Pedestrian accidents are some of the most devastating types of collisions, often leading to severe injuries or even death. When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the consequences can be life-changing. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Rock Hill, South Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At Ted Law Firm, we focus on representing victims of pedestrian accidents in Rock Hill, York County, and surrounding areas. Our experienced lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
What Does Pedestrian Accident Compensation Cover in South Carolina?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatments you may require for your injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income you’ve lost while recovering from your injuries, and future lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues resulting from the trauma of the accident.
- Permanent disability: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to additional compensation for future losses.
- Property damage: Compensation for damage to personal property such as your phone, clothing, or other items involved in the accident.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.
At Ted Law Firm, we fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve, helping you recover both physically and financially.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Rock Hill
Pedestrian accidents can occur for many reasons, often caused by the negligence of drivers or poor road conditions. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Rock Hill include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the road.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed the speed limit may not have enough time to stop or react if a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who don’t yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or stop signs.
- Running red lights: Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk cause accidents.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers are a serious risk to pedestrians, as they may not be able to react to road hazards or stop in time.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven sidewalks, or lack of crosswalks can contribute to pedestrian accidents.
- Inadequate signage or lighting: Poorly marked crosswalks or lack of street lighting can make it difficult for both pedestrians and drivers to see each other.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by any of these factors, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions, brain damage, or skull fractures caused by impact with the ground or a vehicle.
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spine that can result in partial or full paralysis.
- Broken bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, pelvis, or ribs due to the force of the collision.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma.
- Whiplash: Neck and back injuries caused by the sudden jerking motion from the impact.
- Facial injuries: Cuts, bruises, or fractures caused by hitting the ground or vehicle parts.
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, or depression caused by the traumatic nature of the accident.
- Fatal injuries: In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents result in wrongful death.
Even accidents that seem minor can cause lasting injuries, so it’s essential to seek immediate medical care and consult with an attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Rock Hill
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical care immediately: Even if you don’t feel severely injured, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional to detect any hidden injuries.
- Call the police: Report the accident to law enforcement, and get a copy of the police report.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the surrounding area, including any damaged property.
- Collect information: Get the contact details and insurance information from the driver, as well as any witness information.
- Avoid admitting fault: Never admit fault at the scene, even if you feel you may have contributed. Let the police and insurance companies determine fault.
- Contact Ted Law Firm: Reach out to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and how to move forward.
Who Is Responsible in a Pedestrian Accident?
In a pedestrian accident, the driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian is usually considered responsible. However, there can be other parties involved, including:
- The driver: If the driver was negligent (e.g., distracted driving, impaired driving, or failure to yield), they can be held liable for the accident.
- The government or municipality: If the accident occurred due to poor road conditions or inadequate signage (e.g., missing crosswalks, broken traffic lights), the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.
- Property owners: If the accident was caused by hazardous conditions on private property (e.g., poorly maintained sidewalks or parking lots), the property owner may be responsible.
- Insurance companies: We deal with insurance companies to ensure you get a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
At Ted Law Firm, we will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to determine all responsible parties and ensure they are held accountable.
How We Help Pedestrian Accident Victims in Rock Hill
At Ted Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims of pedestrian accidents recover the compensation they deserve. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the accident: We gather all the evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We handle all communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- File a lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for justice.
- Provide emotional support: We understand the emotional toll a pedestrian accident can take on you and your family, and we are here to guide you through the legal process.
Talk to a Rock Hill Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Rock Hill, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can start working on your case. At Ted Law Firm, we proudly serve clients in Rock Hill, York County, and throughout South Carolina. You don’t pay unless we win your case no upfront costs, just experienced legal help from a team that puts your recovery first.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.