Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating collisions on South Carolina roads. When a car, truck, or motorcycle strikes a person on foot, the injuries can be life-changing. Victims often face broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and months of medical care. These stressful and painful injuries happen all while trying to figure out how to pay the bills and return to normal life.
If you were hit by a car while walking in Columbia or anywhere in the Midlands, you deserve a lawyer who will listen, guide you through your options, and fight for your recovery. At the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, we help injured pedestrians and their families get the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, and future care.
Pedestrian Accidents Are More Common Than You Think
Every year, hundreds of pedestrians in South Carolina are injured or killed by negligent drivers.
Many of these crashes occur in busy urban areas like downtown Columbia, near the University of South Carolina, or along heavily traveled corridors such as Assembly Street, Garners Ferry Road, and Two Notch Road.
South Carolina Pedestrian Crash Statistics
South Carolina consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for pedestrian fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians, ranking in the top 10 for pedestrian accident fatalities.
In recent years, more than 180 pedestrians have lost their lives annually, with thousands more suffering serious injuries.
These numbers are not just statistics. They represent real people whose lives were forever changed. Distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield in crosswalks are common factors in these tragic incidents.
Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Columbia, South Carolina?
Certain locations in Columbia see a higher rate of pedestrian collisions, including:
- Crosswalks and intersections near college campuses
- Residential neighborhoods without sidewalks
- Busy shopping centers and parking lots
- School zones and bus stops
- Nighttime roadways with poor lighting
Pedestrian accidents often happen when drivers fail to pay attention, ignore crosswalk signals, or misjudge how much time a person needs to cross the road safely.
What to Do If You Were Hit by a Car While Walking
The moments after being hit by a vehicle can lead to a dizzying array of things to do and remember. Taking the right steps early can make a major difference in both your physical recovery and your legal claim.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you think your injuries are minor, get medical help right away. Some internal injuries, such as concussions or organ damage, may not show symptoms immediately. A prompt medical evaluation protects your health and creates an official record linking your injuries to the crash. This record will then be used by your personal injury attorney to support your claim.
Preserve Evidence and Witness Info
If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle, and your injuries. Write down the driver’s name, license plate, and insurance information. Get the names and contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witness statements can be critical to proving your case.
Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company Alone
After the accident, the driver’s insurance adjuster may contact you. Be careful, as what you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Politely decline to give a recorded statement and direct all communication to your attorney.
Josh Golson can handle the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected from the start.
How Pedestrian Injury Claims Work in South Carolina
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the case typically proceeds as a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In some cases, other parties like an employer, vehicle owner, or government entity that is responsible for unsafe road conditions, may share liability.
Who’s at Fault When a Car Hits a Pedestrian?
Drivers in South Carolina are required by law to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and to exercise due care to avoid collisions. Common examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
However, pedestrians also have responsibilities. For instance, if someone crosses a road outside a crosswalk or against a signal, their own actions may factor into the determination of fault. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can quickly determine if this will be a factor in your claim.
How Comparative Negligence Can Affect Your Claim
South Carolina follows a rule known as modified comparative negligence. This means that you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, as long as your share of responsibility is less than 51 percent.
For example, if you were found 20 percent at fault for crossing outside a marked crosswalk, your total compensation would be reduced by that percentage. An experienced attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and work to minimize any unfair blame placed on you.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover?
Pedestrian accident victims in Columbia may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. Your recovery should reflect not only the immediate costs of medical care but also the long-term effects of your injuries on your life and livelihood. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can give you an estimate for the compensation you may be able to claim.
Medical Bills and Ongoing Care
A pedestrian struck by a vehicle often suffers severe injuries that require extensive treatment. You can seek compensation for:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Surgeries and rehabilitation therapy
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Long-term care, including physical therapy or in-home support
Your personal injury lawyer will help make sure your injuries are properly documented. This will ensure you receive the full amount of compensation needed to recover from your injuries.
Lost Income and Future Wages
If your injuries keep you from working, you can recover the income you’ve lost during your recovery. For serious injuries that result in long-term disability or reduced earning ability, you may also claim compensation for future lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Beyond financial losses, a pedestrian accident can cause intense emotional trauma, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life. The law allows victims to recover damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the psychological impact of their injuries.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Injury Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Insurance companies often move quickly after pedestrian accidents, hoping to settle claims for as little as possible. Without experienced legal representation, you risk accepting an offer that doesn’t cover the full cost of your injuries or future care needs.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Columbia will investigate your case, handle communications with insurers, and advocate for maximum compensation under South Carolina law.
Fighting Insurance Tactics and Lowball Offers
Insurers frequently try to downplay pedestrian injuries or shift blame onto victims. Josh Golson understands these tactics and knows how to counter them with strong evidence and legal arguments. At the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, our attorneys will gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Let Josh Golson Handle the Legal Work While You Heal
After a serious accident, your focus should be on your health— not on paperwork, phone calls, and negotiations. Attorney Josh Golson takes on the legal burden so you can focus on recovery. He communicates directly with you, provides honest updates, and guides you through every step of the process.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you love was injured while walking in Columbia, don’t wait to seek legal help. Evidence fades quickly, and insurance companies are already building their defense.
Contact us at (803) 284-8573 today to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you understand the best path forward.
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
At the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. It’s part of our commitment to providing accessible, client-first legal representation to every injured person who walks through our doors.
