Key Takeaways
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High-Risk Zones: The “Antique District” on Lower King sees frequent conflicts between distracted tourists, delivery trucks, and pedestrians.
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Right of Way: In South Carolina, pedestrians generally have the right of way in crosswalks, but “jaywalking” outside of them can affect your injury claim.
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Intersection Dangers: The intersections at King & Queen and King & Broad are notorious for turning-vehicle accidents.
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Damages: If you are hit by a car while walking, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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Immediate Action: Always call Charleston Police Department (CPD) and seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine.
If you work or live near the French Quarter or the Antique District in Charleston, you know that Lower King Street is one of the most walkable—and congested—areas in Charleston. With narrow sidewalks, heavy foot traffic from tourists, and a constant stream of rideshares and delivery trucks, the risk of a pedestrian accident here is higher than many realize.
At Roden Law, located right here at 127 King St, we see the close calls daily. This guide breaks down the specific risks of walking on Lower King and what you need to know to stay safe.
Why Lower King Street is a Hotspot for Car and Pedestrian Accidents
While Charleston’s historic charm draws millions of visitors, it also presents significant risks for those on foot. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s 2023 Traffic Collision Fact Book, pedestrian fatalities in the state climbed to 188 in 2023—an 8.7% increase from the previous year. This statewide trend is deeply felt in Charleston County, where high collision rates recently prompted the Charleston Police Department to launch the ‘Heads Up!’ campaign to crackdown on failure-to-yield violations. These statistics underscore a critical reality: whether you are a local commuting on Lower King or a tourist admiring the architecture, the margin for error on our busy, congested streets is shrinking.
Unlike Upper King, which is known for nightlife, Lower King is a hub for daytime shopping and historic sightseeing. This creates a unique set of hazards:
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Distracted Drivers: Drivers are often looking for street parking or admiring the architecture rather than watching the road.
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Obstructed Views: Delivery trucks frequently double-park to unload at local boutiques, forcing pedestrians to step into the street to get around them.
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Uneven Terrain: While charming, the historic nature of our streets means sidewalks can be narrow or uneven, sometimes causing pedestrians to trip toward the roadway.
Dangerous Intersections to Watch
While you should always be alert, two intersections near our office demand extra caution:
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King St. & Queen St.: This intersection creates confusion due to one-way traffic patterns and tight turning radii. Vehicles turning onto Queen often fail to yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk.
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King St. & Broad St.: As cars approach the “Four Corners of Law,” traffic speeds often fluctuate. Drivers trying to beat the light or turn onto Broad St. frequently miss seeing pedestrians crossing against the backdrop of parked cars.
South Carolina Pedestrian Laws: Who is at Fault?
Understanding SC law is critical if you are injured. generally, pedestrians have the right of way when within a marked crosswalk. Drivers must yield.
However, Charleston also enforces laws regarding “jaywalking.” If you cross Lower King mid-block (outside of a crosswalk) and are struck, the defense may argue that you were partially at fault. Under South Carolina’s comparative negligence rules, your compensation could be reduced if you are found to be more than 50% at fault. This makes sticking to marked crosswalks at corners vital for both safety and legal protection.
What to Do If You Are Hit on King Street
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Call 911: Ensure a report is filed with the Charleston Police Department.
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Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicle, the intersection, and any skid marks. Note if the driver was a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or a commercial delivery truck.
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Get Witness Info: Lower King is crowded; there are likely witnesses. Get their names and numbers.
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Visit a Doctor: Adrenaline can mask injuries. Visit a nearby ER or urgent care immediately.
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Contact a Local Attorney: Before speaking to insurance adjusters, consult with a lawyer who understands the local traffic patterns and liability laws.
Your Local Advocates for Pedestrian Safety. At Roden Law, we fight for accident victims right here in our historic district. If you’ve been hurt, let our family help yours. Schedule your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still sue if I was jaywalking on King Street when I was hit?
Possibly. Even if you were not in a crosswalk, drivers have a duty of care to avoid hitting pedestrians. However, your compensation might be reduced based on your percentage of fault. It is best to consult an attorney to evaluate the specific facts.
2. Who is liable if an Uber or Lyft driver hits me on Lower King?
Liability can be complex. It may involve the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s corporate policy (which often has higher limits), or both, depending on whether the driver was “on the clock” or transporting a passenger at the time.
3. What is the statute of limitations for a pedestrian accident in South Carolina?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina. However, evidence disappears quickly (especially security camera footage from local shops), so acting fast is recommended.
4. Does a “Walk” signal guarantee I have the right of way?
Yes, but you must still exercise caution. Even with a “Walk” signal, drivers turning right on red or left on green often fail to look for pedestrians. Having the right of way protects you legally, but being defensive protects you physically.
5. Can I claim compensation if I tripped on a broken sidewalk on King Street?
Sidewalk maintenance is typically the responsibility of the municipality (City of Charleston). suing a government entity involves stricter deadlines and distinct legal procedures under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. You should speak to a lawyer immediately if a road defect caused your injury.