Walking should be safe. Yet every day in Charlotte, pedestrians face serious risks from distracted drivers, speeding vehicles, and poor road conditions. When you suffer injuries as a pedestrian, the path to recovery involves more than medical treatment. You need legal representation that knows how insurance companies operate from the inside out.
At Horton & Mendez, our Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyers bring unique insight to pedestrian accident cases. We have worked for multi-state insurance companies and now use that knowledge to fight for injured pedestrians. We know the tactics they use to minimize payouts. Most importantly, we know how to counter their strategies effectively.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Charlotte
Charlotte’s rapid growth has created challenging conditions for pedestrians. Heavy traffic, construction zones, and busy intersections increase the likelihood of accidents. Driver negligence remains the leading cause of pedestrian injuries.
Several factors contribute to these incidents:
- Distracted driving from cell phone use and other devices
- Speeding through residential neighborhoods and school zones
- Failing to yield right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Poor visibility during dawn and dusk hours creates additional hazards. Many accidents occur when drivers fail to see pedestrians crossing streets or walking along roadways. Weather conditions like rain or fog can further reduce visibility and increase stopping distances.
Construction activity throughout Charlotte also poses risks. Temporary traffic patterns, blocked sidewalks, and inadequate signage can force pedestrians into dangerous situations. Property owners and contractors have responsibilities to maintain safe conditions for foot traffic around work sites.
North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law
North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This law creates significant challenges for injury victims. If you contributed to your accident in any way, you could lose the right to recover compensation entirely.
Insurance companies know this law well. They will search aggressively for any evidence that you played a role in causing your accident. Even minor actions like stepping outside a crosswalk or looking at your phone could be used against you.
Our team vigorously defends against claims that you share any fault. Our Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyers investigate thoroughly to build strong cases showing the driver bears full responsibility. Your case depends on proving the other party’s negligence without any contribution from you.
This all-or-nothing approach makes having experienced legal representation essential. You cannot afford to let insurance adjusters twist facts or misinterpret evidence. We protect your rights from the very beginning of your case.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Charlotte
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection between your body and a moving vehicle. The impact can cause immediate trauma and long-term complications that affect your quality of life.
Typical injuries from these accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries requiring extended rehabilitation
- Spinal cord damage, potentially causing permanent disability
- Multiple bone fractures in legs, arms, and ribs
- Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
Head injuries deserve special attention because they may not show symptoms immediately. You might feel fine after an accident but develop serious complications hours or days later. This is why seeking medical attention right away is crucial, even if you feel uninjured.
Soft tissue injuries like cuts, bruises, and road rash can also be more serious than they initially appear. These wounds can become infected or leave permanent scarring. Proper medical documentation of all injuries, no matter how minor they seem, supports your legal case.
Recovery from pedestrian accident injuries often requires multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. The financial burden can be overwhelming, especially when you cannot work during recovery. This makes securing full compensation essential for your future.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in North Carolina
Your immediate actions after a pedestrian accident determine the outcome of your claim. Stay calm and focus on protecting your health and legal rights.
First, call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. A medical evaluation creates important documentation for your case.
If you are able, take photographs of the accident scene. Capture images of vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, and road conditions. Take pictures so you can preserve evidence before it disappears.
Get contact information from the driver, including their name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Also, contact details should be collected from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
Do not discuss fault or apologize for anything. Insurance companies will use these statements against you later. Stick to basic facts about what happened and let the investigation determine responsibility.
Contact our office as soon as possible after your accident. We can begin protecting your rights immediately and handle communications with insurance companies. You should focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Types of Compensation Available
Pedestrian accident victims may recover several types of damages under North Carolina law. The specific compensation available depends on the details of your case and the severity of your injuries.
Economic damages cover your financial losses from the accident:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from time away from work during recovery
- Future medical costs for ongoing treatment and therapy
- Loss of earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of your injuries. Calculating these damages requires careful consideration of how your injuries affect your daily activities and relationships.
In cases involving particularly reckless behavior, punitive damages may be available under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1D-15. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.
The total value of your case depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the impact on your life. We work to maximize your compensation while building the strongest possible case for your recovery.
Areas We Serve in Charlotte
Our legal team serves clients throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area. We handle pedestrian accident cases in the following zip codes:
28201, 28202,28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28218, 28219, 28220, 28221, 28222, 28223, 28224, 28226, 28227, 28228, 28229, 28230, 28231, 28232, 28272, 28273, 28274, 28277, 28278, 28280, 28281, 28282, 28284, 28285, 28287, 28288, 28289, 28290, 28296, 28297, 28299.
Contact Our Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrian accidents can change your life in an instant. You deserve legal representation that fights aggressively for your rights and knows how to win against insurance companies. Our team of experienced professionals gives you the legal advantage you require to pursue your claim.
Contact our experienced attorneys at Horton & Mendez today for a consultation about your pedestrian accident case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your case. Our fee comes from your settlement or judgment, not from your pocket upfront.
What if the driver claims I was jaywalking or not paying attention?
North Carolina’s contributory negligence law makes defending against these claims crucial. We investigate thoroughly to prove the driver bears full responsibility for your accident, regardless of their accusations.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
You should not accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer because initial offers rarely reflect the true value of your case. Insurance companies hope you will accept less than you deserve. Let our lawyers evaluate any offers and negotiate for maximum compensation.
