South Carolina Ranked Among States with the Highest Rates of Pedestrian Deaths
Updated October 2026
South Carolina has ranked among the states with the highest pedestrian fatality rates in recent years. People on foot have no protection when a vehicle strikes them, and even a crash at a moderate speed can cause serious or fatal injuries.
If you or someone you love was injured or killed while walking, our Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda can investigate the circumstances of the crash and preserve evidence early to help determine what happened and who may be responsible for your losses.
South Carolina Pedestrian Fatality Statistics
South Carolina ranked seventh among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., for its pedestrian fatality rate in 2024, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The state recorded 156 pedestrian deaths that year, a rate of 2.85 per 100,000 residents.
Preliminary South Carolina Department of Public Safety data show 111 pedestrians had been killed by September 11, 2026, compared with 115 during the same period in 2025. These figures may change as crash reports are finalized.
Where Pedestrian Crashes Happen in South Carolina
Pedestrians may be struck at intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, shopping areas, residential streets, and roads without sidewalks or adequate pedestrian facilities. High-speed or multilane roads can leave pedestrians with little protection when a vehicle fails to stop. Visibility is also a factor. Darkness, poor lighting, parked vehicles, weather, and obstructions can make it harder for drivers to see someone crossing or walking along the roadway.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Collisions
Common causes and contributing factors to pedestrian crashes typically include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Unsafe turns
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Poor visibility
- Pedestrian distraction or an unsafe crossing
Distraction can be particularly dangerous because a driver looking at a phone or another device may fail to see a pedestrian until there’s too little time to stop.
South Carolina Duties for Drivers and Pedestrians
South Carolina law gives pedestrians specific protections in crosswalks. Under S.C. Code § 56-5-3130, drivers generally must yield to pedestrians crossing within a qualifying crosswalk, while pedestrians may not suddenly enter a vehicle’s path when the vehicle is close enough to create an immediate hazard. Under S.C. Code § 56-5-3150, pedestrians crossing outside a crosswalk generally must yield to vehicles.
These rules don’t automatically determine who is legally responsible after a collision. You may need to establish where each person was, traffic signals, vehicle speed, visibility, witness accounts, and other evidence.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Collision
If you are able:
- Call 911 and obtain medical assistance.
- Tell the police exactly what happened.
- Obtain the driver’s name, insurance information, and vehicle details.
- Photograph the vehicle, roadway, crosswalk, traffic signals, lighting, and surrounding area.
- Get contact information for eyewitnesses.
- Keep medical records, bills, prescriptions, and records of missed work.
- Stick to the facts when speaking with an insurer and avoid guessing about who caused the collision.
- Speak with our pedestrian accident attorneys in South Carolina about the evidence, potential liability, and your claim.
Traffic camera footage, nearby surveillance, vehicle data, photographs, and witness accounts may also help determine fault and liability for the crash.
How Fault Is Determined in a South Carolina Pedestrian Case
Fault may be divided between the driver and the pedestrian. South Carolina courts apply modified comparative fault principles to injury claims, which allocate responsibility when multiple parties or the plaintiff contribute to the accident. For example, if you suffer $200,000 in damages after being struck in a crosswalk, and the evidence supports assigning 90% fault to the driver and 10% to you, your recovery could be reduced by 10%, leaving $180,000 before other legal issues are considered.
Potential Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Damages may include medical bills, future treatment, lost income, emotional distress, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life. A fatal collision may also support a wrongful death claim. South Carolina generally provides three years to bring many personal injury actions. Claims involving government entities can follow different deadlines and procedures. A wrongful death action is also generally subject to a three-year period beginning at the person’s death, subject to applicable exceptions.
When a Pedestrian Crash Leaves Questions About Fault, Our South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our South Carolina pedestrian accident attorneys can review the roadway, vehicle evidence, witness accounts, visibility, traffic signals, and medical records to determine how the collision occurred and assess your losses. Reach out to Whetstone Perkins & Fulda online or at 803-799-9400 for your no-cost consultation today.
