Pedestrian crashes often cause devastating injuries because the person on foot has little protection. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal trauma, and internal injuries are common. At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, our firm helps victims understand their rights under South Carolina pedestrian and injury law after a serious collision in Columbia. Our Columbia pedestrian accident attorneys represent injured walkers and grieving families pursuing compensation after being hit by a car, truck, motorcycle, or rideshare vehicle.
Pedestrian Crashes Are a Serious Risk in Columbia
Pedestrian accidents happen throughout Columbia, where traffic, crosswalk activity, and visibility issues intersect. Common locations include:
- Downtown corridors near Main Street
- Student-heavy areas around the University of South Carolina
- Busy crossings near Five Points
- Commercial zones along Harbison Boulevard
- Multi-lane stretches of Two Notch Road
- Intersections near Garners Ferry Road and Forest Drive
Heavy traffic, turning vehicles, distracted driving, and poor nighttime visibility can increase the risk of danger.
South Carolina Laws Protect Pedestrians
South Carolina traffic laws impose duties on both drivers and pedestrians. Violations can become important evidence in a civil injury claim.
Drivers Must Yield in Marked Crosswalks
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3130, drivers generally must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk when required by law. A motorist who speeds through a marked crossing or fails to stop for a pedestrian may face both traffic liability and civil exposure.
Drivers Must Exercise Due Care
South Carolina law also requires drivers to use due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and to give a warning when necessary. This is especially important near schools, parking lots, bus stops, and downtown areas with frequent foot traffic.
Pedestrians Also Have Duties
Pedestrians are expected to obey traffic control devices and use reasonable care. Crossing against signals or suddenly entering traffic may be argued by insurers as comparative fault. That does not automatically defeat a claim, but it can affect recovery.
How Fault Is Proven in a Columbia Pedestrian Claim
Our Columbia pedestrian accident attorneys investigate whether the driver acted negligently and whether road conditions or third parties also played a role.
Common driver errors include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failing to yield while turning
- Running red lights
- Driving under the influence
- Backing up without checking walkways
- Passing stopped vehicles near crossings
Other contributing factors may include:
- Poor lighting
- Missing signage
- Blocked sightlines from overgrown landscaping
- Unsafe parking lot design
- Construction zone walkway failures
South Carolina Comparative Negligence Rules Matter
South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15. Compensation may be reduced by the injured person’s percentage of fault, and recovery can be barred if that person is more than 50% responsible.
Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians by claiming they were outside a crosswalk, wearing dark clothing, or not paying attention. However, we work to challenge these unsupported blame-shifting arguments.
Compensation in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Depending on the facts, damages may include:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or scarring
Wrongful death damages may also be available if a loved one was killed.
Evidence That Can Strengthen a Claim
Pedestrian crashes often happen quickly, so early evidence collection matters. Helpful proof may include:
- Police reports from Columbia law enforcement
- Traffic camera or business surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Scene photographs
- Vehicle data
- Cell phone records obtained when distraction is suspected
- Medical records linking injuries to the collision
Put Our Firm in Your Corner After a Columbia Pedestrian Crash
A Columbia case may involve intersections, traffic patterns, and witnesses unique to the area. Knowing local roads, crash-prone corridors, and Richland County court procedures can be valuable when building a strong case.
If you were hit while walking in Columbia, our firm can investigate the collision, explain South Carolina law, and pursue the compensation you may deserve. Call 803-799-9400 or contact us online today to speak with our pedestrian accident lawyers in Columbia.
