Columbia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Columbia Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Being involved in a terrible car accident can be traumatic enough. It can be much worse if you’re a pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle. You are likely going to suffer catastrophic injuries, and you may even be killed. The last thing you should worry about when you’re out for a walk is being hit by a car, but accidents unfortunately happen all the time. If you find yourself hit by a car and wish to take legal action, a Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer can represent you.

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III knows how difficult it can be to pursue a personal injury case on your own without proper legal representation. You can find yourself being taken advantage of by opposing counsel, and you may not know what to do next. Without an attorney, you may totally lose your case and receive no compensation. You should seriously consider hiring an experienced injury lawyer who can build a strong case and protect your interests.

A Pedestrian Accident Case in South Carolina

Regrettably, pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere at any time. Generally, they occur in places with heavy traffic and a higher potential for distracted driving, such as intersections and crosswalks. If a driver isn’t paying attention, anything could happen. While drivers are expected to adhere to traffic laws at all times, pedestrians in South Carolina are also expected to take their own precautions and make it easier to be noticed while walking on the road.

South Carolina follows a comparative negligence model for certain vehicular accidents and other injury cases. This model makes sure everyone who is found to be at least somewhat responsible for the accident is assigned the right amount of responsibility, and their compensation package will be decreased accordingly. If you are a pedestrian and found to be 30% responsible for the accident, your compensation will decrease by 30%.

According to information from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the state was second in pedestrian deaths across the nation in 2020, with 187 pedestrian deaths that year. Those deaths comprised almost 18% of the total traffic fatalities in the state that year. If you survive such a traumatic event, you may want to consider reaching out to a local trauma recovery support group, such as NAMI South Carolina or Foundations Family Life Counseling.

Statute of Limitations

If you survive a pedestrian accident, it is perfectly reasonable to want to pursue justice of some sort. That can come in the form of a personal injury claim in civil court. If you decide to pursue this route, it’s important that you make sure your case adheres to the state’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, which includes pedestrian accident claims. The state will give you three years to put together a strong enough case, seek out a lawyer, and file your claim.

If you cannot build your case before this three-year deadline, your claim will likely be dismissed outright, and you will no longer be permitted to pursue compensation for your situation. The last thing you want is to suffer such a terrible injury and be unable to seek compensation because you waited too long to file your case. Building a solid injury case can take a lot more time than you might expect. You should contact an attorney to start building yours as soon as you can.

If you are worried that you may not have a case, you should reach out to an injury lawyer for a consultation in Columbia. They can look through everything you have and let you know if you have a solid claim. If you have a valid argument but need more evidence, a lawyer can investigate your incident, collect more proof, and formulate a compelling case.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Pedestrian Accident Laws

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Pedestrian Accident?

There is no way to tell how long it will take to settle a pedestrian accident case before it starts. Every pedestrian accident is different, with each incident having its own details and specifics that are going to make it a unique experience for everyone involved. How long it will take your case to finalize will depend on the severity of your injuries, the stance of the insurance companies involved, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills.

What Are Most Lawyer Fees for a Pedestrian Accident?

The fee your lawyer charges you for their services in a pedestrian accident case will be determined by a number of important contributing factors. These may include the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, your lawyer’s own experience and education, and the amount of resources they will have to devote to your case.

Should I Call a Lawyer or My Insurance Company First?

If you are in an accident, it is generally recommended that you reach out to a lawyer before you notify your insurance company. A lawyer can figure out exactly what to say to your insurance company. If you say the wrong thing, such as admitting fault for the accident, it can seriously impact your future claim. You want to be sure you know what you’re doing, and an experienced accident lawyer knows how to deal with insurers.

Do I Really Need an Accident Lawyer?

If you are dealing with serious injuries from a pedestrian accident and have no idea what to do next, you absolutely should contact a lawyer as soon as you can. Choosing the right accident lawyer to represent your interests can be crucial for your case’s success, and it just might be the most important decision you make throughout this situation. Your lawyer can take control of your case and let you focus on healing from your injuries.

Reach Out to an Accident Lawyer Today

If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, it’s reasonable to want to hold someone accountable for what’s happened to you. You may be suffering from chronic pain and require ongoing medical care for the rest of your life. A good lawyer can make sure you are properly compensated for your suffering.

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we can put together a strong case and make sure nobody takes advantage of you. Contact us to speak to someone about your case.