Pedestrian Accident Lawyer South Carolina

South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The Arndt Law Firm's South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer has the local knowledge and experience to help injured victims pursue full compensation.

Walking should be safe, whether commuting in downtown Charleston, crossing busy Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, or strolling through Summerville neighborhoods. Each year, drivers seriously injure or kill pedestrians in South Carolina; many of these collisions are preventable.

The Arndt Law Firm supports injured pedestrians and their families through the legal process while pursuing fair compensation. Attorney Jonathan Arndt combines years of trial experience with deep local knowledge, ensuring every client receives personalized attention.

Suppose a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, or Goose Creek. In that case, the firm has an experienced South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer who can pursue justice and fair compensation for injured pedestrians across the region.

Understanding Pedestrian Accident Risks in South Carolina

Pedestrian safety is a serious concern across the Lowcountry. Charleston County has among the highest numbers of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in South Carolina, particularly in areas with high vehicle traffic and limited crosswalk visibility.

Pedestrians often face hazards from distracted or speeding drivers.
Road conditions and poor lighting in specific neighborhoods increase the likelihood of serious injuries.

High-risk areas include Savannah Highway, King Street, Rivers Avenue, and parts of North Charleston near schools and shopping centers. Evening hours, poor visibility, and inclement weather frequently contribute to collisions. Awareness of these risks helps victims hold negligent parties accountable.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in South Carolina can happen in an instant, often resulting in devastating consequences. Despite safety campaigns and infrastructure improvements, many incidents stem from driver negligence, poor visibility, or hazardous road design.

Most pedestrian crashes involve driver inattention, speeding, or failure to yield.
Poor lighting, unsafe crosswalks, and distracted walking also contribute to serious injuries.

Knowing the causes helps both victims and local authorities address preventable risks.

Driver Negligence

Negligent driving remains one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in South Carolina. Many collisions happen because drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections. This is especially common on busy roads like Coleman Boulevard, Savannah Highway, and Rivers Avenue.

In these areas, the combination of steady traffic flow and nearby businesses makes walking more hazardous. When drivers fail to yield or make unsafe turns, pedestrians often have little time to react or reach safety.

Distracted driving also plays a significant role in pedestrian crashes. Texting, using navigation systems, or interacting with passengers diverts a driver’s attention from the road at precisely the moment it is most needed. Speeding increases the danger by reducing reaction time and increasing the force of impact in a collision.

Together, these negligent behaviors show disregard for pedestrian safety and cause preventable tragedies across the Lowcountry.

Driving Under the Influence

Impaired driving remains a persistent issue statewide. Alcohol and drug use severely impair reaction times and judgment, making nighttime walking particularly dangerous near entertainment districts or along rural highways. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, a significant percentage of fatal pedestrian crashes involve an impaired driver.

Unsafe Road and Environmental Conditions

Inadequate street lighting, poorly marked crosswalks, and defective signals create conditions that prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians until it's too late. This is especially true in older neighborhoods or rural routes in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties. Construction zones and narrow shoulders also push pedestrians closer to traffic, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Distracted or Unpredictable Pedestrian Behavior

While drivers are often primarily responsible, pedestrians can sometimes contribute to accidents. Crossing mid-block, ignoring traffic signals, or walking while using a phone can increase danger, particularly near fast-moving traffic. However, under South Carolina’s comparative negligence law (S.C. Code §15-38-15), a pedestrian can still recover damages if their share of fault is 50% or less.

Weather and Visibility Factors

Rain, fog, or low-light conditions can further reduce driver visibility and braking ability. Coastal regions like Mount Pleasant and the Isle of Palms often experience heavy rainfall or glare from wet roadways. Both pedestrians and drivers must stay alert to prevent tragedy.

Community Impact and Legal Implications

Driver carelessness and unsafe conditions make pedestrian safety a growing concern in the Lowcountry. Each accident affects not only the injured individual but also families, neighborhoods, and local communities.

South Carolina can address these causes by working toward safer shared roads. When negligence occurs, legal action ensures accountability and justice for those harmed.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to driver negligence, unsafe crosswalks, or poor road design, contact The Arndt Law Firm for a free consultation. Skilled legal guidance helps identify the root cause of the accident and pursue full compensation under South Carolina law.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Collisions

Pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle, making injuries often severe and life-changing.

Traumatic brain and spinal injuries can result from even low-speed impacts.
Fractures and orthopedic injuries often require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.

Other injuries include internal bleeding, organ trauma, and soft-tissue damage. Catastrophic injuries can permanently alter a person’s ability to work or live independently, highlighting the importance of securing full compensation.

Beyond the physical harm, pedestrian accidents often cause emotional and psychological trauma. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, particularly after severe or life-threatening incidents. This mental health impact can affect daily life, relationships, and the ability to return to work, making it an important consideration when pursuing compensation.

Comprehensive legal representation ensures that physical and emotional injuries are fully documented and accounted for in any claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident in South Carolina often requires careful investigation.

Multiple parties may share responsibility.
Insurance coverage can vary depending on fault and context.

Unlike standard car accidents, pedestrian collisions can involve multiple parties, including drivers, municipalities, and private entities, each of whom may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Identifying all potential sources of liability helps victims pursue full compensation for injuries or wrongful death.

Negligent Drivers

The most common source of liability is the motorist who caused the collision. Drivers may be negligent if they sped, ran a traffic signal, or failed to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk; used their phone while driving, GPS, or other in-vehicle device at the time of the crash; or went under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.

Even a momentary lapse in attention can cause serious injury or death. Establishing the driver's negligence is often the key to a successful claim.

Municipal or Government Entities

Unsafe road conditions contributed to the accident. Examples include:

Poor lighting or lack of pedestrian crossings on high-traffic roads such as Savannah Highway, Rivers Avenue, or King Street
Unsafe road design or poorly maintained sidewalks and crosswalks South Carolina law allows claims against government entities in certain circumstances, but these cases often require strict adherence to notice and procedural rules.

Property Owners and Contractors

Private parties can also be responsible if their negligence created hazards for pedestrians. Property owners and contractors may be liable when:

Construction zones or blocked sidewalks force pedestrians to move into traffic.
Poorly maintained private walkways or parking lots contribute to trips or falls.

Property owners and contractors must maintain a safe environment for pedestrians. Failure to do so makes them legally responsible for injuries.

Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule (S.C. Code §15-38-15). This means a pedestrian may recover damages even if partially at fault, as long as their responsibility does not exceed 50%. Courts reduce compensation in proportion to their share of fault.

The Importance of Legal Guidance

Proving liability in pedestrian accidents can be complex. South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyers may need evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction.

An experienced accident attorney can identify every responsible party, ensure proper documentation, and maximize potential compensation.

Legal Rights and Available Compensation

Pedestrians injured in South Carolina can seek compensation for losses caused by another party’s negligence. Understanding the types of damages available and how they are calculated is critical to pursuing a full recovery.

Pedestrians can recover economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
They may also recover non-economic damages, including pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses caused by the accident, including hospital stays, surgery, medications, and physical therapy. Injuries from accidents on busy roads like Savannah Highway or Coleman Boulevard can lead to significant medical costs. Lost wages are also recoverable, whether from missed work during recovery or long-term disability preventing return to employment.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible impact of injuries. Pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life can be just as severe as physical injuries. Victims may also experience emotional trauma, anxiety, or depression following a life-altering accident.

In cases where a pedestrian dies, family members may pursue wrongful death claims for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, South Carolina law allows for punitive damages when drivers behave particularly recklessly, such as driving under the influence or excessive speeding. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

Why Victims Need a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At our firm, we understand that pedestrian accident claims can be incredibly challenging due to the complexities of insurance policies and the involvement of multiple liable parties. Our founder, attorney Jonathan Arndt, is dedicated to thoroughly exploring every potential source of compensation for our clients.

We pride ourselves on our meticulous documentation of evidence, ensuring that every detail is captured to strengthen your case. Our approach to negotiations with insurers is strategic and client-focused, prioritizing your needs and rights throughout the process. With Jonathan’s expertise and our team's commitment, you can trust that we will vigorously advocate on your behalf.

Injured pedestrians in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, or other Lowcountry communities can contact The Arndt Law Firm to protect their legal rights and pursue full compensation. Early legal guidance ensures that victims receive the care and restitution they deserve.

The Legal Process in a South Carolina Pedestrian Claim

Recovering from a pedestrian accident in South Carolina can feel overwhelming. Victims often navigate medical treatment, insurance claims, and the emotional toll of a life-changing injury.

Timely legal action is crucial to preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines.

A structured approach helps maximize compensation and protect the victim’s rights.

These steps in the legal process help reduce stress and ensure efficient claim handling.

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

The process begins with a free consultation, during which an attorney reviews the circumstances of the accident, medical records, police reports, and witness statements.

Accident or personal injury attorneys in South Carolina pay special attention to local conditions, such as crosswalk visibility, lighting, and traffic patterns in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, or Summerville. This early evaluation helps determine liability and identifies all parties who may be responsible for the injuries.

2. Investigation and Evidence Collection

Thorough evidence gathering helps build a strong case. A South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer may:

Collect traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and accident reconstruction reports.
Preserve medical records, rehabilitation documentation, and financial records related to lost income.

This step ensures that insurers or opposing parties cannot dispute key facts of the accident.

3. Insurance Negotiations

Most pedestrian claims begin with negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and sometimes additional policies from municipalities or property owners. Experienced legal counsel can:

Advocate for fair compensation while avoiding common pitfalls, while helping you avoid common pitfalls like accepting partial fault or undervalued settlement offers.
Explore all available coverage sources to ensure the victim’s financial needs are met.

4. Litigation if Necessary

The case may proceed to litigation if negotiations fail to reach a fair settlement. This stage includes:

Filing a lawsuit within South Carolina’s three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (S.C. Code §15-3-530)
Preparing for trial with expert testimony, medical evidence, and detailed documentation of damages At our firm, we take pride in the extensive trial experience of our founder, Attorney Jonathan Arndt, especially in pedestrian cases. Jonathan is dedicated to thoroughly preparing every claim for court when needed, ensuring our clients receive the best possible advocacy and support in their pursuit of justice and compensation.

5. Resolution and Recovery

The process concludes with either a settlement or a court judgment. Once compensation is awarded:

Medical liens, lost wage claims, and other expenses are resolved.
Victims receive financial resources to support recovery, ongoing care, and rehabilitation.

At our firm, we prioritize clear communication and client education throughout the legal process. Our founder, attorney Jonathan Arndt, believes in guiding clients with compassion and keeping them informed every step of the way. We are dedicated advocates, aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve while ensuring your needs and well-being remain our top priority.

Challenges in Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrian accident cases in South Carolina often present unique challenges that can complicate the pursuit of fair compensation.

Insurance companies may dispute fault or undervalue claims.
Evidence collection and proving liability can be complex and time-sensitive.

Accident victims need to be aware of these hurdles to help them make informed decisions and ensure that legal strategies are tailored to achieve the best possible outcome.

Disputed Fault

In many cases, drivers may claim that the pedestrian acted negligently, such as stepping outside a crosswalk or failing to follow traffic signals. Even minor disputes about the circumstances of the accident can significantly reduce an insurance payout. Attorney Jonathan Arndt and his team may carefully gather evidence, including:

Police reports, eyewitness testimony, and traffic camera footage
Expert accident reconstruction when necessary to establish the dynamics of the crash This meticulous approach ensures insurers don't unfairly blame pedestrian victims for accidents.

Insurance and Coverage Issues

Some at-fault drivers carry minimal insurance coverage, which may be insufficient to cover catastrophic injuries. In these situations, attorneys must explore additional sources of compensation, including:

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage under the pedestrian’s own insurance policy
Potential claims against government entities or property owners when road conditions, crosswalks, or sidewalks contributed to the accident

Complex Liability Scenarios

Pedestrian accidents sometimes involve multiple parties, including negligent drivers, municipalities responsible for road conditions, and private property owners. Each potential defendant may have a different insurance policy, coverage limit, or legal defense.

Navigating these layers of responsibility requires skill, experience, and a strategic approach to hold all liable parties accountable.

Timeliness and Statute of Limitations

South Carolina law requires personal injury claims to be filed within three years of the accident (S.C. Code §15-3-530). Missing this deadline can prevent victims from recovering any compensation. Prompt legal action is essential to preserve evidence, secure witness testimony, and meet all procedural requirements.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Support

Because of these challenges, hiring a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer makes a crucial difference. The Arndt Law Firm provides:

Strategic guidance to overcome insurance disputes and complex liability issues
Skilled advocacy to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma

Pedestrians injured in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, or the surrounding Lowcountry can contact The Arndt Law Firm promptly. Experienced legal representation can help navigate these challenges, protect rights, and maximize compensation for injuries sustained.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

While legal action can help victims recover after a collision, prevention is key to keeping South Carolina pedestrians safe. Many accidents occur on busy streets, in poorly lit areas, or in zones where drivers are distracted, underscoring the importance of awareness, infrastructure improvements, and community initiatives.

Pedestrians can reduce their risk by staying visible, using crosswalks, and remaining alert.
Local governments are investing in safer streets, better lighting, and traffic-calming measures.

Personal Safety Measures

Pedestrians can take practical steps to protect themselves when walking through Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and surrounding areas.

Use marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals. Even when walking short distances, crossing at designated points reduces the risk of collisions.

Stay visible. Wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially during early morning or evening hours, helps drivers notice pedestrians in time to react.

Stay attentive. Avoid distractions, such as headphones or mobile devices, while walking near traffic.

Community and Infrastructure Initiatives

Local municipalities and organizations are actively working to make streets safer for pedestrians:

Charleston and Mount Pleasant have implemented traffic-calming measures, improved street lighting, and enhanced crosswalk visibility on high-traffic corridors such as Savannah Highway, King Street, and Coleman Boulevard.

Programs like Vision Zero encourage both drivers and pedestrians to share responsibility for safety. They aim to eliminate pedestrian fatalities through public awareness, law enforcement, and infrastructure improvements.

Road maintenance, clear signage, and sidewalk repairs also help reduce accident risk in residential areas and near schools, shopping centers, and parks.

Education and Awareness

Educating the public about pedestrian safety helps prevent accidents.

Community campaigns in North Charleston and Summerville can promote safe walking habits, driver awareness, and reporting of unsafe conditions. Schools and local organizations can offer workshops on crossing streets safely, teaching children and adults alike about traffic awareness and risk avoidance.

Combining personal vigilance, community education, and municipal improvements can significantly reduce pedestrian accidents. These efforts complement the legal protections available when accidents happen, ensuring safer streets for everyone.

Why Clients Choose The Arndt Law Firm

Deep knowledge of South Carolina pedestrian law and Lowcountry communities.
Personalized attention from attorney Jonathan Arndt, with a strong trial background and commitment to each client’s case.

The firm’s Mount Pleasant office serves Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties, as well as the surrounding areas. Clients benefit from thorough preparation, strategic advocacy, and clear communication from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in South Carolina?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years from the date of the accident (S.C. Code §15-3-530).

Can I recover damages if I partially caused the accident?

Yes, you can recover damages, even if you are partially at fault. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as your fault is less than 51%, but the award will be reduced proportionally.

Who can be held liable in a pedestrian accident?

Liability may include negligent drivers, municipalities responsible for unsafe roads, property owners, or contractors creating hazardous conditions.

What damages can I recover?

Victims may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death compensation.

Speak With a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents can be life-changing. Victims need a trusted local attorney to navigate insurance claims, determine liability, and pursue fair compensation.

At the Arndt Law Firm, we take pride in our commitment to our clients and our in-depth understanding of the local community. Our founder, attorney Jonathan Arndt, has dedicated his career to providing compassionate legal guidance while demonstrating exceptional legal skill. We believe that every client deserves personalized attention and support, especially during difficult times, such as those following a pedestrian accident.

Our team is passionate about serving clients across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and the surrounding Lowcountry. We ensure that we are always available to meet your needs and understand the complexities of South Carolina law.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, we invite you to reach out to us. Call (843) 469-8777 today for a free and confidential consultation. Together, we can work to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At the Arndt Law Firm, your recovery is our top priority.