When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, life changes in an instant. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial strain create overwhelming burdens for victims and their families. At West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we have dedicated our practice to helping pedestrian accident victims in Summerville and throughout the Lowcountry rebuild their lives after these devastating incidents.
Our family-owned firm has deep roots in South Carolina, serving local communities since 1945. We know Summerville streets, intersections, and traffic patterns because this is our home, too. This local knowledge, combined with decades of legal experience, makes us uniquely qualified to handle pedestrian accident cases in our community.
How Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Summerville
Pedestrian accidents occur with alarming frequency in Summerville and surrounding areas. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving remains one of the leading factors in pedestrian collisions. Drivers looking at phones, adjusting radios, or eating behind the wheel often fail to notice people in crosswalks or along roadways.
- Speeding drivers have less time to react when pedestrians enter their path. Many serious accidents happen because vehicles simply travel too fast for conditions, especially in residential areas or near schools.
- Failure to yield at crosswalks creates dangerous situations for pedestrians who have the right of way. Many drivers rush through intersections without checking for people crossing legally.
- Poor visibility during dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours increases accident risks substantially. Inadequate street lighting combined with dark clothing can make pedestrians nearly invisible until it is too late.
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs severely impacts judgment and reaction time. Intoxicated drivers pose serious threats to everyone on or near roadways.
Pedestrian Injuries Often Prove Catastrophic
The human body lacks protection against the force of a moving vehicle. This reality leads to severe injuries even in relatively low-speed collisions:
- Head trauma often results in traumatic brain injuries ranging from mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. These injuries frequently require extensive rehabilitation and may cause lifelong disabilities.
- Spinal cord damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis. The medical costs for these injuries typically reach millions of dollars over a lifetime.
- Multiple fractures commonly occur when pedestrians impact vehicles and then the ground. Broken legs, arms, ribs, and pelvic fractures often require surgical intervention and lengthy recovery periods.
- Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, might not appear immediately but can become life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
- Psychological trauma affects many accident victims long after physical wounds heal. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression frequently accompany physical recovery.
South Carolina Laws Protect Pedestrian Rights
South Carolina law provides important protections for pedestrians. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care to avoid collisions at all times. However, legal cases involving pedestrian accidents involve complex questions of liability and comparative negligence.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina gives victims three years from the date of injury to file lawsuits. This timeframe sounds generous, but it passes quickly when dealing with medical treatments and recovery. Starting the legal process early helps preserve evidence and witness testimony crucial to your case.
How West Law Firm Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims
Our approach to pedestrian accident cases focuses on comprehensive representation tailored to each client’s unique situation:
- We conduct thorough investigations, gathering police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis when necessary. This evidence builds strong foundations for negligence claims against responsible parties.
- Our team works with medical experts who document your injuries and provide professional opinions about future treatment needs and disability impacts. These expert testimonies strengthen your case substantially.
- We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics aimed at minimizing your claim. Insurance adjusters often contact victims quickly after accidents, hoping to secure statements or settlement agreements before the full extent of injuries becomes clear.
- Our Summerville pedestrian accident attorneys calculate fair compensation amounts based on a complete understanding of current and future damages. We never rush settlements that might leave you financially vulnerable later.
- If fair settlements prove impossible through negotiation, we prepare thoroughly for trial. Our courtroom experience allows us to present compelling cases to South Carolina juries.
Local Experience Makes a Difference
Our firm brings unmatched local knowledge to pedestrian accident cases. From our office in Moncks Corner, we serve clients throughout Summerville and surrounding communities. This regional experience matters because we understand local traffic patterns, problematic intersections, and how local courts handle personal injury cases.
Since 1945, generations of Lowcountry residents have trusted us during their most difficult times.
This legacy creates responsibility that we take seriously with every client we represent.
Contact Our Summerville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrian accident victims deserve dedicated legal representation from attorneys who truly care about their recovery and future well-being. The West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers team provides compassionate, skilled advocacy while fighting aggressively for your rights.
Contact us today for consultation about your pedestrian accident case. We will explain your legal options clearly and help you make informed decisions about moving forward.