Orangeburg Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents are often serious, and in collisions involving motor vehicles, they can be fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the overall rate of pedestrian accidents and fatalities in the U.S. is markedly high, and more than 6,500 pedestrians were killed in accidents in 2020 alone. In addition to those deaths, another 55,000 pedestrians suffered nonfatal injuries. Most pedestrian accidents are caused by a negligent motorist, although property owners can also be responsible for injuries in some circumstances. Contact our experienced Orangeburg pedestrian accident lawyer to find out more about filing a pedestrian accident claim.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Orangeburg
Pedestrian accidents can have various causes, including but not limited to the following:
- Driver negligence, such as failing to stop at a crosswalk or getting distracted and swerving into a pedestrian;
- Bicyclist negligence, such as aggressive biking on a sidewalk that results in a collision;
- Hazard on the sidewalk or road where a pedestrian is walking, such as a pothole or a cracked sidewalk;
- Distracted walking, which may result in a pedestrian crossing at a do-not-walk sign or stepping into traffic; or
- Alcohol consumption, including by a motorist or a pedestrian.
How to Avoid an Orangeburg Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians should never think they are responsible when a driver’s negligence causes a collision, and in a perfect world, pedestrians would not need to consider additional safety measures to avoid a serious injury. Yet it is important for pedestrians to know that they may be able to take steps to prevent an accident. The NHTSA recommends that pedestrians do the following:
- Obey all traffic signals designed for pedestrians, including walk signs;
- Walk on a sidewalk when one is available, and if there is no sidewalk, walk in a direction facing traffic and as far away from vehicles as possible;
- Only cross the street at an intersection, and always look in all directions for oncoming vehicles;
- When you cannot cross at an intersection, only cross where the street is well lit and where you can see oncoming traffic clearly;
- Never consume alcohol or medications that could result in intoxicated walking; and
- Avoid distractions like texting or talking on a phone while walking, or listening to music that will prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic.
Comparative Fault and Your Pedestrian Accident Claim in Orangeburg
What will happen in a pedestrian accident case where the pedestrian’s own negligence partially caused the accident, such as in a case involving distracted walking? South Carolina uses a modified comparative fault rule, which means that an injured pedestrian can recover damages as long as their negligence is not greater than the defendant’s negligence (i.e., 51 percent or more). As long as the pedestrian is 50 percent less at fault, they will recover damages and their award will be reduced by their portion of fault.
Contact The Stanley Law Group Today
Were you recently injured in a pedestrian accident? You should know that you could be eligible to file a claim against the motorist who caused the crash, or the property owner responsible for the hazard that resulted in your injuries. Do not hesitate to get in touch with an attorney in South Carolina who can help you with your case. Contact an experienced Orangeburg pedestrian accident lawyer today for more information.
