Pedestrian accidents remain a serious safety hazard in Charleston and elsewhere in South Carolina. In fact, our state has one of the worst records for pedestrian safety. These collisions can cause life-altering injuries. At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, we help injured pedestrians fight for justice when it matters most. A Charleston pedestrian accident attorney can help if you have been hurt by a car while walking in South Carolina.
Step #1: Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
All pedestrian crashes should be reported to state or local police. In South Carolina, any collision causing injury must be reported to law enforcement under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1260. If you are hit by a car while walking, call 911 immediately or ask someone nearby to do so. A responding officer will document the scene, speak with witnesses, record statements, and prepare an official accident report. The car accident report is a key piece of evidence in any claim.
Step #2: Get Yourself to a Doctor (Severe Injuries Require Emergency Medical Care)
Pedestrian accidents can cause serious trauma. Even if injuries appear minor, seek medical care immediately. Pedestrian impacts often involve blunt-force trauma that produces delayed symptoms, including soft-tissue injuries, spinal damage, concussions, or internal injuries. You should always be sure to follow through with all recommended testing, treatment, and specialist referrals. Consistent medical documentation not only protects your health but also strengthens causation evidence. Any gaps in treatment give insurers grounds to argue that injuries were unrelated or exaggerated.
Tip: Medical records are the foundation of your personal injury claim.
Step #3: Document the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
South Carolina is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including for pedestrian crashes. For that reason, documentation is key. If you are physically capable of doing so, you should gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. You should also take photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, weather conditions, and your (visible) injuries. Finally, try to collect the driver’s information and contact details for any witnesses. The more evidence you have, the better positioned you will be for a pedestrian injury claim.
Step #4: Notify Your Own Insurance Company
Pedestrians may have coverage through their own auto insurance policies even when they were not driving. Medical payments coverage, uninsured motorist (UM), or underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits may apply if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. South Carolina requires UM coverage under § 38-77-150, and pedestrians qualify as insured persons for these purposes.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a Top Charleston Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Today
At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, our Charleston pedestrian accident attorney invests time, resources, and attention to detail into each and every case. If you were hit by a car while walking, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. With an office in Charleston, we defend pedestrian-accident charges throughout South Carolina.