Hit by a Car in Durham, NC? A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You Take Back Control
When a reckless or distracted driver hits you while walking in Durham, NC, your entire life can change in an instant. Medical bills start piling up, you’re missing work, and the insurance company may already be questioning what happened—or even trying to shift blame onto you. It’s overwhelming, unfair, and the last thing you should be dealing with while trying to recover.
This is where a dedicated pedestrian accident lawyer becomes essential. At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we step in immediately to protect you from insurance pressure, preserve critical evidence, and fight for the financial recovery you need to move forward. Our team understands how devastating pedestrian collisions can be and how often victims are left without answers, support, or a clear path forward.
With deep experience handling pedestrian accident claims across Durham and the surrounding areas, we act fast to secure your rights, challenge any attempts to blame you under North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence laws, and build a strong case on your behalf. When you’re injured, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next, having the right pedestrian accident lawyer can make all the difference.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), pedestrian accidents have been on the rise in the past decade. Hundreds of pedestrians are injured or killed in traffic accidents across the state annually.
Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, using a GPS, or not paying attention may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections.
- Speeding: When drivers go too fast, they have less time to react to a person crossing the road. Speeding increases the severity of injuries in a crash.
- Failing to Yield Right-of-Way: North Carolina law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Failure to do so can result in devastating accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to see, react, and make safe decisions. Impaired driving is a leading cause of pedestrian fatalities.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents are more likely to occur at night or during inclement weather when it’s harder to see pedestrians. Drivers must use extra caution in low-visibility conditions.
- Backing Up Without Looking: Many pedestrian accidents happen in parking lots or driveways when drivers fail to check their surroundings before reversing.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do:
Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention
Your first priority should be safety. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention. The police report will be important evidence in your pedestrian accident case.
Even if your injuries seem minor, you should get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Get Information from the Driver
If possible, get the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. This information will be important later for filing a claim or lawsuit.
Take Pictures and Talk to Witnesses
Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, traffic signals, crosswalks, and any damage to the vehicle. If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their name and contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable statements that support your case.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The sooner you contact a pedestrian accident lawyer, the better. An experienced lawyer can help you preserve evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and begin building your case right away.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Our pedestrian accident lawyers take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. Here’s how our legal team can help you.
Gathering Evidence
We will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident. This includes:
- Reviewing police reports
- Obtaining surveillance footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Analyzing traffic camera footage
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful claim. We work quickly to collect and preserve it before it’s lost or destroyed.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements or denying valid claims. We deal with the insurance adjusters on your behalf, using the evidence we’ve gathered to negotiate a fair settlement. We won’t let the insurance company take advantage of you.
Representing You in a Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and will fight tirelessly to obtain the compensation you need to move forward.
Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrian accident victims can recover damages for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. A pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm will pursue full compensation on your behalf.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills can add up quickly after a pedestrian accident. Compensation may cover:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries and procedures
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
We work with your healthcare providers and medical experts to ensure all your current and future medical needs are considered.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income. In cases where a pedestrian is unable to return to their job or work in the same capacity as before, compensation can also include future loss of earning potential. We’ll gather documentation from your employer and vocational experts to support your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and emotional trauma you experience as a result of the accident. This can include:
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Unlike economic damages, pain and suffering damages are more subjective, but a skilled attorney will present a compelling argument for appropriate compensation.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
If the accident caused a lasting injury, such as paralysis, amputation, or significant scarring, you deserve compensation for the lifelong impact. These types of injuries can drastically change your daily life and may require long-term care, home modifications, or assistive devices.
Punitive Damages
North Carolina law allows for punitive damages if the at-fault driver’s behavior was especially reckless, such as drunk driving. These damages are meant to punish the defendant. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will determine if your case qualifies and pursue punitive damages where appropriate.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is an unimaginable tragedy. If someone else’s negligence caused the fatal accident, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in North Carolina.
A wrongful death claim seeks to hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial relief for the family’s losses, including funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional suffering of losing a loved one.
In North Carolina, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, which is usually a close family member. The compensation awarded in these cases can benefit the deceased’s spouse, children, or other heirs.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers provide compassionate support and aggressive legal representation to help your family seek justice during this incredibly difficult time.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents
How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost?
At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay any upfront costs, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. If we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or trial, our fee will be a percentage of that amount.
We also offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in speaking with an attorney about your situation.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation.
For wrongful death cases, the time limit is generally two years from the date of death. It’s important to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin working on your case and ensure all deadlines are met.
Will my pedestrian accident case go to court?
Many pedestrian accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Our attorneys are experienced litigators who will fight for your best interests every step of the way, whether through negotiation or trial.
Why Choose Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?
We understand how devastating a pedestrian accident can be. At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we treat every case with compassion, respect, and urgency. Here’s what we offer:
- Personal attention: We take the time to understand your situation, support you throughout the process, and keep you informed.
- Aggressive representation: We fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation.
- Experience: We have extensive experience representing traffic accident victims in North Carolina.
- Free consultations: Discuss your case for free with no obligation.
We are committed to helping injured pedestrians get the justice they deserve. Whether through settlement or trial, we will stand by your side every step of the way.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you contact a pedestrian accident lawyer, the stronger your case will be. At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and options.
Let us handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery. Call 864-561-6247 today or complete our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation.
