Famous for its oceanfront boardwalk, music festivals, restaurants, amusement parks, and shops – Myrtle Beach is designed to accommodate pedestrians. Unfortunately, this popular tourist destination also draws significant vehicle traffic to these pedestrian hotspots – sometimes with devastating results.
If you were injured near the boardwalk or while crossing beachfront streets such as North Ocean Boulevard, you may have a claim for significant financial compensation. Discuss your case with the experienced Myrtle Beach pedestrian injury lawyers at Kinon Law Firm for free by calling (843) 896-2277 or connecting with our local traffic accident team online.
South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Injuries and Statistics
According to the S.C. Department of Transportation, South Carolina has the second highest pedestrian fatality rate in the United States. Nearly 20% of all fatal traffic accidents involve pedestrian deaths, and this statistic does not account for the often catastrophic injuries suffered during pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Most pedestrians experience significant musculoskeletal injuries – such as herniated discs, paralysis, and nerve damage – after vehicle strikes. They might also suffer from severe traumatic brain injuries, compound fractures, and organ damage.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Injuries in Horry County
Driver negligence is a leading cause of pedestrian traffic injuries in Myrtle Beach, especially because beachfront areas are known hotspots for foot traffic. Our experienced personal injury attorneys see the following negligent driving behaviors associated with serious pedestrian accidents:
- Texting
- Distracted driving
- GPS confusion
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to yield
- Unlawful turns
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Backup/parking mistakes
If the driver’s unlawful or careless conduct caused the accident, our pedestrian injury lawyers might hold him accountable in court.
Options for Recovering Compensation After Pedestrian Accidents in South Carolina
Despite only involving one vehicle, pedestrian collisions are considered auto accidents. This allows injured claimants to demand personal injury damages under South Carolina’s car accident laws. However, available damages depend on insurance limits and potential shared liability. Our experienced pedestrian injury lawyers often work with medical and occupational experts to maximize the value of your claim, which includes demanding compensation for all reasonable medical expenses, lost wages, and your personal pain and suffering.
Most pedestrian injury cases settle with the liable driver’s auto insurance company, but our lawyers might also demand additional damages from your underinsured or uninsured motorist policy in certain cases. We might even demand direct damages from certain bars and restaurants if they served alcohol to underage college students and this contributed to the crash (S.C. Code § 61-4-580). Importantly, you might still recover compensation even if you were jaywalking or didn’t have the right way when the accident occurred. Always discuss these complex cases with legal counsel.
Experienced Myrtle Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Contacting our dedicated Myrtle Beach personal injury attorneys as soon as possible after a pedestrian-vehicle collision is critical for preserving essential evidence. As a local law firm with experience handling claims on the oceanfront, we know where most pedestrian injuries occur and might identify businesses with event footage.
Discuss the potential compensation available if you or a loved one were injured while walking in Myrtle Beach with us today by calling (843) 896-2277 or connecting with our pedestrian accident team online.
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