Charleston, South Carolina Fatal Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle or bicycle they will most likely suffer from some level of injury. Serious injuries can include brain trauma, bone fractures, and internal organ damage. In 2016, 137 pedestrians died on South Carolina roads. Emotional scarring and trauma are left behind on the families of those who have passed away from pedestrian accidents. If your loved one died from a pedestrian accident and was legally using a city street, you may be able to collect compensation for your loss. Contact Steinberg’s team of skilled wrongful death attorneys today to better understand your situation and gain experienced legal counsel.

Compared to passenger vehicle occupants, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to die in an accident each time they step out on American roads. In 2015, 5,367 pedestrians passed away from car accident-related fatalities. Even if a motorist is driving at 10 miles per hour, the damage to a pedestrian can still be extremely severe if not life-threatening. The most common fatal injuries from pedestrian accidents include:

Traumatic brain injury can be a result of bone fractures or axonal shearing. Concussions can also result from a pedestrian accident.

Internal injuries can create internal bleeding, lung collapse or extreme internal organ damage.

Crush injuries can cause amputation or even death.

Pedestrians generally have the right of way. If a traffic signal is not present or is not working, a driver must yield to pedestrians by slowing down or stopping. If a vehicle could cause an immediate hazard, a pedestrian cannot suddenly leave the curb to cross in front of the vehicle. It is usually considered to be the fault of a motorist in the instance of a pedestrian fatality. However, the defense may attempt to blame the victim. The defense may claim that the victim was texting while walking, intoxicated, jaywalking, or crossing against a red light. Motorists are operating dangerous vehicles and must keep up their duty of remaining vigilant for pedestrians as well as yielding when necessary. This is especially important in front of schools, in busy downtown areas, at bus stops, and in residential neighborhoods; these places with high foot traffic lead to further pedestrian vulnerability.

Note that if the pedestrian was partially at fault, the compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault. If your loved one was not negligent, then you may have a case for recovering compensation. Financial and emotional damages may include:

• Medical expenses prior to death. Medical bills can add up, especially if your loved one was hospitalized for a long time prior to passing away. Relieve yourself of this burden by fighting for compensation.
• Funeral and burial expenses. Taking on a funeral alone can be emotionally and financially exhausting. Compensation can cover this cost.
• Loss of companionship and affection. No monetary amount can recover your loss, but you are likely taking on a heavy emotional toll.
• Loss of future support. If you relied on your loved one for financial support, you may be entitled to compensation to cover this future and current loss.

If your loved one was a victim of a fatal pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Reach out to the experienced wrongful death attorneys with Steinberg Law Firm today to understand your legal stance. We will fight to get you closure in your case.