South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states in the nation for pedestrians. Despite millions spent in recent safety improvements across the Palmetto State, pedestrians and bicyclists are still being injured and killed at much higher rates than elsewhere in the country.
If a negligent driver hit you or a family member, your life is likely in turmoil. You may be dealing with injuries that keep you from working, rising medical bills, and other physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If someone else caused the accident, a South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer at Joye Law Firm can help you hold the at-fault party accountable. Contact Joye Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’re here to guide you through your options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Proven Advocacy for Pedestrian Accident Victims
When it comes to pedestrian accident cases, the deck is stacked against victims. That’s why hiring experienced legal representation can make all the difference. At Joye Law Firm, we understand the complexities of these cases and have a proven track record of securing justice for our clients. Consider these impactful examples:
In Columbia, a woman walking along Bluff Road suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by a car that veered onto the shoulder. The devasting impact caused traumatic injuries, including the amputation of her toe and fractures in her foot and spine. As a result, our client was facing over $72,000 in initial medical bills. To make matters worse, she was falsely blamed for the accident in the collision report, and the driver’s insurance company denied liability. Attorney Eliza Lynch from our Columbia office meticulously dismantled the incorrect assumptions in the report, citing South Carolina statutes that prioritize pedestrian safety. Her advocacy compelled the insurer to pay the full $100,000 policy limit, offering the victim financial relief for her recovery. Read the full case study.
In another heartbreaking case, we represented the family of a Charleston woman struck and killed while walking to her. On a dark, rainy morning, she was hit by an industrial vehicle with defective headlights. Through extensive investigation, Joye Law Firm demonstrated the negligence of multiple defendants, including the driver and two companies responsible for maintaining the vehicle. The case resulted in a $5 million settlement, ensuring financial security for the victim’s disabled sister and honoring her memory.
While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, these cases underscore the critical role of experienced attorneys in navigating complex liability issues and achieving justice for victims. If you or someone dear to you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, Joye Law Firm is here to help.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in South Carolina
South Carolina has a serious problem with pedestrian safety. Charleston and Columbia are among the country’s top 15 deadliest metro areas for pedestrians. Unfortunately, the problem isn’t limited to the big cities. Smaller metros, like Myrtle Beach and Greenville, have also seen a stark increase in pedestrian accidents, as have rural parts of the state. According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the state saw 187 pedestrian fatalities in a recent year, accounting for almost 18% of all traffic-related fatalities.
Many accidents occur at busy intersections, poorly lit roads, or places without crosswalks. In cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, popular tourist spots and bustling streets can increase the likelihood of pedestrian crashes. In smaller towns like Clinton and Summerville, the lack of sidewalks or proper pedestrian infrastructure can make walking more dangerous. Regardless of where the accident happened, those injured often face medical bills, lost income, and a long recovery process.
To combat the issue, the State of South Carolina has devised a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plan(PBSAP) to improve existing safety programs and implement other improvements to pedestrian and bicycle safety. These initiatives include:
- SCDOT Complete Streets Policy (Departmental Directive #28): This policy promotes a transportation network that is safe, accessible, and accommodating for all individuals—regardless of age, ability, income level, background, or mode of travel.
- Complete Streets Council: Established to encourage continuous collaboration and seek opportunities for improvements related to complete streets principles.
- Updates to the SCDOT Roadway Design Manual: A new section dedicated to Multimodal Transportation provides clear design guidance for pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities within SCDOT-managed areas.
- Crosswalk Implementation Guidelines: These guidelines address improvements for pedestrian crossings, including mid-block or uncontrolled crosswalks, enhanced visibility through markings, and safety upgrades like Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB), Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHB), curb extensions, and raised crosswalks.
As part of developing the PBSAP, the project team conducted an in-depth review of South Carolina’s existing pedestrian and bicycle safety policies. The goal was to assess how SCDOT’s policies align with the approaches of partner organizations to advance mobility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
To achieve this, the project team engaged with various partner agencies across the state. Insights were gathered from 35 organizations, including SCDOT Headquarters and District Offices, Councils of Government (COGs), Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), municipalities, academic institutions, and advocacy groups. These discussions aimed to highlight effective strategies, identify opportunities for policy improvement, and address additional concerns related to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Despite local initiatives to increase pedestrian safety, accidents still occur when drivers fail to follow traffic laws or pay attention. That’s why you must take action and hold careless drivers responsible if they hurt you or a loved one through their negligence or wrongful actions.
