If you were struck by a vehicle while using a crosswalk in Myrtle Beach, SC, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries through an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver.
Pedestrian accidents frequently leave victims with catastrophic injuries, significant medical bills, and extensive lost wages, not to mention severe pain and suffering. Insurance claims are typically the first option for recovering the money crosswalk accident victims need. Our personal injury attorneys are ready to help you seek the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries from a Myrtle Beach crosswalk accident.
Contact Jebaily Law Firm for a free consultation with one of our crosswalk accident attorneys. We’ll analyze your unique situation and outline your best legal options for pursuing maximum compensation for all your losses.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Crosswalk Accidents in Myrtle Beach
While the at-fault driver’s auto insurance should cover your damages, it’s important to remember that the insurance company is not looking out for your best interests. The insurer’s goal is to minimize the value of or deny your claim to save money. Regardless of what the insurance adjuster says, they are not on your side. But the experienced injury lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm are. We protect pedestrians from insurance companies that attempt to downplay injuries and delay fair compensation.
When you choose to work with our personal injury lawyers, you gain access to our 50-plus years of experience dealing with insurance companies and fighting for injured people’s right to the compensation they deserve. We’ve secured millions of dollars for people in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas of South Carolina, including over $1 million for a client who was struck by a car that failed to yield the right-of-way, resulting in a broken femur and patella.
To learn more about what it’s like to have the Jebaily Law Firm in your corner, we encourage you to read our client testimonials, such as this one from past client Antonio:
“Jebaily Law is full of caring and dedicated professionals who are eager to make sure their clients have the best possible experience.”
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Crosswalks?
Pedestrian crashes in crosswalks can happen for several reasons. First, some drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the road in a crosswalk. Under South Carolina law, pedestrians legally crossing the road in a crosswalk have the right-of-way, and oncoming vehicles must stop for them. If a vehicle is stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross in a crosswalk, other vehicles cannot overtake it.
Sometimes, drivers also fail to spot pedestrians before going through an intersection. That often happens when vehicles are turning. Drivers may check for other vehicles before turning, but fail to check for pedestrians, leading to collisions.
While rare, vehicle malfunctions can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. For example, defective or poorly maintained brakes could fail, preventing the vehicle from stopping in time to avoid striking a pedestrian. Malfunctioning or non-existent traffic signals can also contribute to these accidents by making it unclear who has the right-of-way.
Who Is at Fault in a Myrtle Beach Crosswalk Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, multiple parties could be at fault in a Myrtle Beach crosswalk accident. In most accidents, the driver who struck the pedestrian is at fault. Drivers are responsible for following traffic laws and safely operating their vehicles, including being on the lookout for pedestrians crossing the road. Distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and a general failure to exercise caution are common factors in Myrtle Beach pedestrian accidents.
If a vehicle malfunction contributed to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider could be liable, depending on the cause of the malfunction. If poor road design or conditions, such as faded crosswalk lines or faulty traffic control devices, contributed to the collision, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roads could be at fault.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Crosswalk Accident in Myrtle Beach, SC
Pedestrians injured in Myrtle Beach crosswalk accidents can seek various forms of compensation for their injuries. Some of the most common losses victims seek compensation for include:
- Past and future medical expenses related to the incident
- Lost wages caused by missing work while recovering from injuries
- Reduced future earning capacity caused by the effect of long-term or permanent injuries on the ability to work
- Physical pain and emotional suffering are experienced because of the injuries
- The impact of injuries on daily life, including how the injuries affect the ability to perform regular tasks
- Accommodating permanent disabilities, such as hiring in-home care or modifying the home or vehicle to be accessible
One of the most vital reasons to seek legal help for crosswalk accidents is to have a lawyer assess the value of your case and then stand up for your right to a fair settlement during the claims process. Jebaily Law Firm stands ready to launch a thorough investigation into every aspect of the accident that injured you.
How to Avoid Crosswalk Accidents: Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Motorists
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s crosswalk accident statistics, over 8,000 pedestrians were killed by vehicle accidents in a single recent year, and an estimated 140,000 suffered injuries serious enough to require emergency room visits. Because these accidents are so prevalent, pedestrians and motorists alike need to take steps to prevent them.
Even when you have the right-of-way, you should always look both ways before crossing the street. You should also attempt to make eye contact with nearby drivers to make sure they see you before entering the roadway.
Drivers should always be on the lookout for pedestrians when approaching crosswalks. If a pedestrian is near the crosswalk, they should slow down in case the pedestrian enters the roadway.
Types of Injuries in Crosswalk Accidents in Myrtle Beach
Due to the forces involved in being struck by a vehicle, pedestrian accident victims can suffer severe injuries in crosswalk accidents, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Fractured bones
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations and abrasions
Our Myrtle Beach Crosswalk Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help
If a vehicle struck you while crossing the street, contact Jebaily Law Firm for a free case review with one of our experienced Myrtle Beach pedestrian accident lawyers. We’ll review the details of your pedestrian accident claim, including your injuries and how the negligent driver caused the collision, and explain your options for seeking the compensation you need, including filing an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in court.
