Do Pedestrian Accidents Increase in Summer?

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As the temperatures warm up, more people decide to get outside, which poses an increased risk of accidents. Each year, more than 5,000 pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. and over 125,000 injured. In South Carolina alone, there are more than 1,000 pedestrian collision accidents each year. Unfortunately, these tragedies increase in the summer months.

Common Risks South Carolina Residents Face

The severity and types of risks that people face walking along South Carolina roadways can depend on a variety of factors according to the state’s Department of Public Safety. In 2016 alone, most pedestrian accidents occurred on secondary roads and nearly half took place between 3:00 p.m. and midnight.

More males (65%) were injured than females, and the most prominent age group involved in accidents was ages 25-34. A majority (62.9%) of cases involved a pedestrian walking, cycling, or playing. There are other groups of people, however, that face risks as well.

Older adults and children are particularly susceptible to pedestrian accidents and injuries. Older adults may lack mobility and have impaired senses. Children, when not supervised, don’t understand the risks associated with playing near busy roads.

What is the Driver’s Responsibility?

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road because they don’ t have the benefit of a motor vehicle for protection. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in an accident than the occupant of a motor vehicle.

Drivers of cars and trucks have a duty to operate their equipment safely and not harm others. When they fail in their duty and harm someone else, they could be held responsible for any preventable accident and injuries to pedestrians. Some of the responsibilities that drivers in South Carolina have include:

  • Attentive Driving. Drivers should avoid all distractions when driving since this is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes.
  • Safe Speed. Drivers must obey all posted speed limits and drive only at speeds that are safe for conditions – construction, heavy traffic, adverse weather.
  • Crossing. Drivers must be particularly cautious around intersections, crosswalks, and other signals, watching for pedestrians and reducing speed as appropriate.
  • Turn Signals. A driver should activate their turn signal at least 100 feet before a turn to prevent pedestrians from crossing under unsafe conditions.
  • DUI. Drivers should never get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Pedestrian’s Responsibility

Pedestrians often have the right of way, but they still have some responsibilities under South Carolina law. If you are pedestrian, you must:

  • Use a sidewalk, if one is present, when pushing a stroller, using an assistive device, or traveling on rollerblades or a skateboard.
  • Travel on the shoulder of the road if no sidewalk is present
  • Travel on the left side of the road if no shoulder or sidewalk is present
  • Use crosswalks when present and wait for crossing signals
  • Yield to oncoming traffic if crossing in an area that does not have a crosswalk

Injured in a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident?

Summertime brings its own set of unique risks on South Carolina’s roads. There is an influx of out of state drivers on summer vacation as well as more pedestrians taking advantage of the favorable weather. When disaster strikes, the results can be devastating to you and your loved ones.

At Peake & Fowler, our South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyers advocate for the rights of victims of these tragedies. Our firm has the tools and resources to help injured pedestrians and their families fully understand their options and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Contact our Columbia office now at 800-946-9461 or reach us online to schedule a free consultation.

5 Common Construction Accidents

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Most employers in South Carolina are required to carry worker’s compensation insurance to cover expenses related to work-related injuries and illnesses. Construction companies are not exempt from this requirement, and this is a good thing because construction is a dangerous industry.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 1,000 construction workers lose their lives each year on the job. Of all workplace fatalities in a single year, one in five takes place in a construction zone.

Safety is supposed to be a priority on construction sites, but some companies are lax with safety standards or cut corners to try to boost their bottom line results. There are many ways hazards exist on a construction site that can lead to injury or even death. Here are just five of the most typical ways that construction workers fall victim to these tragic events.

  1. Fall Injuries

Falls are the most common cause of construction accident injuries. These tragedies impact thousands of construction workers each year, and some lead to death. A fall can take place on the same level, where a worker either slips or trips and falls over equipment or debris or on a slippery or wet surface.

Fall accidents can also take place from another level, and these can lead to much more serious injuries. Each day construction workers climb onto roofs, beams, ladders, and scaffolds. Without the use of safety harnesses, there is a high risk of falls.

  1. Equipment Injuries

Construction sites are loud environments because there are usually many pieces of equipment operating at once. This presents a significant hazard to workers. An equipment injury can happen in several ways.

Failure to use safety guards on machinery can lead to injury, as can attempting repairs while a machine is still “on.” A construction worker can also be injured by moving heavy equipment, motor vehicles, or a power tool that malfunctions due to a defect.

  1. Fires and Explosions

There are enough electrical items and flammable materials on construction sites that fire and explosions are common occurrences. A frayed electrical cord or other poor electrical safety practices can lead to a fire, which can result in devastating injuries and fatalities. Explosions can result from gas leaks as well as the mixture of dangerous chemicals.

  1. Falling Objects

Construction workers are supposed to wear hard hats because of the high risk of falling objects. A worker on another level could drop a heavy tool, or a stack of equipment could become dislodged and fall, leading to a serious head, neck, or back injury.

It is also possible for an entire structure to fall if it is not properly supported. This can trap construction workers underneath debris and lead to serious crushing injuries.

  1. Repetitive Injuries

Construction is strenuous and repetitive work. It’s not uncommon for a construction worker to suffer from a variety of repetitive motion or exposure injuries. These could include carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strains, and distress due to extreme cold or heat exposure.

These are not the only common construction accidents. Other serious and frequent causes of construction accidents can include trench collapses, electrocution, violence, and chemical exposure.

What You Should Know If You Have a South Carolina Construction Injury

Worker’s compensation laws in South Carolina are no-fault, meaning you are entitled to benefits if you were injured on the job. There are only a few exceptions, such as being intoxicated or committing fraud, which would bar you from collecting benefits.

If you were injured at work, whether it was due to one of these injuries or something else, you are entitled to receive payment for your medical expenses, lost time from work, and permanent impairment. A denial of any of the benefits you are due is not the last word in your case, and you have the right to speak with a qualified South Carolina worker’s compensation attorney about your options.

Consult with an Experienced South Carolina Worker’s Compensation Lawyer

Worker’s compensation law can be complex, and your employer or an insurance company representative may try to mislead you about your rights. Instead, protect your access to these valuable benefits by speaking with a qualified workplace injury attorney.

At Peake & Fowler, our Columbia injury attorneys will put their more than 60 years of combined experience to work for you. Contact us now at 800-946-9461 or reach us online to schedule a free consultation.