Greensboro Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Greensboro Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

A pedestrian crossing the street or walking on a sidewalk likely doesn’t often think about an accident. The pedestrian trusts in the care and caution of the drivers on the road. Unfortunately, when motorists operate their vehicles negligently or recklessly around crosswalks or sidewalks, they create the risk of a serious pedestrian accident.

Pedestrian accident can leave victims with serious, life-altering, even fatal injuries. An injured pedestrian deserves to hold a careless motorist accountable for injuries and damages the motorist caused.

If you have been injured in a Greensboro pedestrian accident, contact Ward Black Law today. We will provide a no-cost initial case review by phone, in person or online. You will learn how our firm can help you secure the financial recovery you deserve for your injuries.

What to Do If You Have Been Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Greensboro or anywhere in North Carolina, you should consider the following steps to help protect your rights and options for pursuing compensation for your injuries:

Call 911 or the police.
Get the contact and insurance information of the motorist(s) involved in your accident.
Get photographs or video of the accident scene.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Talk to a pedestrian accident attorney.

How Our Greensboro Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help

Have you been injured in a Greensboro pedestrian accident? The attorneys of Ward Black Law can help you pursue financial recovery for your injuries and damages by:

Thoroughly investigating your accident to recover evidence that can be used in your claim for compensation
Identifying the at-fault motorist(s)
Identifying available sources of compensation, such as insurance coverages (including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage under your or a family member’s auto insurance policy)
Working with experts to help strengthen your legal arguments on liability and damages
Negotiating with the insurance companies for a settlement that gives you fair and full compensation
Preparing to take your case to trial, if a lawsuit represents the best option for getting you the compensation you deserve

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for these damages:

Costs of medical treatment
Lost wages or income for time missed from work during recovery
Lost earning potential, if you are rendered disabled from your job or any form of gainful employment
Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment or quality of life

You may also be entitled to punitive damages if the at-fault driver is found to have engaged in willful or wanton conduct. That conduct might include reckless speeding through a parking lot or driving under the influence after other DUI arrests. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and discourage other motorists from engaging in similar conduct.

Understanding North Carolina Contributory Negligence Law

In some pedestrian accidents, the pedestrian may share some of the fault for the accident and the resulting injuries. These cases trigger North Carolina’s contributory negligence law. That law prevents an injured plaintiff from recovering compensation if they share any fault for their accident. If you are found to be partially at fault for your pedestrian accident, your claim for compensation may be denied.

If the insurance company claims the accident was your fault, you need an experienced and skilled pedestrian accident attorney on your side. The attorney can work to refute any wrongful accusations of fault and protect your right to seek compensation.

Time Limits for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim

If you decide to pursue a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries and damages, you have a limited period, known as the statute of limitations, in which to file your lawsuit.

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations on a personal injury claim for a pedestrian accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. For a minor, the statute of limitations is three years from the minor’s 18th birthday. If you file your lawsuit outside of that time limit, a court will permanently dismiss your case.

In North Carolina, any suit for death from a pedestrian accident must generally be filed within two years of the date of death.

North Carolina Pedestrian Laws

North Carolina sets out rules for pedestrians on public streets and roads including:

At crosswalks with pedestrian control signals: Pedestrians may proceed on a “WALK” signal. They must not start to cross against a “DON’T WALK” signal. However, pedestrians may proceed to a sidewalk or safety island if they have partially completed a crossing on the “WALK” signal.
At crosswalks with traffic control signals: Pedestrians must follow the vehicular traffic controls.
At crosswalks without traffic controls: Motorists must yield the right-of-way and slow down or stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk near an intersection.
At alleys, building entrances, driveways, or private roads: Motorists must yield to pedestrians approaching on any upcoming sidewalk or walkway.

In addition, pedestrians must use sidewalks where provided. Along highways without sidewalks, pedestrians must keep on the extreme left of the road or shoulder facing oncoming traffic, and they must yield the right-of-way to approaching traffic.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Causes of pedestrian accidents in Greensboro include:

Speeding
Reckless driving, including weaving in and around traffic or driving at an excessive speed
Distracted driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Failure to stop or yield at crosswalks and intersections
Drowsy or fatigued driving
Unsafe left turns, caused when drivers focus on navigating an intersection and miss pedestrians crossing the intersection

Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Greensboro, NC Now

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Greensboro or anywhere in North Carolina, don’t wait another day to start pursuing the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free, no-obligation initial case evaluation with a knowledgeable Greensboro pedestrian accident lawyer. You can discuss the details of your accident and injuries. You will learn more about your legal rights and options.

Call or text us today or reach out online.