Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian can lead to serious injuries and financial burdens. If the vehicle is an Amazon delivery van, you may have legal options for seeking compensation in South Carolina. This article provides an overview of pedestrian accident laws and your rights if you are hit by an Amazon delivery driver in SC.
South Carolina Pedestrian Laws
South Carolina has laws in place to protect pedestrians and regulate traffic. Some key laws include:
- When walking across streets, highways, or intersections, pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks as well as unmarked crosswalks that are located at intersections.
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the road within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Failure to yield can result in fines and points on a driver’s license.
- Pedestrians must not suddenly leave the curb and enter a crosswalk into the path of a moving vehicle if it is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
- Pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
- Drivers are required to exercise care to avoid striking pedestrians. Aggressive or inattentive driving that causes pedestrian injuries can result in criminal charges and civil liability.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Being struck by a vehicle can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Bone fractures, especially in the legs and hips
- Sprains and strains
- Head, brain, and spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash and abrasions
- Psychological trauma
Pedestrian accidents often lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Permanent disabilities like brain damage, paralysis, and loss of limbs are also possible after being hit by a car or truck.
Liability in Amazon Delivery Driver Pedestrian Accidents
If you are hit by an Amazon delivery vehicle in South Carolina, Amazon and its driver can be held legally responsible if driver negligence contributed to the crash. Common factors that determine liability include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, talking on a phone, etc.)
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Violating other traffic laws
Amazon may also be liable for negligent hiring, training, or retention of the delivery driver. Establishing these negligence claims requires working with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries
South Carolina is an at-fault auto insurance state. This means the at-fault driver’s liability coverage should pay for your damages after a pedestrian crash.
However, Amazon delivery vehicles are typically owned by Amazon rather than individual drivers. This means pursuing compensation involves negotiating with Amazon’s insurance company or bringing a personal injury lawsuit against Amazon directly.
An attorney can help you recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Property damage
Though challenging, it is possible to obtain fair compensation by demonstrating Amazon’s responsibility for your injuries and losses. An attorney can manage claim negotiations or litigation smoothly on your behalf.
Protect Your Rights with a Free Consultation
If you were injured as a pedestrian by an Amazon delivery vehicle in South Carolina, contact Monge & Associates for a free consultation. Our team of personal injury lawyers has helped thousands of injured victims recover millions in compensation. With 32 offices in 19 states, including South Carolina, Iowa, and Kansas, we have the resources and experience to handle Amazon pedestrian accident claims effectively. Reach us today at (888) 477-0597 to discuss your options for seeking maximum damages.X