A pedestrian versus a car or truck is not a fair match, to say the least. Drivers of cars and trucks are expected to keep a reasonable watch out for people on foot. Someone on foot is at a great disadvantage versus a motor vehicle in the event of a collision. Types of injured pedestrians include:
- Walkers
- Joggers
- People crossing streets at crosswalks
- People crossing driveways or alleyways
- Workers and other people on foot at construction sites where motor vehicles are present
- Children at play in their neighborhoods or at parks
- Shoppers in parking lots
The other motorist may be clearly at fault — but what if the accident was hit and run? Your own auto insurance or that of relatives with whom you live may provide some relief. Property owners may be responsible in some cases, — for instance, if there were obstructions preventing a pedestrian and motorist from seeing one another — giving you cause to make a premises liability claim.
Contact a North Carolina Crosswalk Accident Attorney at Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC
Learn how our personal injury law firm can help you after a pedestrian accident. If you have additional questions after reviewing the information on our website, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer. To make an appointment with a Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney, call toll-free 800-948-0577 or send us an e-mail.
Pedestrians in North Carolina are the most unprotected and vulnerable group of people on our roads, which is why we tend to hear about some of the most devastating injuries suffered by pedestrians every week or so.
It goes without saying that pedestrians who were not killed in a road accident are lucky to survive. However, surviving the crash was the first challenge. The second challenge will be trying to seek compensation for an injury in Charlotte or elsewhere in North Carolina.
Our Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney from Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC, says that North Carolina is “probably the worst state for pedestrians” not only because there are so many reckless, inattentive, intoxicated, and distracted drivers on our roads but also because North Carolina still follows the outdated pure contributory negligence rule.
In other words, if your insurance company can prove that you were even slightly at fault for the crash as a pedestrian, your personal injury claim will be denied. Even if your pedestrian accident was caused by a heavily intoxicated motorist who sped through the red light, you would not be able to recover damages simply because the accident occurred outside of a marked crosswalk.
What to Do if the At-Fault Motorist is Uninsured?
Nearly seven percent of motorists in North Carolina are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute, but being hit by a driver who does not carry insurance coverage does not mean that you have no recourse.
Our Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer explains that this is where your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage comes into play. If you – as a pedestrian in Charlotte or elsewhere in North Carolina – were hit by a vehicle whose driver is not insured, you can file an uninsured motorist claim against your own insurance company.
However, recovering damages may still not be easy for the reason we have discussed earlier (North Carolina is a pure contributory negligence state).
Should I Notify the Driver’s Insurance Company About My Pedestrian Accident?
When dealing with the other motorist’s insurance company, it is important to get help from a pedestrian accident attorney in Charlotte or elsewhere in North Carolina because anything you say to the insurer will be taken out of context and turned into a weapon against you to devalue or deny your claim.
Should I Seek Medical Attention if I Feel Fine After a Pedestrian Accident?
It is not uncommon for victims of pedestrian accidents to experience what is known as “delayed injury symptoms.” An injured person may not immediately feel pain, but that does not mean that the pedestrian was not injured. Even if you do not feel the need to get emergency assistance, it makes sense to get checked out by medical professionals. If they advised you to transport to a hospital, do not refuse the offer because your refusal will be used against you by your insurer to debate the severity of your injury.
Essential Charlotte Pedestrian Safety Tips
Charlotte, North Carolina is a bustling city with a lot of pedestrian traffic. In order to stay safe while walking in Charlotte, its important to be aware of your surroundings and take certain precautions. Here are some pedestrian safety tips for walking in Charlotte:
- Use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals: Cross streets at designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals, such as walk/don’t walk signs.
- Wear reflective clothing at night: If you’re walking at night, wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight to make yourself more visible to drivers.
- Use sidewalks and paths: Walk on sidewalks and designated pedestrian paths whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to any potential hazards, such as uneven pavement or poorly lit areas.
- Avoid distractions: Avoid distractions such as listening to music or looking at your phone while walking. Keep your attention focused on your surroundings.
- Be aware of cars and bicycles: Be aware of cars and bicycles and watch for them at intersections and crosswalks.
- Follow traffic laws: Follow traffic laws and obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Use extra caution in construction zones: Construction zones can be a dangerous place to walk, so be extra cautious when walking near construction sites.
- Be aware of weather conditions: Be aware of weather conditions, such as rain, snow or ice, as it can make walking more dangerous.
- Keep your personal safety in mind: be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for any suspicious activity.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your walk through Charlotte is a safe one. Remember, being aware of your surroundings and taking the necessary precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure that you arrive at your destination safely.
All that said, you can’t control the decisions that motorists make on the road. Even if you exercise caution, you may be harmed in an accident resulting from someone else’s negligence.
Review your case with a Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney if this ever happens. They’ll explain your legal options and may provide the representation you need if you decide to seek compensation by filing a claim or lawsuit.
Potential Injuries a Charlotte Pedestrian Accident May Cause
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, you may sustain such injuries as:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal organ injuries
- Crushing injuries
Hopefully, you will never be injured in this manner due to someone else’s negligence. However, if this has happened to you, you might be able to secure compensation by filing a claim or lawsuit. Discuss your case with the experts at our Charlotte pedestrian accident law firm for more information.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case in North Carolina?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in North Carolina sets a three-year limit. Therefore, you will not be eligible to file a personal injury claim after three years from the date of the pedestrian accident. It is advised to avoid wasting time and take legal action immediately. Contact a Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney here at Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC, to speak about your particular case. Call at 704-335-1500 to receive a free evaluation of your accident.