[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/do-pedestrians-have-right-of-way-in-sc\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/do-pedestrians-have-right-of-way-in-sc\/","headline":"Do pedestrians have the right of way in South Carolina","name":"Do pedestrians have the right of way in South Carolina","description":"South Carolina pedestrians generally have the right of way, especially in crosswalks and on sidewalks. However, there are certain situations where they must yield the right of way to drivers. Pedestrians also have some important responsibilities to ensure everyone\u2019s safety.   Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of...","datePublished":"2023-11-21","dateModified":"2025-06-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/georgeanderson-user\/#Person","name":"Ed Anderson","url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/georgeanderson-user\/","identifier":12,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4813a6c9a06d77cd7f752e6ebc163fb49945556ef8aee5b331c692f4b206a872?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4813a6c9a06d77cd7f752e6ebc163fb49945556ef8aee5b331c692f4b206a872?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"McKinney, Tucker & Lemel","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MTLLaw-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MTLLaw-logo.png","width":387,"height":95}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/lady-crossing-street.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/lady-crossing-street.jpg","height":666,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/do-pedestrians-have-right-of-way-in-sc\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9Qe3vvHbFZQ#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9Qe3vvHbFZQ","name":"Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in South Carolina - McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC","description":"For more information, please visit our website.\n\nMcKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC - Rock Hill Personal Injury Attorneys\n215 Hampton Street\nRock Hill, SC 29730\nPhone: 803-328-1848","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9Qe3vvHbFZQ\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9Qe3vvHbFZQ\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9Qe3vvHbFZQ\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9Qe3vvHbFZQ\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9Qe3vvHbFZQ\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-02-18T00:38:34+00:00","duration":"PT2M49S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9Qe3vvHbFZQ","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSJQ_AJ7kCfv43tFOzt2OCA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSJQ_AJ7kCfv43tFOzt2OCA","name":"MTL Law","description":"Here at McKinney, Tucker, & Lemel, LLC we are all about people. You are entrusting your lawyer with important and personal details about yourself and your life. You should feel comfortable as you work with your lawyer throughout a case. We respect this relationship and we are ready to be on your side because no one should have to handle a serious legal issue alone. We are here to help with a wide variety of cases including, personal injury, criminal defense, and family law.\n\nWe understand the stress of trying to keep your life on track while handling a serious case. Let us take up the legal burden so you can concentrate on recovering and moving forward. We have been helping the people of York & Lancaster counties since 1977 so you can count on us to have the experience and skill that you need.\n\nWe\u2019re ready to work for you.\n\nMcKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC\nhttps:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/\n215 Hampton Street\nRock Hill, SC 29730\nPhone: 803-328-1848\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/fZ07nD6E0DI9r7Qgz3pwXXUaTWT3568T7H_3_d4P_QDAFhGpvP-h1jXuKIdZu29412BDVm5mu6c=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9Qe3vvHbFZQ#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9Qe3vvHbFZQ#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9Qe3vvHbFZQ&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9Qe3vvHbFZQ#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":26}]]},"about":["Pedestrian Accident"],"wordCount":937,"articleBody":"South Carolina pedestrians generally have the right of way, especially in crosswalks and on sidewalks. However, there are certain situations where they must yield the right of way to drivers. Pedestrians also have some important responsibilities to ensure everyone\u2019s safety. Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?Pedestrians do not always have the right of way under South Carolina law. They do have the right of way in crosswalks when indicated by traffic signals, as well as in situations where there aren\u2019t any working signals. However, they must wait for any cars that are already too close to pass before crossing. If there is no crosswalk, the vehicles on the road have the right of way.Pedestrians also have the right of way on sidewalks, such as when they intersect with a driveway where vehicles may need to cross over the sidewalk. The exception is when emergency vehicles must drive over the sidewalk. In these cases, pedestrians yield the right of way.Where Should a Pedestrian Walk If There Is No Sidewalk?Anytime a pedestrian has access to a sidewalk, they should use it. If there\u2019s no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the curb or in another safe place, such as a grassy median or at the far edge of a wide shoulder. They should also walk facing traffic and as far away from traffic as possible.Are Pedestrians Allowed to Walk on the Freeway in South Carolina?It\u2019s generally illegal for pedestrians to walk on South Carolina freeways. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as when told to by a law enforcement officer, when performing official duties or public works, and when getting help after vehicle trouble or a collision.What Are a Pedestrian\u2019s Responsibilities in South Carolina?Pedestrians have several responsibilities to ensure their own safety and protect drivers.By law, pedestrians must:Follow traffic lights and signalsCross in crosswalks when available and in places where it\u2019s safe when unavailableAvoid freewaysWalk on the sidewalk or shoulderYield to vehicle traffic when requiredStay off the road when impairedThey should also try to make themselves visible to drivers, such as by wearing reflective clothing and light colors, especially if walking at night.What Are a Motorist\u2019s Responsibilities to Pedestrians?Similarly, drivers have various responsibilities to keep everyone safe while using the roads.Motorists should:Take care to avoid collisions with pedestriansYield to pedestrians in crosswalksNot try to pass other vehicles stopped so pedestrians may cross the roadBecause a vehicle can seriously injure or kill a pedestrian in a collision, motorists should be especially vigilant when driving in areas with heavy foot traffic and slow down if visibility is limited.What Should I Do If I Have Been Hit as a Pedestrian?After seeking emergency medical treatment, there are several critical things you\u2019ll need to do, including:Follow your doctor\u2019s orders \u2013 Your doctor will put together a treatment plan. It may include surgical intervention, medication, a rehab or physical therapy plan, exercises, and other elements designed to help you heal and recover. You must follow this plan, attending all appointments and regularly communicating with your doctor.Save your records \u2013 Your medical treatment will likely result in significant paperwork, such as bills, statements, receipts, insurance company communication, notes from your doctor, and more. Keep all of these documents together in a safe place. The paper trail is a key part of recovering fair compensation for your injuries.Talk to a lawyer \u2013 Reach out to a pedestrian accident lawyer. By hearing the story of the accident and understanding what you\u2019ve experienced, they\u2019ll be able to explain your possible legal options and help you determine what your next steps should be.Can I Sue the Person Who Hit Me?If you believe the driver who hit you was at fault for the accident, you have the right to sue them to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses, including:Current, ongoing, and anticipated future medical expensesLost wagesReduced or lost earning capacityPain and sufferingWhen you hire an attorney, you\u2019ll discuss these losses with them. They will gather documentation to support your expenses and other losses. Based on their experience and knowledge of the law, they\u2019ll then estimate a dollar amount representing fair compensation for your losses. They can help you seek this compensation through negotiations with the driver\u2019s insurance company and, if necessary, in court.\ufeffIs There a Time Limit for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?Under South Carolina law, you have three years to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. The three-year period begins on the day of the accident.It\u2019s important to meet with a South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible following an accident to learn about your legal rights and review your options for seeking compensation. These cases are complex and take time to put together.Contact a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident LawyerAccidents involving pedestrians can cause severe injuries, and the recovery process can be time-consuming and expensive. If you were hit by a motor vehicle and believe the driver was at fault, a South Carolina pedestrian accident attorney from McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.Our attorneys have decades of combined experience. We\u2019re committed to focusing on your case with efficiency, responsiveness, and compassion. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your legal options.Visit Our South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Do pedestrians have the right of way in South Carolina","item":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/do-pedestrians-have-right-of-way-in-sc\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]