Advocating for Injured Pedestrians in Charleston and Throughout South Carolina
Charleston’s busy streets, crosswalks, and intersections see far too many serious pedestrian accidents every year. When a driver fails to yield, speeds through a crosswalk, or is distracted behind the wheel, the results for walkers and runners can be life-changing. At Jung Disability and Injury Advocates, we fight for pedestrians injured by careless drivers and help families get answers, compensation, and justice after these traumatic events.
Common Causes and Severe Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers often cause pedestrian accidents by:
- Failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
- Speeding, especially in residential or urban areas
- Ignoring stop signs or signals
- Driving under the influence
Pedestrian accidents frequently lead to:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Long-term disability or fatality
Fault and Compensation—What the Law Says in South Carolina
In South Carolina, drivers have a legal duty to watch for and yield to pedestrians, especially in marked crosswalks and at intersections. If a driver hits a pedestrian due to distraction, speeding, or failure to yield, they can be held liable for your injuries and losses. Even if you were jaywalking or not in a crosswalk, you may still recover compensation if the driver was mostly at fault. South Carolina uses a comparative negligence rule, which means you can collect damages as long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident.
Damages may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and more.
What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car in SC
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical help, even if injuries seem minor
- Get the driver’s information and insurance details
- Take photos of the scene, crosswalk, injuries, and vehicle if possible
- Gather witness names and contact details
- Do not discuss fault with the driver or their insurance
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim
For more on driver responsibilities and general accident process, see our
Auto Accidents page.
When Pedestrian Accidents Result in Death
If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. These cases seek justice and compensation for funeral expenses, lost support, and emotional loss.
See our
Wrongful Death page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at fault if a driver hits a pedestrian in South Carolina?
Usually the driver is liable if they failed to yield, were speeding, or distracted. But if the pedestrian acted recklessly (e.g., darted into traffic), liability may be shared.
Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under SC’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault—though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim?
Generally, three years from the date of the accident. Contact a lawyer promptly to protect your rights.
What compensation is available after a pedestrian accident?
You may be entitled to payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehab, and long-term disability.