect of life.

For Mount Pleasant residents and visitors who have suffered injuries in pedestrian accidents, JonathannArndt and his team can offer guidance, advocacy, and a path toward justice and recovery. Call (843) 469-8777 today for a free consultation.