According to police, a taxi driver hit a pedestrian in Myrtle Beach, left the scene, and was later arrested by Myrtle Beach police.
The driver was apparently nabbed by Myrtle Beach’s network of stationary license plate readers that can be found on poles, traffic lights, bridges, and other locations throughout the area…
Most pedestrian injuries and deaths from auto accidents in the Myrtle Beach area are preventable – drivers must be more alert, paying attention to crosswalks and looking for pedestrians who cross the road outside of crosswalks.
What are the rules for pedestrians in Myrtle Beach, and how can both drivers and pedestrians avoid what is often a fatal traffic accident?
What are the Rules for Pedestrians in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Drivers and pedestrians each have rules that they must follow, and liability for an accident may fall on the driver, the pedestrian, or both.
A driver’s duties include:
- Being aware of their surroundings and looking for pedestrians in the roadway;
- Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks;
- Slowing down and looking for pedestrians when passing another vehicle that is stopped in the roadway;
- Taking care to prevent an accident when a pedestrian is walking on the side of the roadway; and
- Following traffic signals and instructions from crossing guards.
Pedestrians also have rules that they must follow, including:
- Using sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, and tunnels whenever possible;
- Following traffic signals such as stop lights and pedestrian walk and wait signals;
- Walking on the left side of the road facing traffic when there is no sidewalk; and
- Crossing intersections horizontally and vertically unless there is a diagonal crosswalk.
When both motorists and pedestrians follow the traffic laws, it’s less likely that pedestrian auto accidents will happen.
When they don’t follow the traffic laws, it can help us to prove liability in your case. If a pedestrian does not follow the rules of the road, they may be barred from any recovery for their injuries or their recovery may be limited by SC’s modified comparative negligence rule.
On the other hand, if the driver did not follow the rules of the road, they are most likely liable and responsible for fully compensating the accident victim.
If you were hit by a car, or if someone you love was killed by a negligent driver in Myrtle Beach, the fact that the careless driver violated the rules of the road may become evidence of negligence per se. Once their liability has been established, we are only arguing about how much money they must pay to compensate you for your injuries.
Pedestrian Auto Accidents in Myrtle Beach, SC
Statewide, there were 150 fatal pedestrian auto accidents in SC in 2016, and 1059 pedestrians were injured by collisions with vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5987 pedestrians were killed by motorists nationwide in 2016 – 16% of all traffic deaths.
Myrtle Beach and the Horry County area has more than its share of pedestrian auto accidents. For example, this year alone:
- In February 2018, a pedestrian was struck by a car and killed on US 701 near Bucksport;
- A pedestrian was injured in May 2018 after they were struck by a car at 13th Avenue South in Myrtle Beach;
- In June 2018, a pedestrian was killed in a traffic accident on the 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach;
- In July 2018, a pedestrian was killed by a vehicle on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach;
- In October 2018, a pedestrian was struck and killed by an Horry County Sheriff’s Office vehicle on Highway 31 near the Grande Dunes Golf Club;
- In November 2018, a pedestrian was killed when a car hit them on Highway 17 North in North Myrtle Beach; and
- Also in November 2018, a pedestrian was struck and killed by an SUV on Highway 9 in Horry County.
Who Do I Sue if the Driver Left the Scene?
If a motorist hits a pedestrian and then leaves the scene, who pays for the medical bills or the damages for wrongful death?
In most cases, the driver is eventually found – it may be the same day, or it might take months or even longer. When they are found, their insurance policy is most likely going to be on the hook in the lawsuit in that we file.
There may be other potential sources of recovery as well – depending on the facts of the case, how the accident happened, and who was involved, you may be able to recover damages from multiple defendants or multiple insurance policies.
Whether the driver stopped to help or drove off, you should contact a Myrtle Beach pedestrian accident lawyer immediately. Your personal injury attorney at Coastal Law will help you to:
- Investigate the accident;
- Locate the driver whenever possible;
- Retain any experts that are needed to prove your case;
- Identify all potential sources of recovery and possible defendants;
- Negotiate with the insurance companies;
- Settle your case for full and fair compensation; and
- Try your case to a jury when the defendant does not pay your damages.
What if the Accident Was My Fault?
If you believe the accident may have been your fault, call your SC personal injury lawyer at Coastal Law for a free consultation before you admit liability or decide not to pursue your case.
If the accident was your fault, we will let you know. On the other hand, the driver may be responsible under SC law and you may not know that until you have consulted with an experienced Myrtle Beach auto accident attorney.
SC Pedestrian Auto Accident Attorneys in Myrtle Beach
Call Coastal Law now at (843) 488-5000 or send us a message to set up a free consultation and case review with a SC personal injury attorney today.
