Walking is not only a healthy form of exercise, but a great way to reach your destination. Here in South Carolina, though, the risk may not be worth the reward. Recent research by Smart Growth America shows that our state ranks as the nation’s third deadliest for pedestrians, with about 800 deaths reported between 2016 and 2020. The report on South Carolina pedestrian accident cases also included the 20 most dangerous metropolitan areas in the country – with three South Carolina cities making the list.
#5 Charleston
#16 Columbia
#17 Greenville-Anderson
Car Crashes Involving Pedestrians In Charleston
These statistics hit close to home, proving that collisions with pedestrians are far too common in the Lowcountry. Between 2016 and 2020, the Charleston-North Charleston area alone saw 140 pedestrian deaths. The South Carolina Department of Transportation examined common pedestrian-crash corridors in Charleston County, naming these the deadliest:
- Calhoun Street from Courtenay Drive to Meeting Street
- King Street from Carolina Street to George Street
- Meeting Street from Line Street to Society Street
- Rivers Avenue from Verde Avenue to Reynolds Avenue
- Ashley Phosphate Road from Rivers Avenue to Rock Street
South Carolina Pedestrian Accident: Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Here at Hoffman Law Firm, our car accident attorneys recommend the following if you’re traveling by foot:
- Always use the sidewalk if possible.
- Walk facing oncoming traffic if there is no sidewalk available.
- Utilize crosswalks, even if you have to go out of your way.
- When crossing the street, double check that oncoming vehicles are stopping as they should. Never assume that drivers will follow the rules of the road.
- Make yourself visible to motorists by wearing bright, reflective clothing and carrying a light at night.
- Avoid distractions like headphones or cellphones, and make sure you can hear your surroundings.
Driving Safety Tips To Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
Our pedestrian accident attorneys remain committed to keeping both drivers and pedestrians safe here in the Charleston, South Carolina area. To prevent further South Carolina pedestrian accident incidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises drivers to take the following precautions to avoid pedestrian accidents:
- Be on the lookout for pedestrians at all times, especially near crosswalks, intersections and school zones.
- Avoid distracted driving at all costs.
- Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Be extra careful when driving in low visibility conditions, inclement weather, and at night.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Never pass a vehicle that’s stopped at a crosswalk.
- Stick to the speed limit and obey all rules of the road.
- When reversing, back up slowly and check continuously to make sure a pedestrian is not crossing behind your vehicle.
- Look both ways before making left-hand turns and always use your turn signal.
Find The Legal Help You Deserve After An Auto Accident, South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me
If you have been injured in a South Carolina pedestrian accident, the damages recovered will be based on the severity of your injuries – and may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Hoffman Law Firm is committed to serving accident victims, and offering trusted legal advice when you need it most. We can also file a wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident.
In addition to pedestrian accidents, Attorney David Hoffman and his pedestrian accident lawyers handle a wide variety of personal injury cases, including trucking accidents, slips and falls, defective product liability, medical malpractice, and more! Trust our team to handle all communication with the insurance company and to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our personal injury law firm offers trusted legal representation in a wide variety of cases here in the Lowcountry, including:
When seeking a skilled Charleston personal injury lawyer near me, choose Hoffman Law Firm. We are ready with your initial free consultation today!