Surfside Beach Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The Town of Surfside Beach, as pedestrian-friendly as the city is working to become, is still an area where pedestrian accidents happen all the time. Unfortunately, pedestrian collisions happen regularly in this area, often leaving victims struggling to recover compensation. At Indigo Family Law, we are here to help if you need our Surfside Beach pedestrian accident attorney by your side. You and your family need advocates working to recover the most compensation possible for your injuries. We will be those advocates for you.
Why Choose Indigo Family Law for Help With a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
When it comes to dealing with Horry County pedestrian accident cases, local knowledge is going to bring value to the claim. Surfside Beach is a small town, but it is no stranger to heavy pedestrian traffic, especially during tourist season. Indigo Family Law, located right here in Surfside Beach, understands the specific issues our community faces. Whether you were walking along Surfside Drive near Borgata or Sundown or crossing near the pier, we know the accident hotspots and can anticipate the challenges these cases present.
Being local means that we are familiar not only with the laws but also with the town’s layout and traffic patterns, especially during high-traffic times like tourist season. We also understand the town’s quieter off-season, when pedestrian accidents still occur. This knowledge helps us fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. When you choose Indigo Family Law, you are choosing pedestrian accident attorneys who understand both the local dynamics and the legal landscape.
It’s a Beach Town, and Pedestrians Are Everywhere
Surfside Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The area around the pier, along Surfside Drive, and in the restaurant district is always bustling, particularly during tourist season. Pedestrians cross the roads frequently as they move back and forth from the beach, restaurants, and shops. Unfortunately, this creates a higher risk for accidents, especially when drivers fail to exercise caution.
Even in the off-season, pedestrian accidents are relatively common, as many locals take advantage of the quieter streets to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you were injured during a busy summer weekend or in the quieter winter months, our team of pedestrian accident attorneys near you is here to help.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries. With little to no protection, those hit by a vehicle can sustain life-altering damage. Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Head injuries are a fairly common injury in these accidents and can lead to long-term cognitive or physical impairments.
- Broken bones. Pedestrians frequently suffer fractures, especially in the legs and arms, as they attempt to shield themselves from impact.
- Spinal cord injuries. The impact of a vehicle, particularly a truck or SUV, can lead to damage in the spine, potentially causing paralysis or other mobility issues.
- Internal injuries. These are often less visible but equally dangerous, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Lacerations and bruising. Severe cuts and bruises can lead to significant blood loss or infections.
Our Surfside Beach pedestrian accident lawyers have seen firsthand how locals are affected by these injuries and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Can You Determine Liability After a Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in pedestrian accident cases can be complicated. In most cases, drivers are at fault for failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians, but there are exceptions. To determine liability, our pedestrian accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gathering evidence such as:
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses (they’re everywhere in town) or traffic cameras
- Eyewitness testimony from others who saw the accident
- Police reports that detail the conditions and events leading up to the accident
- Expert testimony on road conditions or the vehicle’s speed at the time of the collision
In Surfside Beach, drivers have a duty to be cautious, particularly in areas where pedestrian traffic is high, like near the pier or restaurant district. If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, we will hold them accountable.
Types of Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Claims
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, there are several types of compensation that you may be eligible for, including:
- Medical expenses. This includes immediate medical costs you experience as well as long-term costs for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or surgeries.
- Lost wages. If you have been unable to perform work-related duties due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for both the current income you can’t earn and future lost income.
- Pain and suffering Pedestrian accidents often result in significant physical pain and emotional trauma. You may be entitled to compensation for these non-economic damages.
- Property damage. If any personal property was damaged destroyed during the accident (for example, your phone or other belongings), you can seek compensation for these losses.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries have permanently altered your ability to enjoy day-to-day activities, this can also be factored into your compensation.
How Much Compensation Will You Receive for a Pedestrian Accident?
The amount of compensation you will receive for your pedestrian accident depends on the specifics of your case. Factors include:
- The severity of your injuries. The more severe the injury, the higher the potential monetary compensation, particularly if it affects your ability to work or enjoy life.
- Liability. If you share any fault for the accident, South Carolina’s comparative negligence laws may reduce the compensation you receive.
- Insurance policies. The coverage limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance, as well as your own, can impact the amount you receive.
What Happens if More Than One Party Is At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
South Carolina operates with a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you are in any way at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. However, your compensation will be lowered by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 35% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 35%.
Our Surfside Beach pedestrian accident attorneys will work diligently to minimize any claims of comparative fault to maximize your compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File Your Pedestrian Accident Claim?
In SC, the time limit in place by law for filing personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is three years from the date of the incident. It is crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and strengthen your case. Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers near Surfside Beach will guide you through the process.
Can Your Auto Insurance Cover Your Expenses if You Were Injured in a Pedestrian Crash?
If you were injured as a pedestrian in a crash, your auto insurance may cover some of your expenses, depending on your policy. In South Carolina, certain auto insurance policies, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage, can help pay for medical bills and other immediate expenses, regardless of who was at fault. These coverages are not required by law but are often part of optional insurance plans that many drivers purchase for added protection.
If you have PIP or MedPay, it can help cover medical expenses caused by the pedestrian incident, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, or rehabilitation. However, these benefits typically have coverage limits, which means they might not cover all your costs, especially if your injuries are severe. In that case, you will likely need to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance to make up for the shortfall.
It is also important to remember that your health insurance may provide some relief for medical bills, but it often requires you to pay deductibles and co-pays, and may not cover all types of treatment. An experienced Surfside Beach pedestrian accident lawyer can help you determine the best way to maximize your insurance benefits and hold the at-fault party accountable for additional compensation.
Will Your Case Need to Go to Court?
Most pedestrian accident cases are resolved through settlements before they ever reach a courtroom. Insurance companies, knowing the risks and costs of going to trial, often prefer to settle claims to avoid litigation. However, whether or not your case will go to court depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of the insurance company to provide an adequate settlement, and the severity of your injuries.
If liability is clear and the insurance company agrees to provide adequate compensation, your case can likely be resolved without going to court. However, if there are disputes over fault, or if the insurance company refuses to offer a settlement that covers your losses, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit. Going to court could result in a higher payout, but it is also a longer, more complicated process.
At Indigo Family Law, we strive to resolve cases efficiently through negotiation, but we are always prepared to take a case to court if it means getting the compensation you deserve. We will walk you through each step, advising whether settling or going to trial is in your best interest based on the specifics of your case.
How Long Does it Take for These Claims to Resolve?
The time it takes to resolve an Horry County pedestrian accident claim can differ widely depending on the circumstances of the case. Many claims settle within a few months, especially if liability is straightforward and both parties are motivated to resolve the issue quickly. However, more complex cases, particularly those involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties, can take much longer—sometimes over a year.
The process begins with gathering evidence, seeking medical treatment, and negotiating with the insurance companies involved. Once the insurance carrier provides an initial offer, your attorney will review it with you to determine if it is fair or if negotiations should continue. If a settlement cannot be reached and a lawsuit is necessary, the timeline may extend further, as court dates and legal procedures add additional time to the resolution process.
While we understand the urgency of receiving compensation to cover medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses it is important not to rush the process. Settling too quickly can leave you with less than you deserve, especially if the full extent of your injuries or long-term effects are not yet clear. Our Surfside Beach pedestrian accident attorneys will work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the maximum compensation available.
Steps You Can Take to Help With Your Pedestrian Accident Claim Today
There are several steps you can take immediately following a pedestrian accident that can strengthen your case:
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions, organ damage, or internal bleeding may not be known right away. Prompt medical care not only ensures your well-being remains the priority, but also creates a medical record, which will be important evidence for your claim.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicles involved. Be sure to capture the weather conditions, road signs, and any skid marks or debris. Speak to witnesses and get their contact information, as their testimony could be vital if there are disputes about what happened.
- Report the accident. Ensure that a police report is filed, as this will be a crucial piece of evidence. The law enforcement report will document the facts of the accident and may include the officer’s assessment of fault, which can support your claim.
- Contact an attorney. The sooner you contact a Surfside Beach pedestrian accident attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, and an attorney can handle negotiations with the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.
Call Our Surfside Beach Pedestrian Accident Attorney Team Today
If you or a loved one have been harmed in a Surfside Beach pedestrian accident, reach out to the team at Indigo Family Law for help today. We understand the importance of handling these matters as promptly as possible but also as thoroughly as possible. While we know you need compensation for your injuries now, we also don’t want to jeopardize your chances of recovering the money you need. You can turn to our Surfside Beach pedestrian accident lawyer for a free consultation of your claim by completing our contact form or calling us at (843) 279-2330.