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South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Experienced help for injured pedestrians across the state
Pedestrian accidents refer to incidents where a pedestrian, someone traveling on foot, is involved in a collision, or struck by a vehicle. These accidents can have severe consequences due to the significant size and weight disparity between pedestrians and motor vehicles. The South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC understand how to handle these types of claims and have successfully secured million-dollar settlements on behalf of our clients. Let us work to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled for your injuries and losses.
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- How often are pedestrians killed and injured in the United States?
- What types of injuries occur in pedestrian accidents?
- How much is my South Carolina pedestrian accident worth?
- How can your South Carolina attorneys help with my pedestrian accident case?
- Do you have a pedestrian accident attorney near me?
How often are pedestrians killed and injured in the United States?
PBS recently reported that pedestrian deaths in the US have reached their highest rate in 40 years. Per the organization: “In 2021, there were nearly 7,500 pedestrian deaths, equivalent to roughly 20 deaths each day.” Further, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states, “A total of 7,388 pedestrian deaths occurred in 2021. Pedestrian fatalities increased 13 percent from 2020, and account for 17 percent of all crash fatalities. Although pedestrian deaths were 2 percent lower in 2021 than in 1975, they have increased 80 percent since reaching their lowest point in 2009.”
Pedestrians can suffer life-altering and catastrophic injuries in an accident, mostly because pedestrians have zero protection against a car or other motorized vehicles. These injuries can result in years or a lifetime of medical bills.
What types of injuries occur in pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries that can vary in severity depending on different factors, like the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and the age and physical condition of the pedestrian. Here are some common types of injuries that can occur in pedestrian accidents:
- Brain and head injuries. Head injuries are a significant concern in pedestrian accidents, particularly when a pedestrian's head makes direct contact with the vehicle or the road surface. These injuries can range from minor concussions and lacerations to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can have long-term effects on cognitive function, mobility, and overall quality of life.
- Fatal injuries. Pedestrians are at greater risk of being killed in a car accident than another driver or passenger would be, simply because they lack the protection that a vehicle provides.
- Fractures and bone breaks. The impact of a vehicle striking a pedestrian can lead to fractures or breaks in various bones, such as the arms, legs, hips, pelvis, and ribs. The severity of these fractures can vary, from hairline fractures to multiple fractures requiring surgical intervention.
- Spinal cord injuries. Pedestrian accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis depending on the location and severity of the injury. Spinal cord injuries often have long-term consequences and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries. The force of impact in a pedestrian accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal bleeding, organ damage, or ruptures may occur and require immediate medical attention.
- Cuts, abrasions, and road rash. Pedestrians involved in accidents may suffer from cuts, abrasions, and road rash due to contact with the vehicle or the road surface. These injuries can range from minor cuts and scrapes to more severe lacerations and burns requiring medical attention.
- Psychological and emotional trauma. Pedestrian accidents can have a significant psychological and emotional impact on the individuals involved. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions may develop because of the traumatic experience.
Remember, prompt medical attention should be sought for any pedestrian accident to assess and treat injuries properly. If you or someone you know has been hit by a car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle, it is recommended to consult with a South Carolina personal injury attorney who can provide guidance and help pursue the appropriate legal action.
How much is my South Carolina pedestrian accident worth?
Determining the worth of a South Carolina pedestrian accident case requires a thorough evaluation of various factors, including the extent of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other relevant damages. Our attorneys will take the following into consideration when demanding compensation for your injuries and losses:
- Medical expenses. The cost of medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy, is an important factor in assessing the value of a case.
- Lost wages and future earnings. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, the potential impact on future earning capacity may also be considered.
- Pain and suffering. This is compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life experienced because of the accident and injuries.
- Property damage. If personal property, such as clothing or personal belongings, was damaged or lost during the accident, the cost of repair or replacement may be included in the claim.
- Comparative negligence. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the pedestrian's own actions contributed to the accident, compensation may be reduced proportionately to the degree of fault.
- Insurance coverage. The available insurance coverage, including your own auto insurance, the driver's insurance, and any applicable underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, may affect the potential compensation.
- Long-term impact. The long-term consequences of your injuries, such as permanent disability, scarring or disfigurement, ongoing pain, or the need for future medical treatments, can significantly affect the value of your case.
How can your South Carolina attorneys help with my pedestrian accident case?
The attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC can play a crucial role in assisting with your pedestrian accident case. We have in-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and legal procedures, and can gather the crucial evidence needed to show that you are not to blame for your own injuries. By establishing that another person or business is responsible for your injuries, and therefore liable for them, we can help ensure that you are not facing a lifetime of medical bills; our goal is to maximize your compensation.
To this end, we prepare every single case we take for a trial. If insurance companies will not negotiate fairly or in good faith, we will try your case before a jury. We have record-setting results for clients throughout South Carolina. We want to help you the way we have helped your friends and neighbors.
Do you have a pedestrian accident attorney near me?
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is located at 1539 Health Care Drive in Rock Hill, SC. If you are too ill or injured to visit us, we can see you in the hospital or meet via telephone or video conference.
We also maintain offices in or near Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, and serve clients throughout the State of South Carolina in all 46 counties, including Sumter, Anderson, Orangeburg, Hilton Head, Aiken, and Spartanburg.
Contact the South Carolina pedestrian accident attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, for help
The lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, have a proven track record of success in bike accident cases. Our South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated, driven, and committed to delivering results. Your personal injury case matters to us. Let us help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, today. Please call our offices at 803-327-7800 and schedule a free case evaluation by a South Carolina pedestrian accident attorney, or fill out our contact form from any device.
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