Walking in Shelby should be safe for everyone, but pedestrian accidents continue to occur at alarming rates throughout North Carolina. The combination of increasing foot traffic and distracted drivers creates dangerous conditions for pedestrians in our community. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, the Shelby personal injury attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Shelby, NC, to learn more.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Shelby, NC
Cleveland County roads, including those running through Shelby, present unique pedestrian hazards. Many streets lack proper sidewalks, have unmarked crosswalks, and provide insufficient lighting. These conditions, coupled with driver negligence, create perfect storm scenarios for pedestrian accidents.
According to data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities account for a significant percentage of traffic-related deaths in the state each year. Most accidents happen because drivers fail to yield to pedestrians, drive while distracted, speed through residential areas, or operate vehicles under the influence.
North Carolina law generally requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on roadways. Unfortunately, many drivers violate this duty through carelessness or recklessness, resulting in serious injuries to innocent pedestrians.
The Role of a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A pedestrian accident attorney from Ted A. Greve & Associates will play several crucial roles in your recovery journey, including:
- Thorough Investigation – We will examine the accident scene, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the events to establish liability.
- Skilled Negotiation – We will deal with insurance companies, which often attempt to minimize compensation or shift blame to injured pedestrians.
- Legal Knowledge – We understand North Carolina pedestrian laws and how they apply to your situation.
- Medical Coordination – We will work with your healthcare providers to document injuries properly and help you receive the appropriate treatment.
Our team includes Dr. Ted Greve, a chiropractic physician, who offers unique insight into injury cases. His medical background allows us to better understand your injuries, prognosis, and long-term needs when building your case.
Unlike many firms, we don’t rush to settle. We prepare each case as if it will go to trial, signaling to insurance companies that we mean business. This approach often results in higher settlements without actually needing a courtroom battle.
Navigating Pedestrian Accident Claims
The path to compensation after a pedestrian accident involves several important steps. First, establishing liability requires proving the driver violated traffic laws or acted negligently. Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence law, injured parties may be barred from recovering compensation if found even partially at fault for the accident.
This strict rule makes professional legal representation especially important in North Carolina. Insurance companies will look for any opportunity to assign partial blame to the pedestrian, potentially eliminating their right to compensation.
Our attorneys can counter these tactics by:
- Collecting Comprehensive Evidence – We will gather police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and expert testimony to prove the driver’s liability.
- Documenting Injuries Fully – We will compile complete medical records, physician statements, and testimony from medical professionals about your current and future medical needs.
- Calculating All Losses – We will determine the full extent of your current and future financial losses.
- Fighting Contributory Negligence Claims – We will vigorously defend against any attempts to assign partial fault to you.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Pedestrian accident victims in Shelby often face overwhelming financial challenges that compound the physical and emotional trauma.
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – All costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical needs related to your injuries
- Lost Income – Wages lost during recovery and any reduction in future earning capacity due to permanent injuries
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Property Damage – Replacement or repair of personal items damaged in the accident
Serious pedestrian accidents often result in injuries requiring years of treatment or permanent lifestyle adjustments. Our calculations will account for these ongoing costs.
What to Do After an Accident
The steps you take immediately following a pedestrian accident significantly affect your ability to recover fair compensation:
- Seek Medical Attention – Your injuries might seem minor, but some serious (and even life-threatening) conditions might not show symptoms immediately.
- Report the Accident – Call the police so that they can create an official report documenting the incident.
- Gather Information – Collect the driver’s contact and insurance information, and note any witness contact details.
- Document Everything – Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and anything relevant to how the accident occurred.
- Avoid Discussing Fault – Do not make statements to insurance representatives or sign any documents without legal advice.
- Keep Records – Save all medical bills, prescription receipts, and documentation of missed work.
- Contact an Attorney – Speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer from Ted A. Greve & Associates before dealing with insurance companies.
Remember that North Carolina law requires you to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party within three years. Waiting too long to pursue your claim could permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a pedestrian in Shelby, the experienced team at Ted A. Greve & Associates stands ready to help. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. This arrangement means that our interests align perfectly with yours because we only succeed when you do.
Our commitment to personal service means you’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who care about your recovery. We pride ourselves on being accessible to our clients throughout the legal process, answering questions promptly, and keeping you informed about your case.
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming and lonely, but we are here to give you the support and advocacy you deserve. Call Dr. Ted and his team at Ted A. Greve & Associates for a free, confidential consultation about your pedestrian accident case in Shelby. Contact us today to take the first step toward justice and recovery.
