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Pedestrian accidents in Landrum can result in serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and unexpected financial challenges. If you were hurt by a negligent driver, a Landrum pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your losses. Working with an experienced Landrum personal injury lawyer ensures your case is handled correctly and your rights are fully protected.
Recovering from a pedestrian accident often involves medical care, lost wages, and emotional stress. You may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. A Landrum pedestrian accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can guide you through the legal process and fight to secure the full compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Landrum
Pedestrian accidents in small towns like Landrum happen for the same reasons they occur in larger cities: drivers making careless choices. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver distraction: Texting, reaching for items, or using in-car screens pulls drivers’ eyes off the road.
- Failure to yield: Drivers often rush through crosswalks or turns without checking for pedestrians.
- Speeding: A driver going too fast has less time to react to a pedestrian.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs slow reaction time and make drivers more reckless.
- Poor visibility: Nighttime, rain, and bad lighting make it harder for careless drivers to spot someone walking.
Other factors, such as congested streets, poorly marked crosswalks, and pedestrians not using designated crossing areas, can also increase the risk of accidents. Awareness of these hazards can help both drivers and pedestrians take precautions to prevent collisions.
Injuries That Often Occur in Pedestrian Crashes
Pedestrians have no protection from a collision, so injuries are usually severe. Common ones include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal injuries
- Road rash and deep lacerations
If you sustained any of these in a pedestrian accident, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Landrum can help you recover damages.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Several parties may share responsibility for a pedestrian accident, including:
- The driver: This is the most common scenario, especially when the driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or ignoring traffic laws.
- A commercial employer: If the driver was working (such as by delivering goods, operating a company vehicle, or driving for a business), the employer may be part of the claim.
- A property owner: Poor lighting, blocked visibility, or unsafe parking lot design can contribute to a crash.
- A government agency: In rare cases, road defects, missing signs, or dangerous intersections can lead to claims against the local government.
A pedestrian accident attorney in Landrum can help determine who’s responsible for your damages.
What a Landrum Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Does for You
Trying to manage a pedestrian accident claim alone can be stressful. A lawyer can help with:
- Case investigation: A lawyer can collect evidence and speak with witnesses to determine what happened and who is at fault for the accident.
- Damage calculation: A lawyer can document your medical costs, lost income, and long-term losses so nothing is left out of your claim.
- Negotiations with the insurer: A lawyer can deal with adjusters who may try to minimize your settlement.
- Court representation: A lawyer can take your case to trial if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Your lawyer also provides guidance throughout the entire process, helping you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. With experienced legal support, you can focus on your recovery while knowing your claim is being handled professionally.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover?
Your lawyer’s goal is to pursue the full value of what you lost—both now and in the future. Pedestrian accident victims in South Carolina may recover:
- Medical bills
- Future treatment and rehab
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Fault Works in South Carolina Pedestrian Cases
South Carolina follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that you can recover compensation as long as you are no more than 50% responsible for what happened. If you are partly at fault—for example, if you crossed outside of a crosswalk—your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies love to blame the pedestrian because it helps them pay less. A lawyer can counter their claims with evidence, expert analysis, and a clear timeline of events so that the fault for the crash doesn’t get unfairly pinned on you.
How Long You Have to File a Claim
South Carolina generally gives injury victims three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you will likely lose your ability to pursue damages altogether. A lawyer can help you file promptly.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Landrum
If you are able, take these steps right after a pedestrian accident:
- Call 911 so the police can document what happened.
- Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and the vehicle.
- Trade contact information with the driver and any available witnesses.
- Get medical treatment, even if you think you are okay.
- Don’t give recorded statements to the insurance company.
- Contact a lawyer before discussing settlements with insurance adjusters.
Speak to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Landrum
Going up against the insurance company alone often leads to an unfair settlement. A Landrum pedestrian accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can handle negotiations and fight for a fair payout so you can focus on recovering from the accident.
Schedule a free case review to discuss your situation today.
