WERE YOU HIT & HURT IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT?
Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Attorney
We Will Fight for Every Cent You Deserve
Pedestrian accidents are incredibly devastating. People who are hit by cars while walking or standing near the road often sustain catastrophic injuries, and many die as a result. All too often, these accidents are entirely preventable and could have been avoided had the at-fault motorist simply paid attention or acted with reasonable care.
At Payne Law Firm, we stand up for severely injured individuals and the families of those wrongfully killed throughout North Carolina. Our Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyers provide serious representation for serious injuries and can guide you through the entire legal process. Our founding attorney, Attorney Jason E. Payne, is known for being an aggressive advocate for the injured and can take on the liable insurance company so that you can focus on healing.
We fight to maximize our clients’ recoveries. Call (704) 461-0053 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Attorney Payne today.
Are Motorists Always at Fault for Pedestrian Accidents?
While the phrase, “the pedestrian always has the right-of-way” is a common refrain, this is not necessarily true. Although motorists should take all reasonable actions to avoid hitting a person on foot, pedestrians are also required to follow certain laws.
Below, we’ve outlined some of North Carolina’s pedestrian laws, as covered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT):
- Pedestrians are required by law to obey all traffic control devices and signals. This includes “Walk/Don’t Walk” signs, red lights, stop signs, etc.
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way when they are in crosswalks. Motorists are required to slow down or stop to yield to any pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk.
- Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians when entering or exiting driveways, alleys, building entrances, parking structures, etc.
- Motorists are prohibited from overtaking other motorists who are stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross, either in a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Pedestrians crossing roadways where there is no marked crosswalk or intersection, including where there are marked pedestrian tunnels or overhead walkways, are required to yield the right-of-way to motorists.
- Pedestrians are prohibited from walking along or in roadways adjacent to a sidewalk; pedestrians must use provided sidewalks when available.
- If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians can walk in/along roadways but must stay as far to the left and facing traffic whenever possible. In such situations, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to motorists.
When pedestrians fail to follow the appropriate laws, they could be found to have acted negligently. As such, they may be determined to be partly or wholly liable for an accident, thereby barring them from recovering any compensation for their damages.
What to Do If the Insurance Company Is Trying to Blame You for a Pedestrian Accident
Because North Carolina follows the rule of contributory negligence, which is notoriously strict, anyone who is found even 1% at fault for an accident cannot recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. As such, insurance companies will often try to argue that a pedestrian was acting negligently or unlawfully and that this contributed to or caused the accident. If successful, such an argument would mean that the insurance company does not have to pay out your claim, which is good for them and terrible for you.
At Payne Law Firm, we strongly advise that you do not speak to anyone from the other person’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters may try to reach out to you to obtain a statement; you should absolutely NOT provide any verbal or written statement to the insurance company. Instead, reach out to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Charlotte as soon as possible after the accident to learn how you can protect your rights.
In many, many cases, a negligent motorist or even a bicyclist strikes an innocent pedestrian who is following the law. When this is the case, the pedestrian is entitled to seek compensation for their damages, but it is critical that they work with a knowledgeable attorney who can protect them from the insurance company’s tactics.
Client Testimonials
You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Your Injuries
Even though it is called an “accident,” that does not mean that no one is to blame. While many car accident lawyers in Houston would prefer to reach a settlement, we at Payne Law Firm are ready to take these kinds of cases to trial when necessary. We will do whatever it takes to reach the best possible result.
Injuries from car accidents can quickly become catastrophic. From fractures to traumatic brain injuries, paralysis and even death, the consequences of a car accident can be devastating. It is important to hold all negligent parties accountable.
Some clients fear they don’t have a case because they may be partially responsible. Even if that is true, you still may be entitled to compensation. In hit-and-run cases, it can be more difficult to determine compensation. However, we will thoroughly examine your case. This involves reading through the police report, talking to necessary witnesses, and checking the evidence. We will always keep you up to date on our findings and discuss how we can move forward.
What Sets Us ApArt
Serious lawyers for serious accidents
client Focused
We will help you every step of the way, providing answers to your questions and continuing to update you on the status of your case.
A History of Success
We have helped over a thousand injured individuals and families get the compensation they deserved.
Battle-Tested
We not only understand the complexities of insurance companies but know how to fight them.
Full Transparency
Our team knows the importance of your case and is committed to doing what is best for you.
