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Pedestrian collisions are one of the leading causes of road traffic injuries and deaths in Fort Mill. You may have a viable claim against the party who hit and injured you if you were involved in a recent pedestrian crash and sustained severe injuries. A Fort Mill pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate your collision to determine who is legally responsible for your injuries and damages. A seasoned personal injury lawyer can offer counsel about your legal options and work diligently to achieve successful results.
Essential Laws for Fort Mill Pedestrians
South Carolina law has explicit provisions regarding the rights and obligations of drivers as well as pedestrians. Motorists must drive with reasonable caution to avoid injuring pedestrians. If a motorist breaches this duty by failing to yield at an intersection, for example, they can be liable for damages if they hit and injure a pedestrian.
Pedestrians are to ensure that they cross from one side of the road to the other within the marked crosswalk, where a cross is present. Further, if a pedestrian is going across the roadway and is not within a crosswalk, they must give the right of way to approaching traffic. Pedestrians should refrain from walking on highways unless there is no sidewalk or shoulder, in which case they should remain on the left edge of a two-way road per South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-3160.
The Deadline to File a Pedestrian Collision Claim
After a pedestrian crash happens, the injured individual has a specific window of time to file a claim to recover damages. If they miss this filing window, they can miss out on compensation entirely. South Carolina sets the statutory deadline for pedestrian accidents as three years from the date of the collision.
If a motorist hits and injures a child on foot, the statutory deadline is different because the injured party is a minor. When a minor child sustains injuries in a pedestrian crash, the law provides them up until they turn 19 to file a civil lawsuit claiming their damages. A Fort Mill attorney can clarify any confusion regarding the statute of limitations for someone’s pedestrian crash and help them file a claim by the proper deadline.
Common Types of Recoverable Damages
When a motor vehicle hits a defenseless pedestrian, even when traveling at a relatively low rate of speed, the consequences are often catastrophic. Pedestrians can sustain grave injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Death
At best, these injuries can require long-term medical treatment and care. In cases involving severe injuries, the pedestrian may face permanent impairment. A lawyer in Fort Mill can help an injured individual pursue recovery of their damages from a pedestrian accident. These damages could include the injured person’s medical bills, pain, suffering, and lost wages. If the individual’s injuries affect their future quality of life, they may be entitled to compensation for loss of life enjoyment, loss of consortium, scarring, and disfigurement damages.
Speak with a Fort Mill Pedestrian Accident Attorney As Soon As Possible
A Fort Mill pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights and fight for just recovery of your damages. An attorney understands the most effective negotiation strategies when working with an at-fault driver’s insurance company, and can do everything possible to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact a Fort Mill attorney today and arrange your initial case consultation.