Were you injured in a traffic-related accident while walking in Charleston? If so, the Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers at Crantford Meehan will be ready to discuss your rights and legal options. If someone else’s negligence caused you harm, you could be owed significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Every year, thousands of pedestrians are killed nationwide, with one pedestrian killed roughly every 64 minutes. From 2013 to 2019, pedestrian accidents accounted for more than 900 deaths in the state of South Carolina, making it one of the deadliest states in the nation for walkers and cyclists. In fact, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the state ranks second in the nation for pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents. Charleston County, in particular, consistently sees higher numbers of pedestrian motor vehicle strikes compared to other areas of the state.

When someone else’s carelessness or recklessness causes you harm, turn to Crantford Meehan for help. We fight for those who’ve been hurt as pedestrians in our community, and we’ll be ready to put our skills to work for you. Keep reading to learn more about how our pedestrian accident lawyers in Charleston can help you seek full and fair compensation.

Call Us

Overview of Pedestrian Accidents in Charleston

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries or even death. Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have little protection in the event of an accident. In South Carolina, pedestrian fatalities are alarmingly high, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Reckless actions like ignoring traffic signals and marked crosswalks, as well as safety failures like unmarked crosswalks and a lack of warnings about foot traffic, can each contribute to the danger.

When negligent drivers and city governments fail in their legal responsibility to help maintain pedestrian safety, injury victims deserve the right to maximum compensation. If you have been injured as a pedestrian due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to understand your rights. At Crantford Meehan, we are here to help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Fill out the form below

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Distracted Driving

When drivers are texting, adjusting the radio, eating and drinking, or reaching for an item while driving, they may not notice a pedestrian until it’s too late, even in locations where the pedestrian has the right of way. A distracted driver traveling at 40 miles per hour can cover nearly 120 feet in just two seconds of looking away from the road.

Drunk Driving

When a driver is drunk or otherwise intoxicated, their judgment is impaired, and their reaction time is slower. Drunk driving is especially dangerous at night when low visibility makes it even harder for the impaired driver to make out a pedestrian.

Speeding

Speeding is against the law, and it is especially reckless in pedestrian-heavy areas like school zones. Speeding can also lead to more dangerous accidents because the driver is moving faster than legally allowed and can impact a pedestrian with large amounts of force. Anytime a driver disregards traffic laws, they are putting themselves and others at risk.

Failure to Stop or Yield Right-of-Way

Drivers often “roll through” stop signs, try to speed through yellow lights, and fail to yield to pedestrians crossing intersections, all of which can lead to disaster. Left turn pedestrian collisions are particularly common in Charleston: even when drivers check for oncoming traffic, they may not look for pedestrians crossing.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

When roadways are wet or covered with ice, and drivers don’t slow to a safe speed, they’ll find it harder to stop in time to prevent hitting a pedestrian. These types of accident details can have a big impact on your case.

Backing-Up Accidents

Pedestrians walking along sidewalks can be hit by vehicles backing out of a driveway onto the street. The driver may be focused on traffic in the street and fail to see the pedestrian.

Learn More About Car Accident Legality

Auto Accident Information

March 10, 2026

Injured as a Passenger in a Summerville Car Accident: Steps to Protect Your Rights
Being a passenger in a vehicle during a collision can be a confusing and traumatic experience. Unlike the drivers involved,...
CONTINUE READING
March 5, 2026

Summerville Parking Lot Accidents: How Fault Is Decided When No One Saw the Crash
Parking lot accidents in Summerville might seem minor, but determining liability when there are no witnesses can be a compl...
CONTINUE READING
March 2, 2026

Back and Neck Injuries After a Rear-End Crash in Summerville, SC
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision in Summerville, you are likely dealing with more than just vehicle damage...
CONTINUE READING

View All Articles

What to Do if You’ve Been Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident

Here are some important steps you should take if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident:

Seek medical treatment: Call 911 and get evaluated by a medical professional, even if you don’t feel injured right away. Some injuries may be immediately apparent, so it’s important to seek emergency medical services as soon as possible.
Collect evidence at the scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, the vehicle involved, and anything that may show the weather conditions at the time of the accident.
Gather eyewitness information: Collect witness contact information and statements. Memories fade, so it’s important to document everything quickly.
Keep all accident-related documentation: Make sure to keep all medical bills, therapy records, and documents related to your injuries. These will be useful for your claim.
Contact an experienced injury attorney: An attorney can help you investigate the accident, identify the responsible parties, and navigate the claims process.
Refrain from posting on social media: Do not discuss the accident or your injuries on social media. The defense may use this information against you in your case.
Talk to an attorney before your insurance company: Until you have legal guidance, it’s a good idea to avoid giving any recorded statements or discussing fault with your insurance adjuster.

SERVING YOU 24/7

(843) 832-1120

Crantford Meehan Attorneys at Law, your Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers

How Can a Charleston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help?

The experienced attorneys at Crantford Meehan can help you in a variety of ways:

Investigating the accident: We will review evidence, speak to witnesses, and review police reports to determine who is at fault.
Gathering evidence for your case: From witness statements and expert testimonials to medical records and surveillance footage, we can get the evidence you need.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Our attorneys will deal with the insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, we will file a lawsuit against the responsible party and fight for your right to compensation in court.
Providing expert legal advice: We will guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and ensure you make informed decisions.

SERVING YOU 24/7

(843) 832-1120

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.

VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALS

Time Limit to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina

In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting too long can hurt your chances of receiving fair compensation, and there are also important exceptions to this rule. Your timeline may be different if your case involved a fatality or an underage victim.

While it might sound like you have plenty of time to take legal action, the truth is that the process takes a considerable amount of time, and it’s important to act fast. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible helps preserve evidence and ensures your case is filed within the legal time limits. Particularly in truck accident cases, taking steps right away to prevent evidence from being destroyed is essential. Our attorneys are ready to help with your personal injury matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common pedestrian accident injuries?

Pedestrian accidents can result in minor to catastrophic injuries. Common injuries include broken bones, head and brain injuries like concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, and soft tissue injuries. In severe cases, pedestrian accidents can lead to death. Whether you suffered minor injuries or you’re seeking wrongful death compensation for pedestrian deaths, our Charleston pedestrian accident attorneys can help.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

Personal injury claims for pedestrian victims typically provide a few different types of financial compensation: economic and non-economic damages, and punitive damages in rare cases. While economic damages are meant to compensate for specific, calculable losses, non-economic damages are meant to compensate victims for things like emotional distress and physical pain. Economic damages are calculated based on the losses faced, but there is no cap on non-economic damages in South Carolina. With this in mind, case values can vary widely depending on your losses.

Another important factor that can impact the value of a fair settlement is your role in the accident: South Carolina law follows a modified comparative negligence rule. What this means is that if you were found partially at fault for your accident, you can still make a claim, but your compensation will be limited in proportion to your percentage of fault. Our attorneys are ready to help you determine what you may be owed. Reach out today for your free case evaluation.
Which parties could be held liable for a pedestrian accident?

In a pedestrian accident, the at-fault driver is typically responsible. However, other parties may also share liability, such as the vehicle manufacturer (in the case of defective parts), the government (for poorly maintained roadways), or property owners (in the case of dangerous sidewalks). Many types of negligence can contribute to pedestrian injury accidents, from reckless driving to unmarked crosswalks. Our skilled personal injury attorneys can help injured pedestrians determine who can be held liable for their losses.
When should I contact a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?

It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident. Your attorney will help you gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and navigate the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
How much does a lawyer cost for a pedestrian accident case?

At Crantford Meehan, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. There are no upfront fees, and you pay only when we recover compensation for you.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case and securing fair compensation.