Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Columbia, SC

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Have you been injured as a result of a pedestrian accident in Columbia, SC? If so, you may be entitled to pursue financial recovery for the expenses and losses you suffered due to your harm. Unfortunately, the process of securing the compensation that you’re owed for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses, getting this money can be more complicated than it should be. Working with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer from the Law Offices of S. Chris Davis can help to ensure that your case against those who have caused you harm progresses as smoothly as possible and causes you as little stress as possible.

Our firm’s mission is to improve the lives of each of our clients by helping them pursue the full and fair compensation they deserve. Our commitment to client-focused legal representation is reflected by the many enthusiastic referrals we get from former clients, the dozens of 5-star reviews we’ve been given on Google, and the fact that our lead attorney, Chris Davis, has been named a “Top 40 Under 40” attorney for several years by the National Trial Lawyers Association.

If you were recently hit by a careless or otherwise negligent motorist, contact the Law Offices of S. Chris Davis today. Our Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer looks forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and finding out how he can help you pursue the money you need to put your life back together.

How Do I Know Whether I Have Grounds to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?

You might be in a strong position to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit if you were hit by a driver who was not safely operating their vehicle or following traffic laws and regulations. Similarly, you may be able to hold any other party – including government agencies tasked with safe road maintenance – accountable for negligent, reckless, or intentionally dangerous conduct if their actions or inactions contributed directly to the cause(s) of your harm.

A viable claim will require you to prove that you’ve sustained injuries or other losses for which you can be financially compensated. These losses may include

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving, including street racing or overtaking stopped vehicles
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigued or drowsy driving
  • Disregarding traffic signals, including running red lights or stop signs
  • Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks or on sidewalks
  • Turning without signaling or checking mirrors
  • Inadequate vehicle maintenance, including running on worn tires or brakes
  • Vehicle defects
  • Adverse weather, including heavy rain or fog
  • Low lighting

Common kinds of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Intersection accidents
  • Crosswalk accidents
  • Backing up accidents
  • Driveway accidents
  • Parking lot/garage accidents
  • Street parking accidents

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Columbia?

In most cases, the driver of a vehicle that hits a pedestrian is liable for compensating that injury victim. However, depending on the circumstances of the accident in question, other parties may be held liable instead of (or in addition to) the driver. Examples of potentially liable parties in pedestrian accident cases include:

  • The driver’s employer, if the accident took place in the course of the driver’s employment duties
  • The vehicle’s manufacturer or a manufacturer of an auto part used on the vehicle if the accident was caused by defects
  • The driver’s mechanic, if the accident resulted from inadequate maintenance
  • State and local governments, if the accident was caused by unsafe road or intersection design or lack of proper maintenance

Compensation You Could Recover After a Pedestrian Accident

You could be entitled to compensation for a range of losses you suffered as the result of the pedestrian accident, including:

  • Medical care and rehabilitation
  • Long-term care expenses if necessitated by permanent disability
  • Past, ongoing, and future lost income if you cannot work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lowered quality of life

Factors That Could Impact the Value of a Pedestrian Accident Settlement

Most pedestrian accident claims are settled out of court before they go to trial, which means that the two parties agree to an amount of money in exchange for permanently dropping the threat of a future lawsuit. The amount that you could receive through a settlement depends on various factors, such as:

  • The severity of your injuries, as more serious injuries result in greater medical expenses
  • The impact on your daily life/routine, as settlement values increase if you suffer temporary or permanent disability
  • The chances of a full recovery, including the possibility of reduced life expectancy because of your injuries
  • Clarity of fault, since liable parties are more willing to settle for the full amount of your losses if you have a greater likelihood of winning at trial
  • The impact of the injuries on your earning ability, as a settlement could include lost income and future lost wages
  • The availability of insurance coverages, as settlement figures are often limited by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage
  • Your lawyer’s preparation and skill, since a better-prepared and more persuasive attorney is more likely to successfully argue for a higher settlement value