Summer in Charleston brings warm evenings, bustling streets, and a constant stream of visitors and locals enjoying the city on foot. From the cobblestone alleys of the French Quarter to the busy sidewalks along King Street, the charm of Charleston makes walking a favorite way to explore. But with more foot traffic and heavier vehicle congestion, the risk of pedestrian accidents rises.
At Lesemann & Associates, we’ve seen how quickly a quiet walk can turn into a serious injury. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, knowing how to protect yourself is key. Here are safety tips designed for Charleston’s unique streets, and what to do if an accident happens.
Charleston’s historic beauty can make it easy to let your guard down. Horse-drawn carriages, food vendors, and street performers can draw your attention away from traffic. Staying alert is your best defense.
Avoid Distractions – Resist the urge to check your phone or read texts while crossing streets. Even a few seconds of looking down can be dangerous.
Listen Carefully – Keep at least one ear free from headphones or earbuds so you can hear approaching cars, bicycles, or emergency vehicles.
Watch for Multiple Types of Traffic – In addition to cars, you may encounter golf carts, tour buses, scooters, and delivery bikes—often sharing narrow streets.
Traffic laws in Charleston are there to protect pedestrians and drivers alike. Ignoring them can put you at risk, even if you’re confident you can make it across.
Use Crosswalks – Many of Charleston’s intersections have well-marked crosswalks. Using them increases your visibility to drivers and may improve your legal standing if an accident occurs.
Wait for the Signal – Only cross when the pedestrian light is on. Even then, check for turning vehicles before stepping into the road.
Make Eye Contact – When possible, catch the driver’s eye so you know they’ve seen you and intend to stop.
Not all Charleston walking happens during daylight hours. Evening events, concerts, and dinner outings often mean pedestrians are on the streets after dark.
Wear Bright Colors – Light-colored clothing stands out more in dim lighting.
Use Reflective Gear – Small reflective items like armbands or shoe clips can make you far more visible to drivers at night or during early morning walks.
Carry a Light – If walking in poorly lit areas, a small flashlight or the flashlight on your phone can help you see and be seen.
Defensive walking means assuming drivers may not notice you or may not stop in time.
Don’t Assume Right-of-Way – Even if the law is on your side, a distracted driver may fail to yield.
Look Both Ways – This is especially important on one-way streets, where vehicles or bicycles sometimes travel in the wrong direction.
Watch for Turning Vehicles – Many pedestrian accidents in Charleston happen when drivers turn right on red without fully checking the crosswalk.
Even when you take every precaution, accidents can still happen. Knowing what to do next is essential.
Seek Medical Care Immediately – Even if you feel fine, some injuries—like concussions or soft tissue damage—may not show symptoms right away.
Call the Police – An official report can be critical when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Gather Evidence – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver.
Avoid Discussing Fault – Stick to the facts when speaking with others at the scene or with insurance adjusters.
Consult a Lawyer – A Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer can evaluate your case, handle communications with insurers, and work to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
At Lesemann & Associates, we understand that a pedestrian accident can leave you facing medical treatment, time off work, and uncertainty about the future. We investigate the cause of the accident, identify all sources of insurance coverage, and handle negotiations so you can focus on recovery.
Our local knowledge of Charleston’s streets, traffic patterns, and legal landscape gives us an advantage in building strong cases for injured pedestrians.
Whether you’re crossing Broad Street, exploring the Waterfront Park area, or walking home from a night out on East Bay, taking steps to stay visible, alert, and cautious can help you avoid dangerous situations. And if an accident does occur, getting experienced legal help can make all the difference in your recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Lesemann & Associates today. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
