Pedestrian Accidents Are Surging in Summerville and Dorchester County

Summerville has transformed from a quiet small town into one of the fastest-growing communities in South Carolina. That growth has brought new shopping centers, residential developments, and thousands of additional vehicles to roads that weren’t designed to handle the volume. For pedestrians, the result is increasingly dangerous conditions on roads like US-17A, Main Street, North Main Street, Berlin G. Myers Parkway, and Old Trolley Road.

South Carolina ranks among the deadliest states in the nation for pedestrian fatalities, and Dorchester County has seen a troubling increase in pedestrian-involved crashes over the past several years. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in the Summerville area include:

Distracted driving — Drivers on their phones frequently fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks, parking lots, and residential neighborhoods throughout Summerville.
Speeding — Many Summerville roads have speed limits that are too high for the pedestrian traffic they see, particularly along US-17A and in commercial areas near Azalea Square and Oakbrook.
Failure to yield at crosswalks — South Carolina law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but violations are rampant in high-traffic areas.
Impaired driving — Drunk and drugged drivers pose an extreme threat to pedestrians, especially during evening hours along Main Street and in entertainment districts.
Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure — Many areas of Summerville and Dorchester County lack sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and adequate street lighting, forcing walkers into dangerous positions along roadways.
Backing accidents in parking lots — Large SUVs and trucks in shopping center parking lots create blind spot hazards that result in pedestrian knockdowns, particularly in areas like Summerville Town Center and Knightsville.

Under South Carolina law, pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks and at intersections. When a driver strikes a pedestrian due to negligence, the victim has the right to pursue full compensation for their injuries. At Crantford Meehan, our pedestrian accident attorneys have the experience and resources to take on insurance companies and fight for the maximum recovery our clients deserve.

We serve pedestrian accident victims throughout Summerville, Ladson, Jedburg, Ridgeville, St. George, Harleyville, Lincolnville, Knightsville, and all of Dorchester County. Call (843) 376-4030 for a free consultation.

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Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Summerville

Pedestrian accidents produce some of the most catastrophic injuries in personal injury law. When a 4,000-pound vehicle strikes an unprotected person on foot, the injuries are often life-altering or fatal. South Carolina law allows pedestrian accident victims to pursue compensation for the full extent of their damages, including:

Emergency and Ongoing Medical Treatment

Pedestrian crashes frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and severe lacerations. Medical costs can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars when you factor in emergency care at Summerville Medical Center or MUSC, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy. Your claim should include every past and future medical expense related to the accident.

Lost Income and Future Earning Capacity

Many pedestrian accident victims are unable to work for weeks, months, or permanently after a serious crash. You can recover lost wages from the time of injury through recovery, plus compensation for any reduction in your future earning ability if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation.

Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress

South Carolina does not place caps on pain and suffering damages in most personal injury cases. Pedestrian accident victims often endure chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety about walking near roads, depression, and a drastically reduced quality of life. These non-economic damages can represent the largest portion of your total recovery and deserve aggressive advocacy.

Permanent Disability and Disfigurement

Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis, amputations, severe scarring, and traumatic brain injuries that result in cognitive impairment are devastating consequences of pedestrian crashes. Compensation for permanent disability accounts for the lifelong impact on your independence, daily activities, and self-image.

Loss of Consortium

When a pedestrian accident causes injuries so severe that they affect your relationship with your spouse, your spouse may have a separate claim for loss of consortium — the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy that the injury has caused.

Wrongful Death

If a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident in Summerville or Dorchester County, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of financial support, mental anguish, and loss of companionship under South Carolina Code Section 15-51-10.

Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim. They’ll question the severity of your injuries, argue you were jaywalking, or pressure you into a quick settlement. Don’t fall for it. Call Crantford Meehan at (843) 376-4030 before speaking to any insurance adjuster.

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Crantford Meehan: Proven Results for Injured Pedestrians

Our attorneys have a track record of holding negligent drivers accountable for the devastating injuries they cause to pedestrians. We understand that pedestrian accident cases require thorough investigation — from obtaining traffic camera footage and 911 recordings to working with accident reconstruction experts who can prove exactly how the crash occurred. Crantford Meehan invests the resources necessary to build the strongest possible case for every client.

We also know that pedestrian accident victims face unique challenges. Recovery is often long and painful, medical bills pile up while you can’t work, and the emotional toll of being struck by a vehicle can be overwhelming. That’s why we handle every aspect of the legal process so you can focus entirely on healing. From the day you hire us, we deal with the insurance companies, gather evidence, negotiate aggressively, and prepare for trial if that’s what it takes to get you fair compensation. Call (843) 376-4030 to put our team in your corner.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Summerville

Being struck by a vehicle is a terrifying and disorienting experience. If you’re able, taking these steps can significantly strengthen your injury claim:

1. Stay at the Scene and Call 911

Do not leave the scene. Call 911 immediately so police can document the accident and paramedics can assess your injuries. Even if you feel okay, get a medical evaluation — pedestrian accident injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage often don’t show symptoms immediately.

2. Gather Evidence

If physically able, photograph the scene from multiple angles: the vehicle, its license plate, your injuries, the road and intersection, traffic signals, crosswalk markings (or lack thereof), weather conditions, and any debris. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses. Look for nearby businesses that may have security cameras.

3. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Go to Summerville Medical Center, MUSC, or your nearest emergency room and tell them every symptom you’re experiencing, no matter how minor it seems. Follow up with your primary care physician within 48 hours. Gaps in medical treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries aren’t serious.

4. Do Not Give Statements to the Driver’s Insurance Company

The at-fault driver’s insurer will contact you quickly, often before you understand the full extent of your injuries. They’ll ask for a recorded statement and may offer a fast, low settlement. Do not accept. Do not give a statement. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

5. Contact Crantford Meehan Immediately

The sooner you get an experienced pedestrian accident attorney on your case, the better your outcome will be. We can preserve critical evidence, send spoliation letters to prevent destruction of surveillance footage, and begin building your case from day one. Call (843) 376-4030 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Summerville

What if I was jaywalking or crossing outside a crosswalk when I was hit?

Even if you were not in a crosswalk, the driver may still bear significant liability. South Carolina drivers have a duty to exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians at all times, regardless of whether the pedestrian is in a crosswalk. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence law (Section 15-38-15), you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault. Our attorneys will investigate the circumstances to minimize any fault attributed to you.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in South Carolina?

The statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident for most personal injury claims (Section 15-3-530). For wrongful death claims, the statute is three years from the date of death (Section 15-3-530). However, if a government entity is involved — for example, if poor road design or missing crosswalks contributed to the accident — shorter notice requirements may apply. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Can I sue the city or county if dangerous road conditions caused my pedestrian accident?

Yes, in some cases. If inadequate crosswalks, missing sidewalks, broken traffic signals, poor lighting, or other infrastructure failures contributed to your accident, you may have a claim against the municipality or county responsible for maintaining that road. Government liability claims in South Carolina have specific procedural requirements and shorter deadlines, so it’s critical to consult an attorney quickly.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?

If the driver who struck you has no insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy. South Carolina law requires UM coverage on all auto policies unless specifically rejected in writing. Even if you don’t own a car, a household member’s policy may cover you. Our attorneys will identify every available insurance source.

How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?

At Crantford Meehan, we handle all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There is zero financial risk to hiring us. Call (843) 376-4030 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

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