Pedestrian Injury FAQ

Simply put, South Carolina is a dangerous place for pedestrians. In 2014, USA Today listed South Carolina as the third most dangerous state for people traveling on foot. It should come as no surprise that when a pedestrian and a vehicle are involved in a collision, it is usually the vehicle that wins.

Pedestrian accidents can result in terrible injuries for victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, then you no doubt have some questions regarding your injuries and possible legal action. The Louthian Law Firm has represented many clients with these sorts of injuries, and we can provide some answers that you might find beneficial.

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?

First, seek medical attention if you or anyone with you was injured. Next, contact the police department so they can respond to the scene and file a report. Ask others who might have witnessed the accident for their contact information. If you are able to do so, take pictures of the scene of the accident.

Who is responsible for my injuries?

It is often the driver of the automobile who is responsible for a pedestrian accident. However, if the driver was working while they struck a pedestrian, blame could potentially be placed on their employer, too. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney will investigate your case to determine who might be held responsible.

Should I speak to the driver’s insurance company?

No. Do not speak with another person’s insurance company. It is their job to reduce the amount of money that they will pay an injured person. Leave this correspondence to your attorney.

Should I speak to the driver’s attorneys?

No. Much like the insurance companies, it is the job of an attorney to protect their client from liability. They will not be looking after your best interests. This is another matter best left to your own attorney.

What kind of documents should I be keeping for my case?

You’ll want to keep a copy of the police report filed at the time of your accident. You should also keep any and all medical bills that you receive following your accident. It is a good idea to keep an injury journal documenting any doctor visits, pain levels you experience and any other relevant information about your ongoing treatment.

Why should I hire an attorney?

As you can see, there are many other parties (insurance companies and the driver’s attorneys, for example) who will be working on behalf of their client to shift blame onto you. Your own attorney will fight for your best interests and make sure you are protected. Your attorney will take the necessary actions to make sure that you receive compensation for your damages.

What qualities should I look for when hiring an attorney?

Perhaps the most important quality to look for in an attorney is experience. You should ask your attorney what kind of background they have in these cases and what kind of success they have had in the past. You should also make sure that an attorney is licensed to practice law in your state. It is often preferable for an attorney to have experience in your specific area (i.e., city or county).

What kind of compensation can I seek after a pedestrian accident?

You can seek compensation for the damages you’ve sustained in an accident. This includes, but is not limited to, pain and suffering, initial costs of treatment, ongoing medical treatment, loss of income due to your injury and loss of income due to a diminished work capacity.

Should I try to settle before hiring an attorney?

Absolutely not. Even if it is your goal to settle, the experience of an attorney can be invaluable to your case. If you attempt to handle the case yourself, you could actually end up hurting your chances of receiving any compensation.

What if my accident was a hit-and-run?

If the driver who hit you fled the scene, then you can still take action to receive payment for your injuries. If the driver is found, then they can be held responsible. An attorney will have the experience necessary to deal with the insurance company to make sure you are treated fairly.

The pedestrian accident attorneys at the Louthian Law Firm have the experience and the resources to make sure that your best interests are being represented. We can help you determine who is at fault for your accident and guide you through the process so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.