Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Columbia, SC

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

“I would definitely recommended the Law offices of S. Chris Davis. His law firm offers exceptional service and professionalism is top tier. Chris is very thorough and educates his clients throughout the legal process. He will not only serve you legally but Chris Davis builds a lasting relationship with his clients. The Law office of S. Chris Davis is highly recommended for your legal needs.”

— Brittani B

“I was referred to Attorney Davis when I was in a car accident. I was frustrated and sometimes a little difficult because I like to know what is going on at all times. Attorney Davis was patient, professional and made sure I was taken care of! I trust Attorney Davis! If I ever need an attorney again, I will definitely be calling him!!!! If you need an attorney he is the man!”

— Allena Dunn

“Professional, courteous, and knowledgeable staff. The Law Offices of S. Chris Davis remained diligent and focused throughout the lifecycle of my case. They listened to my requests, shared my concerns and proved to be effective legal representation, advocating on my behalf. Based on my experience, I would recommend the Law Offices of S. Chris Davis for your personal injury case.”

— Mia Jennings

“I will and have recommended the Law offices of Mr. Steven C. Davis as his entire firm are very professional. Mr. Davis has represented me a few times and he is compassionate as he cares about his clients. His team will get the job done as they work to do so every time. Please check Mr. Davis and his team out to help you in the future.”

— Tasha Cooley

View all testimonials

Common Injuries Pedestrians Suffer in Accidents

Pedestrians have no protection from injury in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle. The weight and momentum of a moving vehicle are enough to cause serious injuries, including:

Lacerations, abrasions, and avulsions (“road rash”)

Broken bones

Dislocated joints

Crush injuries

Torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles

Internal injuries and bleeding

Spinal injuries and paralysis

Facial injuries

Traumatic brain injuries

Amputations

South Carolina Pedestrian Laws

There are many statutes in the South Carolina Code that are designed to help keep pedestrians safe from accidents involving motor vehicles. If you were violating any of these laws at the time you suffered harm, you could be entitled to less compensation than you otherwise might be. Conversely, if a motorist was violating any of these laws at the time of your accident, this reality could strengthen your claim against them. Some of the laws that could potentially affect the value of your case include:

§56-5-3110. Pedestrian obedience to traffic control devices and traffic regulations – Pedestrians are required to obey all traffic and pedestrian signals unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
§56-5-3130. Pedestrians’ right of way in crosswalks – If a crosswalk or intersection does not have traffic control signals, drivers are required to yield the right of way to a crossing pedestrian. Pedestrians may not step off the curb so close to an approaching vehicle as to pose a hazard. Vehicles may not attempt to pass other vehicles that have stopped for a pedestrian.
§56-5-3140. Pedestrian shall use right half of crosswalk – Wherever practicable, pedestrians are expected to walk along the right half of a crosswalk.
§56-5-3150. Crossing at other than crosswalks – Pedestrians entering the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk must yield the right of way to vehicles. Between adjacent intersections with traffic control signals, pedestrians may not cross the road anywhere except at a marked crosswalk.

§56-5-3160. Pedestrians on highways – Pedestrians may not walk in the roadway on roads that have sidewalks. If a road does not have sidewalks, a pedestrian may walk along the shoulder. If no shoulder is available, pedestrians should walk along the outside edge of the left side of the roadway. Pedestrians are also required to yield the right of way to vehicles.
§56-5-3170. Pedestrians prohibited on freeways – Pedestrians may not walk upon freeways unless directed by a police officer, or as required by a vehicle breakdown or other emergency on the freeway.
§56-5-3180. Pedestrians soliciting rides or business – Persons may not stand in the roadway to solicit a ride or to solicit business or charitable contributions from vehicle occupants.
§56-5-3230. Drivers to exercise due care – Drivers are generally obligated to exercise care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, including using extra precaution when observing a child pedestrian or a confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated pedestrian.
§56-5-3250. Pedestrians’ right of way on sidewalks – Drivers crossing a sidewalk must yield the right of way to pedestrians.

Benefits of Hiring Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

When you turn to a Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer from The Law Offices of S. Chris Davis for help, you will have the benefit of a law firm that will pursue the maximum compensation you deserve in a focused, vigorous manner. With our firm, you can expect:

A thorough investigation of the accident to secure all available evidence, which can be used to build a persuasive case on your behalf
A direct working relationship with attorney Chris Davis, rather than having to go through a paralegal or other support staff to be heard
Prompt responses to your calls and emails so that you do not have to wait long to get the answers or updates that you need
An explanation of your legal options, including who can be held liable in a legal suit and what kind of insurance claims you may be entitled to file
Aggressive pursuit of fair and full compensation for all your current and future losses, whether through an efficient settlement or by taking your case to court and trial if pursuing a settlement is no longer in your best interest

Contact Our Columbia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Discussion of Your Case

Contact the Law Offices of S. Chris Davis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer. We look forward to discussing your legal options and to demanding financial recovery and justice from the driver who hit you.

Get Your Case Reviewed at No Charge

Monday	9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday	9:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday	9:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday	9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday	9:00am - 5:00pm