pedestrian accident attorneys in newberry

While state laws make it clear that motorists must take careful steps to protect pedestrians on the road, it’s fairly uncommon for drivers to give pedestrians the extra space they need. As a result, pedestrian accidents are a growing problem across the United States. Pedestrians often suffer severe or fatal injuries from these collisions, and without strong legal representation, they risk not getting the full and fair compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Newberry, SC, we are here to help. Call Peake & Fowler at 803-788-4370 to schedule a consultation now.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

Understanding the causes of Newberry pedestrian accidents can help pedestrians watch for warning signs of careless drivers and protect themselves. Additionally, knowing the root causes of these crashes can help victims fight for the compensation they are due. Pedestrian accidents are often caused by:

• Ignorance about local laws. Each state sets specific laws regarding when drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians. Drivers are often unfamiliar with these laws and believe they always have the right of way over pedestrians, leading them to ignore pedestrians in crosswalks. Additionally, drivers may be unaware of local laws regarding right of way.
• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the most significant problems in roadway safety today. Drivers who are on the phone, texting, changing the music, or otherwise distracted are often unable to spot a pedestrian before it’s too late to avoid hitting them. It truly only takes one second of distracted driving to cause a tragedy.
• Driving under the influence. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol lays the groundwork for a devastating accident. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol often struggle to pay attention or identify obstacles in the road, including pedestrians.
• Driving too fast. Speeding makes it impossible to stop in time when an unexpected pedestrian begins crossing the road.
• Drowsy driving. Fatigued drivers have a longer reaction time, are less able to make good decisions, and are less likely to identify obstacles in the road.

Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians can be injured anywhere, but the majority of accidents occur in a few high-danger hot spots due to driver behavior. Some of the most commonly reported types of pedestrian accidents include:

• Backover accidents. When a driver is backing out, it can be difficult to spot a pedestrian entering their line of sight. If a driver backs out without properly checking, they run the risk of striking a pedestrian.
• Intersection collisions. Quite a few pedestrian accidents happen at intersections. Drivers may be unaware of pedestrians’ rights, believe that they have the right of way, or simply misjudge a pedestrian’s speed or proximity. Right-turn accidents are fairly common. If a driver is stopped at a red light and wants to make a right turn, they may check for oncoming vehicles on their left side but fail to check for pedestrians about to cross on their right side.
• Roadside collisions. When someone is walking on the shoulder, tending to a broken-down vehicle, or otherwise stuck on the side of the road, they are at high risk of being hit by a careless or inattentive driver.
• School bus accidents. Children getting off the school bus each day have the right of way. Drivers may not notice the stop sign or stopped school bus, causing them to strike young pedestrians.
• Construction and road worker crashes. Those working on the side of the road face a major threat from distracted or inattentive drivers.

The Risks of Pedestrian Accidents in South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety maintains extensive data on pedestrian accidents, and the data shows that this is a serious problem throughout the state. Their 2018 data shows that one pedestrian is killed in an accident every 2.2 days. Those at highest risk include elderly adults and young children. Roughly 20% of children who die in car accidents are pedestrians.

The vast majority of pedestrian accidents occur during dark hours between sunset and the early hours of the morning, hinting at a need for reflective clothing for pedestrians and stricter monitoring for fatigued drivers. While accidents are reported throughout the state, they are far more common in urban areas.

Fighting for Compensation

After an accident, you could face serious financial stress. Medical bills add up quickly, particularly if you require ambulance transportation, surgical care, or long-term physical therapy. On top of that, you will likely have to spend some time away from work to heal. This adds even more financial stress to your situation.

Even if it’s obvious that the driver of the vehicle that struck you is at fault, you can expect the insurance company to fight hard against your claim. They will do anything they can to avoid paying a full and fair settlement, including downplaying your injuries, implying that you caused the accident, or using your statements to weaken your claim.

If you are able to prove the other party’s liability and the extent of your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for:

• Medical bills and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and lost future income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

How Our Team Can Help

The team at Peake & Fowler knows exactly how insurance adjusters manipulate accident victims to get out of paying a fair settlement. By taking over communication with the insurance company from the start, we can ensure that they don’t use their underhanded tricks on you.

We’ll compile the evidence needed to support your claim and prove the other party’s liability, then use that evidence to fight for a full and fair settlement on your behalf. While you focus on healing and recuperation, we will negotiate with the insurance company and hold them accountable.

Contact Peake & Fowler Now

A pedestrian accident can leave you out of work, facing a growing stack of medical bills, and unsure of your next step. We’ll guide you through the process, gather evidence, analyze your accident, and fight on your behalf against the insurance company. All you have to do is focus on your recovery and future. Get started now by calling us at 803-788-4370 or contacting us online.