Greenville Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer

Why Choose Smith Jordan Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

After a pedestrian accident, you need a law firm that understands the serious consequences of these crashes and knows how to build a strong personal injury claim. Smith Jordan Law brings a client-focused approach to every case, helping injured people in Greenville and throughout South Carolina pursue the compensation they deserve:

• Experience with serious injury claims
• Personal attention from your legal team
• Thorough investigation of every accident
• Strong negotiation with insurance companies
• No upfront attorney fees
• Focused on maximum compensation

How Much Is Your Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?

The value of a pedestrian accident claim depends on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of your injuries. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the accident. In cases involving particularly serious or permanent injuries, the potential value of a claim may be significantly greater. Insurance companies may try to minimize what they pay, which is why it is important to understand the full extent of your damages before accepting a settlement.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Greenville

Pedestrian crashes can happen for many reasons, but driver negligence is often a major factor. Common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, phone use, or other distractions can prevent drivers from noticing pedestrians.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers may fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections.
• Speeding: Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and can make pedestrian injuries more severe.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drugs can affect a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to see pedestrians.
• Running Red Lights: Drivers who ignore traffic signals can strike pedestrians lawfully crossing the road.
• Unsafe Turns: Drivers making left or right turns may fail to check for pedestrians before proceeding.
• Poor Visibility: Darkness, weather, glare, or obstructed sightlines can make pedestrians harder to see.
• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and other reckless behavior can put pedestrians at risk.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Because pedestrians have little protection against the force of a vehicle, even a seemingly minor collision can cause serious injuries. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: A blow to the head can cause a concussion or more severe brain injury, sometimes with lasting effects.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a vehicle can fracture the legs, arms, hips, ribs, and other bones.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can cause chronic pain, loss of mobility, or permanent paralysis.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt-force trauma can damage internal organs and cause dangerous internal bleeding.
• Road Rash and Lacerations: Contact with a vehicle or pavement can cause severe cuts, abrasions, and scarring.
• Knee and Leg Injuries: Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries involving the legs, knees, and joints.
• Amputations: Catastrophic crashes can result in the loss of a limb or permanent damage requiring amputation.
• Psychological Trauma: A pedestrian crash can also lead to anxiety, PTSD, depression, or fear of walking near traffic.

Understanding Right-of-Way Laws in South Carolina

South Carolina law gives pedestrians certain rights when crossing roadways, but pedestrians must also follow applicable traffic rules. Generally, drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks when required by law. At the same time, pedestrians cannot suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and move into the path of a vehicle when the driver does not have enough time to yield.

South Carolina also follows a modified comparative negligence system. If a pedestrian is partially responsible for an accident, that does not necessarily prevent recovery, but the amount of compensation may be reduced based on the pedestrian’s percentage of fault. If the pedestrian is found to be more than 50% at fault, however, recovery is generally barred. Because right-of-way and fault can depend on the specific circumstances of a crash, an attorney can help determine how South Carolina law applies to your case.

Dangerous Intersections and Areas for Pedestrians in Greenville

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but busy Greenville roads and intersections can create greater risks for people traveling on foot. High traffic volumes, multiple turning lanes, poor visibility, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure can all contribute to serious crashes. Some areas of particular concern include:

• White Horse Road and Blue Ridge Drive: The White Horse Road corridor has been identified as a significant pedestrian safety concern, with reported collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists.
• Laurens Road and Woodruff Road: This heavily traveled intersection has a high volume of vehicle traffic and has been identified in Greenville’s intersection safety analysis as a high-crash location.
• Woodruff Road and Verdae Boulevard/Roper Mountain Road: This intersection recorded the highest crash total and severity index among the intersections analyzed in a recent Greenville safety study.
• Pleasantburg Drive and Rutherford Road: High traffic volumes and frequent collisions make this another area where pedestrians should use particular caution.
• Academy Street and Pendleton Street: This downtown-area intersection has experienced serious crashes and was identified as having the highest severity index among the intersections in the city’s analysis.
• White Horse Road Corridor: Beyond individual intersections, portions of US-25 have presented ongoing pedestrian safety challenges, including concerns about lighting, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals.

If you were injured while walking in Greenville, the location of the crash may provide important evidence about what happened and who was responsible. Smith Jordan Law can investigate the circumstances of your accident and help you understand your legal options.

How We Investigate Pedestrian Accident Cases

A strong pedestrian accident claim starts with a thorough investigation after the accident happens. At Smith Jordan Law, we work to uncover how the crash happened, identify the responsible parties, and document the full extent of your injuries and losses. Depending on the circumstances, our investigation may include:

• Reviewing the Police Report: We examine the accident report for details about the crash, statements, citations, and the officer’s initial findings.
• Gathering Evidence From the Scene: Photos, video, road conditions, traffic signals, signage, and other physical evidence can help establish what happened.
• Reviewing Traffic and Surveillance Footage: Nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and other sources may have captured the collision or events leading up to it.
• Interviewing Witnesses: Statements from people who saw the crash can provide important evidence about driver behavior and how the accident occurred.
• Examining Driver Conduct: We investigate potential factors such as speeding, distracted driving, impairment, or failure to yield.
• Documenting Your Injuries: Medical records, treatment information, and input from medical professionals help establish the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.
• Calculating Your Losses: We account for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages when pursuing compensation.

Injured in a Greenville Pedestrian Accident? Let Us Help

A pedestrian accident can leave you dealing with serious injuries while an insurance company is already looking for ways to limit its liability. You do not have to handle the process alone. Smith Jordan Law is ready to investigate your crash, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under South Carolina law.

If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident in Greenville, contact Smith Jordan Law today for a consultation. Call (864) 343-2222 or contact us through our online form to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greenville Pedestrian Accidents

How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?

Smith Jordan Law handles personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you generally do not pay attorney fees upfront. The firm’s fee is typically paid from the compensation recovered for you.

Can I file a claim if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

You may still have options for recovering compensation. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to file a claim through uninsured motorist coverage or pursue other available sources of compensation.

Are drivers always responsible for hitting a pedestrian?

Not necessarily. South Carolina considers the actions of everyone involved when determining fault. If a pedestrian also contributed to the accident, their share of fault may affect the amount of compensation they can recover.

What if I didn’t feel injured right after the accident?

Some injuries may not cause noticeable symptoms immediately after an accident. It is important to seek medical attention promptly, even if you initially feel fine, and follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Are traffic or surveillance cameras used in pedestrian accident cases?

They can be. Traffic cameras, nearby businesses, doorbell cameras, and other video recordings may capture the accident or what happened immediately beforehand. This footage can provide important evidence when determining how the crash occurred.

What if I was hit in a parking lot or on private property?

You may still have a claim after being hit in a parking lot or on other private property. Depending on the circumstances, the driver, property owner, or another responsible party may be liable for your injuries.

What happens in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident?

Report the accident to law enforcement and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the driver cannot be located, you may still have options for compensation, including a potential uninsured motorist claim depending on your policy and the circumstances.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in South Carolina?

South Carolina generally gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, although exceptions can apply. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help ensure you do not miss an applicable deadline.