What We Know So Far and What You Can Do if Your Family Is Affected
Late Friday night, a tragic auto-pedestrian accident took place in North Charleston, claiming the life of a man at the intersection of Dorchester Road and Foxwood Drive. According to a statement from the North Charleston Police Department, the accident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. The man struck by a vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The department is currently working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate.
Although the North Charleston Police Department has not released the victim’s identity, this incident brings attention to larger safety concerns for pedestrians in South Carolina, especially in urban corridors like Dorchester County, Mount Pleasant, and around major traffic zones like the Charleston Naval Base, North Charleston Coliseum, and Charleston International Airport.
Why Night Driving Can Be Deadly for Pedestrians
The crash on Dorchester Road is not an isolated event. Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur at night when visibility is limited. Roadways like those in North Charleston, especially near locations such as Tanger Outlets, North Charleston Marriott, or Hampton Inn, tend to be busier with both tourists and locals, increasing pedestrian risk.
Factors contributing to such incidents include:
- Poor lighting near attractions like Crafted Tap or HC Provisions Coastal Fare
- Driver fatigue or intoxication, especially around entertainment hubs or craft breweries
- Speeding near Ashley River or Sullivan’s Island
- Distracted driving near landmarks like the Cooper River or Butterfly Garden
Pedestrian Safety in South Carolina: A Statewide Concern
South Carolina ranks high in pedestrian fatality rates. Public institutions like the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston Southern University, and Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital often deal with the aftermath of road tragedies. Emergency responders from Charleston County Emergency Medical Services, North Charleston Fire Department, and Dorchester County Emergency Medical Services frequently respond to these scenes.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Fatality
If you suspect someone you know was involved in this crash, or if you’ve experienced a similar tragedy, here are your steps:
- Check with Emergency Medical Services and local hospitals like Roper Hospital, Trident Regional Medical Center, or East Cooper Regional Medical Center.
- Visit city websites for Emergency Alerts, City Updates, and Evacuation Information.
- Reach out to local officials or departments such as the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority or Code Enforcement Violation offices.
Seeking Justice Through Civil Legal Claims
When a driver causes a pedestrian fatality due to negligence, legal remedies may be available. These cases often involve areas with high foot traffic and tourism, including zones near the Northwoods Mall, Wescott Golf Club, or the Port of Charleston.
Potential damages may include:
- Funeral costs
- Loss of financial support
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages, especially when recklessness is evident
These lawsuits often require zoning documents like a Zoning Permit, Temporary Construction Permit, or a Building Permit, especially if poor urban planning contributed to the crash.
Why This Matters to the North Charleston Community
Accidents near the Charleston Naval Base or Joint Base Charleston disrupt more than just traffic,they devastate families. The city must consider investments in infrastructure such as:
- Better lighting near Velocity Air Sports and Bertha’s Kitchen
- Safer crossings by landmarks like EVO Pizza or Benny Rinaldi’s
- Community planning around Union Heights and Liberty Hill
Public service announcements and community involvement also help, especially when led by respected figures like the Chief of Police.
Tourism, Events, and Increased Risk
Events like the American As It Gets Tour, Big Dumb Eyes World Tour, or All Star Edition, hosted at locations such as North Charleston Coliseum, bring heavy foot traffic. Nighttime events increase the chance of incidents similar to the Dorchester crash.
Scheduled events this summer in July 2025 include:
- Jul 11, 2025 – 7:30 PM
- Jul 12, 2025 – 7:30 PM
- Jul 13, 2025 – 7:30 PM
- Jul 18, 2025 – 8:00 PM
- Jul 19, 2025 – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Crowds around these dates will elevate pedestrian risks.
Legal Tools for Families: What Can Be Filed
You may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim, which does not require the driver’s criminal conviction. Documentation such as your tax bill, mailing address, or Short-Term Rental Property records may be relevant in proving residency or dependency.
In some cases, even your certified SBE business status or documents like Register my vehicle can help establish economic loss.
Other Institutions and Landmarks to Know
Other nearby institutions and businesses that may be impacted or involved include:
- Boeing South Carolina
- The Orange Spot Coffeehouse
- Charleston International Airport
- Charleston Southern University
- Wando Welch Terminal
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
- Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal
Even unexpected elements like Personal Life stories, Athletic Talents, and local Day Trips around Outdoor Adventurer attractions can shape public empathy and community safety efforts.
Final Reflection: Holding the Right People Accountable
This isn’t just another accident in North Charleston. It’s a signal that more must be done. Between pay taxes online portals and Employee Online city dashboards, we must not lose sight of our human priorities.
Accountability is key , whether the fault lies in distracted drivers, poor visibility, or flawed city planning. Places like Charleston Naval Base, Craft Breweries, or even events tied to James Beard Foundation may shape the city’s economy, but human life must remain the priority.
About Ted Law Firm
AtTed Law Firm, we understand the weight of these tragedies. The loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident is devastating , emotionally, financially, and legally. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg . We’ll guide you through every legal step, from filing claims to securing compensation. Let us fight on your behalf while you focus on grieving and rebuilding. Contact us today for a free consultation , we’re here to support you through your darkest moments.
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.
