Being hit by a car as a pedestrian can leave you facing devastating injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. But you don’t have to go through this alone. If a driver’s negligence caused your accident in the Wilmington area, a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Donaldson Law, our Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyer helps injury victims recover damages and justice after being hit. We’ll thoroughly investigate your accident, build a strong claim proving fault, and fight relentlessly against insurance companies to get you properly compensated.
Don’t go through this difficult process alone – contact us now for dedicated legal representation. We’re here to help you obtain a favorable outcome.
NC Pedestrian Accident Laws – What Drivers and Walkers Must Know
North Carolina traffic laws establish the right-of-way rules that protect pedestrians across the state. Under NC statutes, vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Drivers must also exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on any part of the roadway.
Failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in North Carolina can result in traffic citations and civil liability if an injury occurs. Understanding these traffic laws regarding walkers can help determine fault after an accident. An experienced attorney knows how to leverage NC’s pedestrian statutes to prove negligence in an injury claim.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Wilmington
While pedestrians have the legal right-of-way in North Carolina, accidents still happen far too often. According to data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, over 3,000 pedestrians are injured annually statewide.
Some common causes of pedestrian collisions in the Wilmington area include:
- Speeding – Drivers going too fast to stop safely.
- Distraction – Drivers not paying attention to the road.
- Failure to yield – Not respecting the pedestrian’s right-of-way.
- Impaired driving – Drunk or drugged driving leading to slow reaction times.
- Poor lighting – Making pedestrians difficult to see at night.
An experienced Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyer can perform a thorough investigation and determine what factors led to your collision. Identifying the at-fault party is key to securing the compensation you deserve.
Serious Injuries Suffered in Wilmington Pedestrian Accidents
The human body simply wasn’t meant to withstand the impact of a car or truck.
Pedestrian accidents often lead to traumatic injuries, including:
- Fractures – Broken leg, arm, hip, or ankle bones.
- Spinal cord damage – Impaired movement/paralysis.
- Head trauma – Concussions, bleeding, brain damage.
- Internal organ damage – Lungs, heart, liver.
- Wrongful death – The worst outcome in a fatality.
In addition to immediate trauma, chronic pain, expensive medical treatment, and lasting disabilities frequently stem from pedestrian collisions. An attorney can help you recover damages for all of these losses.
After a Pedestrian Accident in Wilmington – First Steps to Take
In the aftermath of an accident, contact the Wilmington Police Department to file an official report. Seek any necessary medical treatment right away, as delays can negatively impact your claim.
As soon as you are able to do so, call a skilled pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer will launch an independent investigation, interview witnesses, obtain video evidence, and establish legal liability. They can also coordinate medical care, communicate with insurance companies, and manage your claim every step of the way.
Don’t settle with an insurance provider before consulting with legal counsel first. Their initial offers usually undervalue pedestrian accident claims. An attorney can negotiate for full and fair compensation.
Proving Liability in Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Securing fair compensation starts with demonstrating the at-fault driver’s legal liability. A skilled Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to establish negligence through various methods, such as:
- Analyzing police reports from officers who responded to the scene.
- Interviewing eyewitnesses who saw the collision occur.
- Obtaining video footage from nearby security cameras or dash cams.
- Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists.
- Reviewing data from the vehicle’s black box and electronic systems.
- Applying North Carolina’s statutes on right-of-way and pedestrian laws.
- Determining if the driver violated traffic laws or ordinances.
Thorough investigation and documentation ensure we build the strongest argument to place fault on the negligent motorist and win damages for your injuries and losses.
Potential Compensation Available in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
It’s difficult to estimate an “average” payout for a pedestrian accident claim, as the amount of compensation depends on several unique factors, like the severity of your injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, and the number of responsible parties.
Rather than an average settlement value, it’s best to have an attorney analyze the unique details of your pedestrian accident claim when estimating potential payouts.
However, generally speaking, if someone else’s negligence caused your pedestrian injuries, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, which can include:
- Medical expenses – Emergency, hospital, physical therapy.
- Future treatment – Ongoing rehab, surgery, medication.
- Lost income – Wages missed while recovering.
- Loss of future earning capacity – For permanent disabilities.
- Pain and suffering – For trauma and reduced quality of life.
An accomplished pedestrian accident lawyer will fight tirelessly to help you recover every dollar owed so you can focus on healing, not daunting medical bills. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Why Work With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Wilmington?
Handling a pedestrian injury claim on your own against experienced insurance adjusters can feel intimidating and overwhelming. A knowledgeable lawyer levels the playing field and handles every aspect of the process for you while you recover from the trauma.
Our attorney can deal directly with insurers, so you don’t have to. We know how to address common tactics used to try and minimize valid claims and will fight back on your behalf. If a settlement can’t be reached through negotiations, an attorney won’t hesitate to take the case to court and trial if warranted.
Don’t go it alone — contact the injury law firm of Donaldson Law PLLC today for dedicated representation. Our attorney has extensive experience handling claims resulting from driver negligence in the Wilmington area. We’ll determine exactly who is at fault and work tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses. You deserve experienced legal counsel fighting for justice on your side. Contact us now to learn more.
