Wilmington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

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When we think of a car accident, we typically think of two or more drivers involved in a collision. But pedestrians can get injured in accidents as well. They can be directly hit by a car, or they can be injured by debris that flies around due to the impact.

Without the shell of a car to protect them, pedestrians can get seriously injured when an accident occurs.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you deserve compensation. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys have years of experience handling cases involving pedestrians who were injured in North Carolina car accidents. We have also previously worked as insurance defense lawyers, and now we represent people like you. We know the playbook of insurance companies and we will work diligently to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Find out how we make sure justice is served.

North Carolina Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Pedestrian accidents are all too common of an occurrence, especially in a busy state like North Carolina. Here are some eye-opening pedestrian crash facts from 2008-2012:

24,714 pedestrian accidents were reported by North Carolina public safety agencies in the last 10 years.

A total of 13,186 of these crashes were fatal. An average of 168 pedestrians were killed and 178 were seriously injured each year.

Pedestrian accidents that occurred between 2008 and 2012 averaged 2,637 a year.

What are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common:

Right Turns: Drivers making a right turn may be concentrating on the traffic to see when they have an opening and they may not notice someone crossing the street in front of them.

Left Turns: Drivers making left turns may be looking to see when there is an opening in oncoming traffic and may not see a pedestrian crossing the street they are about to enter.

Distracted Driving: The increased use of devices has made for a rise in distracted driving. But drivers can be distracted by anything including the scenery around them, eating, or even their own thoughts. Drivers who aren’t paying full attention to the road increase the risk of pedestrian accidents and other types of collisions.

Jaywalking: Pedestrian accidents aren’t always the driver’s fault. They can also occur if a pedestrian is jaywalking or crossing against the light.

Backing Up Accidents: When a driver is backing up, he or she may not see the person behind them. Victims of these types of accidents often include pets and children who are too small to be seen in the rear-view mirror.

Speeding: If a driver is driving over the speed limit, they may not have time to stop for a pedestrian crossing the street.

Night Driving: Night driving decreases visibility. Drivers may not see a pedestrian in the roadway and may end up hitting them as a result.

Impaired Driving: Drugs and alcohol impair judgment making It difficult for drivers to see pedestrians on the street.

Equipment Failure: A car may experience equipment failure that causes a pedestrian accident. For example, their brakes might give out. If equipment failure is the cause of the accident, the mechanic or car manufacturer may be responsible for damages.

Dangerous Road Conditions: Dangerous Road conditions may contribute to a pedestrian accident. The road can be slippery, it could be foggy out, or there could be debris in the road. Drivers must do their best to drive carefully in dangerous conditions to avoid an accident.s

What are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

A pedestrian accident can result in serious injuries including the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Broken bones

Spinal cord injuries

Internal organ injuries

Road burn

Internal bleeding

Leg injuries

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to get medical help right away, even if you don’t think you’re that badly hurt. Injuries can get worse in time. If you don’t seek care immediately, it will be difficult to prove your injuries were caused by the accident.

If you see a doctor right away, he or she will create a medical record that proves your injuries were caused by the accident.

What are North Carolina Pedestrian Laws?

North Carolina has several laws in place to keep pedestrians safe when they are crossing the street or walking near traffic. Here are the rules and regulations you should be aware of:

Pedestrians walking on the road should walk on the left side facing oncoming traffic.

Pedestrians must obey all traffic signs and signals.

Pedestrians should obey control signals such as walk and don’t walk. If there is no control signal in place, pedestrians must obey traffic signs and lights.

When pedestrian signals are not in place, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing roadways at marked and unmarked crosswalks and near intersections.

Drivers emerging from alleys, driveways, and building entrances must yield to pedestrians crossing in front of those entrances on the sidewalk.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get for My Pedestrian Accident?

The compensation you get for your accident will vary according to the extent of damages and your personal situation, but here is an idea of what you may be looking at.

Economic Damages

Economic damages include medical expenses, loss of wages, and loss of future earning potential.

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages include emotional and physical pain and suffering caused by the injuries. It is difficult to put a monetary value on these non-tangible elements, but your lawyer will use his or her past experience to come up with a fair amount.

Punitive Damages

These are damages that are awarded and geared towards punishing the defendant. They also serve the purpose of deterring similar offenses.

Why Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys Can Help With Your North Carolina Pedestrian Accident Claim

A pedestrian accident can result in serious injuries. Don’t let just any lawyer handle your claim. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys have the experience you need to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys have been representing Wilmington, North Carolina personal injury victims for years. As former insurance defense lawyers, we have the know-how to get fair settlements for our clients. Our aggressive attitude has provided winning results for our clients. Contact our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers today!

Pedestrian Accidents