Pedestrian Accident Lawyer South Carolina

We understand the shock, fear, and uncertainty that follow a pedestrian accident. One moment you’re enjoying a stroll through your neighborhood, and the next, your world is turned upside down. At Langley Law Firm, we’re committed to helping injured pedestrians get back on their feet, both physically and financially. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in South Carolina is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. You don’t have to go through this alone, contact us at 864-774-4662 for a free consultation today.

What a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Will Ask During the Initial Consultation

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, leaving you with questions swirling in your mind. Understanding your situation is crucial, and that’s where your initial consultation with a South Carolina pedestrian accident attorney comes in. During this meeting, your lawyer will gather essential details to assess your case and begin building a path to recovery.

Here are some key questions you can expect:

Regarding the Accident

Where and when did the accident occur?
Can you describe the circumstances leading up to the accident?
Were there any witnesses present? If so, do you have their contact information?
Did you receive any medical attention at the scene or soon after?
Do you have any photos or videos of the accident scene?

Regarding Your Injuries

What injuries did you sustain in the accident?
Have you sought medical treatment for your injuries? If so, what treatments have you received?
Are your injuries impacting your daily life? How?
Do you have any existing medical conditions that the accident may have exacerbated?

Other Important Information

Have you filed a police report?
Have you contacted the driver’s insurance company?
Do you have any existing health insurance or disability coverage?
What are your concerns and expectations moving forward?

Remember: There are no wrong answers. Your attorney is there to listen, understand your unique situation, and provide valuable guidance. Be as open and honest as you can to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Your initial consultation is more than just a question-and-answer session. It’s an opportunity to connect with your attorney, assess their communication style, and ensure you feel comfortable trusting them with your case. Don’t hesitate to ask your own questions about their experience, track record, and approach to pedestrian accident cases.

Taking the time to find the right attorney who aligns with your needs and goals is crucial. At Langley Law Firm, we believe in building strong relationships with our clients and fighting tirelessly for their best interests. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Communicating with Insurance Adjusters

Being struck by a vehicle is a traumatic experience, and the aftermath often involves dealing with insurance companies. This can feel daunting, especially while managing the physical and emotional recovery. To ensure your rights are protected and you can seek fair compensation, understanding how to communicate with an insurance adjuster is crucial.

Here are some key tips:

Stay Calm and Polite: While emotions may run high, remember, an adjuster is just doing their job. Maintaining a calm and polite demeanor will prevent misinterpretations and allow for productive communication.
Stick to the Facts: Avoid speculating or offering unnecessary details. Simply provide factual information about the accident, your injuries, and any medical treatment received. Don’t admit fault or apologize, even if you feel responsible.
Be Concise and Consistent: Keep your responses clear and focused. Avoid rambling or giving conflicting information, as this could be used against you later.
Don’t Discuss Your Case at Length: Leave detailed discussions about the legal aspects of your case to your attorney. Stick to answering specific questions asked by the adjuster.
Beware of Early Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for low amounts. Don’t feel pressured to accept an offer before understanding the full extent of your injuries and potential damages.
Keep Records of all Communication: Document all interactions with the adjuster, including dates, times, and summaries of what was discussed. This will be valuable if there are any discrepancies later.
Consider Consulting a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Attorney: Insurance adjusters are employed by the insurance company, not you. Consulting an experienced attorney can ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Remember: You don’t have to face this alone. At Langley Law Firm, we understand the complexities of dealing with insurance companies after a pedestrian accident. Our team of dedicated attorneys is here to guide you through this process, answer your questions, and advocate for your best interests.

Proving Liability in a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Adding to the distress can be the uncertainty surrounding who was at fault and what legal recourse you have.

Understanding how liability is established in pedestrian accident cases in South Carolina can bring you a sense of clarity and empower you to seek the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn about the elements of negligence, which will allow you to assign responsibility for your injuries.

Duty of Care

In South Carolina, drivers have a legal duty of care toward pedestrians. This means they must act with reasonable caution to avoid causing harm. This duty includes:

Obeying traffic laws and signals,
Yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks,
Maintaining a safe speed, and
Looking out for and avoiding pedestrians.

Breach of Duty

If a driver violates their duty of care and their actions contribute to a pedestrian accident, they may be considered negligent. Examples of breaches of duty could include:

Speeding,
Distracted driving (e.g., texting, cell phone use),
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
Failing to yield the right-of-way, and
Running a red light or stop sign.

Causation

To establish liability, it must be proven that the driver’s negligence was the direct cause of your injuries. This means that your injuries wouldn’t have occurred but for the driver’s actions.

Comparative Fault

In some cases, both the driver and the pedestrian may share some fault for the accident. South Carolina follows a comparative fault system, meaning fault is apportioned based on the percentage of each party’s contribution. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

Gathering Evidence of Liability

Building a strong case requires diligent evidence-gathering. This may include:

Police reports,
Witness statements,
Accident scene photos and videos,
Medical records documenting your injuries, and
Expert reports from accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or economists.

At Langley Law Firm, we understand the challenges you face after a pedestrian accident. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests. Our team of skilled attorneys has extensive experience holding negligent drivers accountable and obtaining rightful compensation for our clients.

Speak with a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Attorney

We know the road to recovery after a pedestrian accident can feel long and arduous, but you don’t have to walk it alone. At Langley Law Firm, we’re more than just legal counsel; we’re compassionate advocates dedicated to securing the resources and support you need to heal physically, emotionally, and financially. Don’t let the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings prevent you from getting the justice you deserve. Reach out to Langley Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and get started on securing a brighter future. Call us now at 864-774-4662. We’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.