Auto-pedestrian accidents are a major concern across the country, including here in South Carolina. As these car accidents tend to result in serious injury or fatality to the victims, it is no wonder why promoting pedestrian safety is so important to both state and federal officials. Despite public safety campaigns, these accidents do occur, and those who have been injured or lost a loved one in an auto-pedestrian accident may be entitled to file legal claims against the individual deemed responsible.
According to statistics from 2012, over 4,700 pedestrians across the country were killed in car accidents. Along with those killed, approximately 76,000 individuals were injured. Those believed to be most at risk for auto-pedestrian accidents include adults over the age of 65, children between 5 and 15 years of age and pedestrians who are distracted or impaired.
The prevention of pedestrian accidents takes a combined effort of drivers and pedestrians. Drivers and pedestrians both need to be distraction free and aware of their surroundings. Other steps pedestrians can take in avoiding car accidents include:
- Increase visibility, wear reflective gear
- Cross at designated crosswalks
- Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic
Pedestrian related car accidents can be devastating for victims, or — in the event of fatality — surviving family members. South Carolina residents who have been suffered due to an auto-pedestrian accident may be entitled to file personal injury or wrongful death claims against the driver deemed responsible. If any form of negligence or intent is found to have caused or contributed to the crash, and this is established before a civil court, compensation may be awarded to assist in the recovery of any monetary losses sustained as a result.
Source: cdc.gov, “Pedestrian Safety“, Nov. 18, 2014