Pedestrian accidents injure over 2,000 people each year across North Carolina, with up to 200 suffering fatal injuries. If you or a loved one are suffering from a pedestrian accident caused by someone’s negligence, you could recover compensation for medical bills and other expenses. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer with Ted A. Greve & Associates PA can protect your rights and seek maximum dollars for your injuries and pain. Contact our award-winning Charlotte law firm today for a free consultation.
Pedestrian Accident Law in Charlotte, North Carolina
A pedestrian accident involves a person on foot hit by a vehicle, bicycle, or other moving object. The resulting injuries are often severe, requiring intense rehabilitation and recovery. Some accident victims need lifelong care and can no longer earn a living due to their injuries.
Pedestrian accidents happen when a vehicle collides with someone on foot, but determining who’s at fault isn’t always straightforward. There are several potential scenarios:
- Driver’s Behavior — Speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic signals are examples of actions that could make the driver liable.
- Road Conditions — Poorly marked or unmarked pedestrian crosswalks may contribute to some accidents.
- Pedestrian Actions — Pedestrians may share some responsibility if they ignore traffic rules, such as crossing outside a crosswalk.
A seasoned pedestrian accident lawyer can create a well-supported claim, increasing your chances of a successful settlement or verdict. They achieve this by:
- Gathering and examining crucial evidence, including witness statements and accident reports, that can strengthen your case
- Establishing liability against the driver and showing a cause-and-effect relationship between their actions and your injuries
- Assigning a value to your current and future economic needs as a result of your injuries and their impact on your life and livelihood.
In a recent year, over 9,000 Americans died from injuries following pedestrian accidents, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Here are more accident statistics that highlight the gravity of these incidents:
- Eighty-four percent of reported pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas.
- There are fewer pedestrian accidents during daylight hours.
- More accidents happen on Saturdays than on other days.
Types of Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians don’t enjoy the same protections as a motorist or passenger riding inside the cabin of a vehicle. They often suffer severe, life-changing injuries as a result. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
Navigating the Legal Process After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident, figuring out the next steps can feel overwhelming. Here’s a look at the legal process and how an attorney provides support along the way:
- Immediate Action — Call 911 and get medical attention. Document the scene by snapping photos and getting witness names and contact information if possible.
- Determining Fault and Liability — Proving liability means showing that the driver acted recklessly through speeding, running a light, driving under the influence, or other unsafe behavior. To figure out who’s at fault, an attorney reviews accident reports, examines witness statements, and may even reconstruct the scene.
- Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim — The next step is filing a claim. An experienced lawyer handles all the paperwork, submits documentation, and keeps track of deadlines. This gives you time and space to focus on feeling better.
- Comparative Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents — North Carolina’s stringent “contributory negligence” rule can prevent you from receiving compensation if you’re even slightly at fault. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can push back against blame-shifting tactics, helping to protect your claim and strengthen your case against the responsible party.
Compensation and Settlements: What Victims Need to Know
A pedestrian accident attorney can pursue financial justice for your medical bills and other losses. It’s important to note that many successful cases conclude with a settlement. However, if your case involves several parties or significant injuries, you should work with an attorney who can represent you in court.
An attorney can help you understand what types of compensation you could recover. Depending on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life, you may be entitled to different types of damages:
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Economic Damages —
This compensation covers the direct costs of your accident, like medical bills, lost income, and property damage. They’re usually easier to calculate since they have a precise dollar amount.
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Non-Economic Damages —
This compensation covers your more personal, less tangible losses, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life. While more challenging to quantify, they reflect the negative impact on your life post-accident.
Choosing the Right Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Charlotte for Your Case
Most people lack the training and knowledge to exercise their rights after an accident. The lawyer you choose can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. If you have never worked with an attorney before, here are tips on selecting a lawyer and the benefits they bring:
When choosing a lawyer, consider someone with a track record with pedestrian accident cases and who brings something extra, like medical training or experience. A lawyer with medical knowledge understands how the force of a car hitting a person can lead to complex injuries, giving them deeper insight into your situation. Look for someone who listens carefully, offers clear guidance, and puts your best interests first.
An experienced attorney knows how to manage pedestrian accident cases, protect your rights, and maximize your compensation potential. They can handle interactions with insurance companies, counter lowball settlement offers, and prepare to take your case to court if necessary. With a skilled attorney by your side, you gain a strong advocate who can make the process easier and increase your chance of a successful outcome.
Contact a Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Being injured in a pedestrian accident is not a journey anyone asks to take. The good news is that you don’t have to go through it alone. At Ted A. Greve & Associates PA, our team includes experienced trial lawyers, a chiropractic physician, and skilled paralegals. These skills and resources allow us to resolve cases efficiently and with maximum compensation. Contact our Charlotte pedestrian accident law firm today for a free consultation.
