Raleigh Pedestrian Accident Attorney

What Causes North Carolina Pedestrian Accidents?

Every accident is unique, and there are as many potential causes of pedestrian accidents as there are drivers on the road. Some of the most common reasons are provided below.

Distracted Driver and Pedestrians

Both drivers and pedestrians have a lot of distractions that can cause them to take their eyes off the road. Common distractions are the same for both: cell phones or other electronics, child, and eating.  

Impaired Drivers and Pedestrians

Impaired driving is much more common than impaired pedestrians, but just the same, being impaired by chemical substances, like alcohol and drugs, can affect safe driving and walking. A driver may sway into another lane or come to a stop too late. A pedestrian may cross the road when they shouldn't. Any kind of impairment can create conditions for an accident.

Recklessness

Both drivers and pedestrians should refrain from recklessness. A driver who speeds, fails to follow traffic rules, or disregards the presence of potential pedestrians can cause a serious accident. Pedestrians, likewise, should not, for example, cross streets without using walk ways or when the light is not green for them to cross.

Impatience

Drivers who are impatient may speed or try to whip around pedestrians who are crossing the street. Pedestrians can be impatient, too, and like already mentioned above, may try to cross the street where and when they are not permitted to do so.

Dark Clothes at Night

When pedestrians wear dark clothes at night and are on or near the road, drivers may not be able to see them until it is too late. Even where the road is illuminated by street lamps or traffic lights, seeing a pedestrian at night remains difficult if in dark clothes.  

Road Construction

Road construction is a real hazard. Drivers are typically alerted to pay special attention. Pedestrians are often forced to walk around the construction area, and this may mean walking into or close to roadways.

Road Conditions

How a road is engineered, designed, or otherwise constructed can make life difficult for both drivers and pedestrians. A pedestrian may not be viewable by a driver around certain bends in the road or on hilly roads. Wet road conditions, rundown roads, and the like can also make it dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians.

Bad Weather

Rain, snow, sleet, wind, and more bad weather conditions can make it treacherous to drive and walk on or near roads. Visibility may be affected. Road conditions can get messy and dangerous. Drivers and pedestrians seeking to get out of bad weather may become impatient or reckless in their efforts. Under North Carolina law, a driver has a duty to operate his or her vehicle in a reasonable manner and speed taking into consideration the weather. 

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries in North Carolina

The central motivation behind awarding monetary damages to pedestrian accident victims is to make them as whole as possible, or to restore them to the financial position they were in before the accident. As such, there are a number of different things that a victim might receive compensation for after an accident. 

For example, victims with expensive medical bills might receive compensation for the latter as well as for transportation costs to and from the doctor's office. Further, if those injuries prevented the victim from working, the injured party may also be eligible to receive compensation for the wages that they weren't able to earn. These are all known as economic damages, meaning the actual costs of your recovery is compensable.

A victim of a pedestrian accident could also receive monetary damages to compensate for the physical pain and mental or emotional suffering they experience because of their injuries. These compensable damages are known as non-economic because the monetary value requires some calculation and determination.

Why Hire a North Carolina Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

After a pedestrian accident, it is important to understand that your insurance company may not always have your best interests in mind. They are businesses first and foremost, which means that their goal is to pay out as little as they are legally obligated to do. It's true of the at-fault party's insurance company, too. In fact, insurance companies notoriously use manipulation and intimidation as ways to reduce or avoid settlement. 

To make sure your insurance company or the at-fault party's insurance company settles for a value that makes sense in your unique situation, you likely need a pedestrian accident lawyer. Your lawyer can help you through the process and act as your advocate, negotiating and arguing on your behalf so that you get what is right and just. Plus, if the insurance company still refuses to pay what is fair, your attorney can take the matter to trial

Contact Posch Law Firm in North Carolina Today

Hiring a pedestrian accident attorney from Posch Law Firm gives you someone in your corner who has the necessary experience to be able to accurately assess the value of your case and then fight on your behalf for fair compensation. To schedule a Free Consultation about your accident, contact us online or by calling (910) 817-6284.