When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, people often assume it was a tragic accident. But in devastating cases, a driver intentionally hits a pedestrian, leading to life-altering injuries or death. Whether stemming from road rage, personal disputes, or reckless aggression, intentional pedestrian accidents leave victims traumatized and in urgent need of justice.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an intentional pedestrian accident in South Carolina, or anywhere else, understanding your legal options is critical. At Ted Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims fight for their rights and maximum compensation.
What Is an Intentional Pedestrian Accident?
An intentional act happens when a driver deliberately uses a vehicle as a weapon ,very different from accidents caused by negligence or distracted driving. Examples include:
- Purposefully running over someone after an argument in South Carolina.
- Road rage incidents on Berryessa Road or Boulder Highway.
- Attacks during personal disputes, such as fights between a firefighter family and neighbors.
These acts often lead to serious criminal charges like vehicular manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter, alongside a potential civil lawsuit filed by the victim.
Immediate Steps After an Intentional Collision
If you’re hit intentionally or witness such an event:
- Call 911 immediately: A preliminary police investigation and detailed police report will be crucial.
- Seek urgent medical care: Medical expenses pile up quickly, even for injuries that seem minor at first.
- Document the accident scene: Photos and videos (including surveillance video or cell phone video) strengthen your personal injury lawsuit.
- Gather witness information.
- Do not confront the driver: Stay safe; let police and insurance company representatives handle it.
- Contact an accident lawyer: Ted Law Firm can help you navigate insurance claims and legal actions.
How Is Liability Determined?
In intentional pedestrian accidents:
- Criminal findings: A guilty verdict can strengthen your civil lawsuit for damages.
- Surveillance footage: Cameras from nearby businesses in South Carolina and Greenville areas might provide key evidence.
- Driver admissions: Angry remarks about loud music or disputes like the neighbor during dispute incident could show intent.
In many cases, you may be eligible for punitive damages besides compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Criminal vs. Civil Proceedings
After an intentional hit:
- Criminal Case: Prosecutors may charge the driver with serious crimes like vehicular manslaughter.
- Civil Lawsuit: Victims can file for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more ,even if the criminal court doesn’t convict the driver.
Remember: Civil lawsuits have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases.
Damages You Can Recover
As a pedestrian accident victim, you may seek:
- Medical expenses (including surgeries, rehabilitation).
- Lost wages and future income losses.
- Pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages (especially in egregious acts).
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one dies ,similar to tragic cases like the death from circumcision lawsuits).
Challenges in Proving Intent
It’s tough to prove the driver’s intention:
- Establishing reckless intent at the accident scene is critical.
- Defense attorneys and insurance companies often claim the act was accidental.
- Surveillance videos and eyewitnesses are vital to strengthen your personal injury lawsuit.
That’s why hiring experienced auto accident attorneys like Ted Law Firm is crucial.
Insurance Issues in Intentional Acts
- Most insurance policies exclude intentional acts.
- You may need to claim against the driver’s personal assets.
- If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it may help.
Act Quickly!
Time is critical:
- Personal injury claims must often be filed within three years (varies by state).
- Wrongful death lawsuits may have different deadlines.
Evidence like surveillance footage from places like South Carolina can vanish fast ,so take action immediately.
How Ted Law Firm Can Help You
At Ted Law Firm, we are committed to:
- Investigating the crash at gas station, street, or residential backyards steps where the incident occurred.
- Fighting insurance companies aggressively.
- Helping you recover maximum compensation for your medical expenses, trauma, and more.
- Handling everything while you focus on healing.
Ted Law Firm proudly stands with injured pedestrians and their families throughout Charleston, Aiken, Greenville, Anderson, Myrtle Beach, and even Atlanta,fighting for justice across South Carolina and Georgia. If a serious pedestrian accident has disrupted your life, you can count on Ted Law Firm for compassionate guidance and strong legal support every step of the way.
Were you the victim of an intentional pedestrian strike? Ted Law Firm is ready to protect your rights.
Get your free consultation today and let us handle the legal complexities.
We fight for your compensation, justice, and peace of mind.
Don’t wait ,time and evidence are critical!
Call Ted Law Firm now – Justice is just one call away!
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Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
