Pedestrian accidents are all-too-common in large cities, such as Charlotte, North Carolina. These incidents can result in serious injuries and complex legal challenges for victims. Understanding your legal rights and knowing what actions to take after an accident can have a significant impact on your recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Charlotte
- Distracted Driving: Motorists texting, talking on the phone, or focusing on GPS directions can overlook someone in a crosswalk.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Busy intersections near Uptown, diluted street signage, and aggressive driving in school zones all contribute to a higher risk.
- Inadequate Crosswalks and Poor Lighting: Many Charlotte neighborhoods lack clear crosswalks, adequate lighting, or proper pedestrian signals, increasing nighttime dangers.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers often rush through crosswalks or turn without checking for pedestrians, leading to avoidable tragedies.
Your Legal Rights as a Pedestrian in North Carolina
- Contributory Negligence: While North Carolina does follow contributory negligence standards, the law still requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care elsewhere.
- Pursuing Compensation: Pedestrian accident victims can seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future rehab, and more.
What To Do If You’re Hit as a Pedestrian in Charlotte
- Call 911 Immediately: Get medical attention, no matter how minor injuries seem.
- Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, the driver’s vehicle, license plate, and surrounding scene. Gather the names and contact information of witnesses.
- File a Police Report: This official record is critical for your claim.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Experienced legal counsel can help preserve evidence, guide your claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian accident claims in Charlotte can be complex, but don’t let the legal process overwhelm you. An experienced local attorney will fight to protect your rights every step of the way. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact us today by submitting our form or giving us a call at 704-333-1114.