Walking through Charleston should be safe, whether you’re exploring historic streets, commuting to work, or simply crossing the road near your neighborhood. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are a growing concern throughout the city. With heavy tourism, dense urban traffic, and busy corridors like King Street, Meeting Street, or to East Bay Street, pedestrians face real risks every day.
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle, a Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to recover physically and financially.
Why Pedestrian Accidents in Charleston Are So Serious
Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no physical protection in a collision. Even at lower speeds, a crash can result in life-altering injuries. According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, pedestrian fatalities and injuries remain a significant issue across the state—and Charleston’s high foot traffic only increases the danger.
Common factors contributing to pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving, especially texting behind the wheel
- Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections
- Speeding in busy downtown or residential areas
- Poor visibility due to weather or inadequate lighting
- Impaired driving or walking
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Charleston
Taking the right steps after an accident can protect both your health and your legal claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Call law enforcement and obtain a police report
- Document the scene if possible (photos, witness information)
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer
- Contact a Charleston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
Even when pedestrians follow the rules, negligent drivers can cause devastating harm in a matter of seconds. As a Charleston pedestrian accident attorney practice, we’d like to share this research because we want you to be aware of the dangers facing our citizens and visitors. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there average 4o deaths yearly, with these fatalities accounting for 13.1% of all in-state pedestrian accidents during the year. You can see from the chart below that pedestrian collision fatalities are increasing in South Carolina.
Due to the heavy vehicular traffic in Charleston and the critical grip it holds on the economy, the city has made improvements as recently as July 2018 to keep pedestrians safer on its roadways. For instance, there have been changes to the Crosstown (Septima Clark Parkway) – used by 60,000 vehicles per day. More signals have been placed at Coming Street, requiring pedestrians to stop before crossing both the north and southbound lanes; signals have been re-timed to give people more time to cross, and no-turn-on-red light signs have been positioned at busy intersections.
Common Injuries in Charleston Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe and may require extensive medical treatment. Many victims face long recovery periods, ongoing care, or permanent disabilities.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These can range from concussions to severe brain damage, often affecting memory, cognition, and personality.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures: Legs, arms, ribs, and hips are especially vulnerable in pedestrian crashes.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
- Soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments, muscle damage, and deep bruising can cause lasting pain and limited mobility.
In many cases, injuries don’t fully reveal themselves right away. Seeking immediate medical care is critical—not only for your health but also to document your injuries for a potential legal claim.
Charleston Responsibilities of Drivers vs. Pedestrians
USC’s Crime Prevention and Safety Resources provides a pedestrian Safety page that outlines precautions around the busy campus district. It has a particularly clear description of legal obligations for both drivers and pedestrians, and we have listed some of both – paying particular attention to those less frequently mentioned:
Driver Responsibilities:
- Adjust to safe speeds in adverse conditions, such as heavy rain, lightning, and congested traffic.
- South Carolina Law dictates that you must take every precaution to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
- Take special care during school opening and closing hours and as school buses are loading/unloading.
- Activate turn signals at least 100 feet before you turn; this affects pedestrians and other drivers behind or beside you.
- Watch out for pedestrians with guide dogs, strollers, wheelchairs, or canes (white or white with red tips are partially blind).
Pedestrian Responsibilities:
- According to South Carolina Law, all pedestrians (including skaters and those using assistive devices) must walk on sidewalks wherever they exist.
- Pedestrians have complete right of way on the sidewalk and should stay on the shoulder if no sidewalk is available. If there is no shoulder, you must walk on the far left side of the road (facing traffic).
- If crossing without a crosswalk, you must yield to all oncoming traffic.
- At a signal, push the button and wait for the sign to change; look both ways before proceeding and yield to any traffic already in the intersection.
Who is at Higher Risk of Being in a Pedestrian Accident with a Vehicle?
While everyone should be careful when walking outside, some groups are more likely to be struck by a car:
- Older adults. People 65 and older made up about 20 percent of pedestrian deaths in 2020. There are several reasons for this. As people age, they are more likely to develop difficulties with their eyesight or hearing, making it harder to see or hear a car. Other health issues may affect balance or coordination, increasing the risk they might trip or fall while crossing a street.
- As mentioned above, small children may not appreciate the risk of running out into the street to chase a runaway ball. About 20 percent of kids younger than fifteen who died in car accidents were pedestrians in 2020. Of course, parents and caregivers should keep an eye on children playing outside, but sometimes even the most careful adult has to look away for a few seconds, so drivers need to pay attention, particularly in or around schools or parks.
- Residents in urban areas. About 80 percent of pedestrian fatalities happen in urban neighborhoods versus around 17.8 percent in rural areas.
The Financial Cost of Pedestrian Accidents
If you’ve been struck by a vehicle, the chances are very good that you were injured. Unfortunately, a pedestrian has little protection when hit by a two-ton vehicle – there are no seat belts or bike helmets to protect you in this situation. As a result, your injuries may be extensive and, in some cases, very serious. Even if you think they’re not that bad, please seek medical attention. Some injuries may not present symptoms right away, and occasionally, serious injuries may seem minor at first.
Broken bones, traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal injuries or bleeding, dislocated shoulders or other joints, and back and spine injuries are all common in pedestrian crashes. Many of these could take weeks or months to recover, requiring surgery, medication, and even physical therapy. Will your health insurance cover all of it? That depends on many factors, including your deductible, the specific treatments your insurance carrier will cover, and what percentage of the cost they’re willing to pay. In some cases, you may have a hefty bill for your portion of the costs.
In addition, being hurt may mean that you’re out of work for an extended period of time. Lost wages are another type of damage you may suffer in a pedestrian accident, along with healthcare costs. With some injuries, the pedestrian may become permanently disabled and unable to return to work at all. In 2012, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that the average cost of a pedestrian accident was about $58,700. Of course, your expenses may be far more or less than this average, which only looks at economic costs. Non-economic costs, like pain and suffering, should also be considered when filing a claim for compensation. Your lawyer will review both types of damages with you to be sure nothing is missed.
If the driver who hit you was at fault, the best solution is to seek damages from their auto insurance carrier. In many cases, we are able to successfully negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, but sometimes we may work to overcome additional challenges, such as:
- The motorist who hit you was uninsured, or their insurance policy limit is lower than the amount of damages you have. In this case, your lawyer will look for other relevant insurance policies or liable entities.
- The insurance company claims they don’t have to cover your accident because you were at fault instead. Understandably, this is a very upsetting thing to hear. Fortunately, an experienced Charleston pedestrian accident attorney can help you gather evidence to fight back against these claims.
- The insurance company makes you an offer that you really should refuse. If an insurance company makes you an offer very quickly after your accident, you should be very cautious and consult a lawyer before making a decision. In many cases, this quick offer means that the insurance company wants to pay far less than your claim is worth. They’re hoping you’ll accept the offer and relieve them of any further responsibility.
Get Help From a Charleston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Recovering from a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. A dedicated Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer from Auger & Auger can guide you through every step of the process. With over 4o years of combined experience, we will fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Reach out today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
