Your Life Changed When a Driver Hit You
Being hit by a car is a life-changing experience, and the injuries from a pedestrian accident can be severe and overwhelming. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress that affects both them and their families. At NC Injury Law, we understand how frightening and confusing this time can be.
Our team of dedicated attorneys works tirelessly to advocate for pedestrians who have been injured through no fault of their own. From gathering evidence and working with medical experts to negotiating with insurance companies, a North Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm fights to hold negligent drivers accountable.
The Struggles Injured Pedestrians Face
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the results are almost always severe. Pedestrians have absolutely no physical protection against thousands of pounds of metal and force. There are no crumple zones, no safety features, and no barriers between a person’s body and the impact.
The injuries pedestrians suffer are often life-changing. Victims may face traumatic brain injuries that affect memory and personality, multiple fractures that need surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, spinal cord damage that causes paralysis or chronic pain, and internal organ injuries that require emergency surgery.
The financial toll is staggering. Hospital bills pile up quickly, and many pedestrian accident victims need ongoing physical therapy, specialist care, and adaptive equipment just to return to daily activities.
Why Trust NC Injury Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
The pedestrian accident lawyer you choose can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. At NC Injury Law, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up for accident victims across North Carolina. We’ve taken on insurance companies that try to minimize serious injuries and secured substantial compensation for the people we represent.
$50 Million Recovered
Our law firm has recovered more than $50 million for North Carolina accident victims, including significant settlements and verdicts in pedestrian accident cases. When insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, we are ready to take your case to trial. That willingness to go to court gives our clients real leverage during settlement negotiations.
Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Our team at NC Injury Law has handled all types of pedestrian accidents: crosswalk accidents where drivers failed to yield, parking lot incidents, hit-and-run crashes, distracted driving accidents, drunk driving collisions, and accidents in poorly lit areas. We understand the specific dangers pedestrians face on North Carolina’s streets and how to prove driver negligence.
No Fees Unless We Win
Every case we handle is on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t pay a single dollar upfront. No retainer fees, no hourly billing, no out-of-pocket costs for investigations or expert witnesses. Our pedestrian accident lawyers only get paid when we successfully recover compensation for you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
How a North Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps You
After being struck by a vehicle, the recovery process can feel impossible to manage on your own. Between doctor appointments, physical therapy, and trying to pay bills while you’re unable to work, the last thing you need is to battle an insurance company. A pedestrian accident lawyer from NC Injury Law takes that burden off your shoulders. We protect your rights, fight for full compensation, and handle every aspect of the legal process while you focus on getting better.
Gathering Evidence for a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Building a strong case requires detailed, compelling evidence that shows exactly how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Your pedestrian accident lawyer collects police reports, photographs from the accident scene, witness statements, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras to create a complete picture of what happened.
At NC Injury Law, we bring in specialists who strengthen pedestrian accident claims:
- Accident Reconstruction Experts – Professionals who analyze the crash scene, vehicle damage, and other evidence to demonstrate how the driver caused your injuries.
- Medical Experts – Doctors who thoroughly document your injuries and calculate the full cost of your medical care, both current and future.
A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Stands Up to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained to pay out as little as possible. They may contact you quickly after the accident, hoping to get a recorded statement they can use against you later. They might offer a fast settlement that sounds reasonable, but falls far short of covering your actual damages. A pedestrian accident lawyer from NC Injury Law handles every conversation with insurance companies so you don’t have to worry about saying something that could hurt your case.
We carefully review every settlement offer, explain what it really means for your future, and negotiate aggressively to pursue compensation that truly reflects your medical expenses, lost income, and long-term needs.
Trial-Ready Representation if a Case Doesn’t Settle
Most cases settle without going to trial, but a skilled pedestrian accident attorney prepares every case as if it will end up before a judge and jury. At NC Injury Law, we don’t back down from litigation when it’s necessary. Insurance companies take us seriously because they know we’re not afraid to take them to court, and that knowledge often leads to better settlement offers for our clients.
What Compensation Can a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Demand?
The losses you face after being hit by a vehicle can be overwhelming and far-reaching. A pedestrian accident lawyer at NC Injury Law will work to document all your damages, from emergency treatment to emotional trauma and lifelong limitations.
Our mission is to help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Medical Expenses
This covers emergency room treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, and all follow-up care. A pedestrian accident attorney carefully documents your medical expenses and consults with healthcare experts to project the costs of any future treatment you’ll need.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
Injuries from a pedestrian accident can keep you out of work for extended periods, and severe injuries may prevent you from returning to your previous job at all. A lawyer calculates not just the paychecks you’ve already missed, but also your reduced ability to earn income in the future and the impact on your overall career trajectory.
Pain and Suffering
A pedestrian accident lawyer fights for compensation that recognizes your physical and emotional pain, not just the financial losses. This includes chronic pain from injuries that never fully heal, emotional distress and anxiety about being near traffic, PTSD and nightmares about the accident, and depression resulting from permanent limitations or disabilities.
Permanent Disability and Disfigurement
Some pedestrian accidents leave victims with permanent changes to their lives and bodies. This can include mobility limitations, nerve damage that causes ongoing numbness or weakness, amputations, or visible scarring. Your lawyer works to demonstrate how these permanent injuries affect every aspect of your daily life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where a driver’s behavior was especially reckless or intentional—such as drunk driving, extreme speeding, or deliberately ignoring traffic laws—North Carolina courts may award punitive damages. These damages go beyond compensation.
A pedestrian accident lawyer can assess whether your case qualifies for this additional recovery.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in North Carolina
The moments after being hit by a vehicle can be confusing and frightening. You may be in shock, badly injured, or uncertain about what to do next. While every situation is unique, taking certain actions early on can protect both your health and your legal rights. If you’re physically able, the following steps can make a real difference in your pedestrian accident case.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional right away. Some injuries like internal bleeding, head trauma, or spinal damage may not show symptoms immediately, but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Call the Police and File a Report
Make sure law enforcement comes to the scene and creates an official accident report. This document provides an independent record of what happened and can be critical evidence later, especially if there’s any dispute about how the accident occurred or who was at fault.
Gather Information and Evidence
If you’re able, take photos or videos of the vehicle that hit you, your visible injuries, the exact location where you were struck, traffic signals or crosswalks, and any road conditions that may be relevant. Get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their names and phone numbers.
Watch What You Say
Don’t apologize or make any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. When talking to the driver or their insurance company, stick to basic facts only. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without speaking to a pedestrian accident lawyer first.
Document Everything
Keep every medical bill, prescription receipt, and record of appointments. Save documentation of any wages you’ve lost because of your injuries. It can also be helpful to keep a journal describing your pain levels, limitations, and how the injuries are affecting your ability to work, sleep, or do things you used to enjoy.
Speak With a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Consulting with an experienced attorney as soon as possible helps you understand your rights and options. A pedestrian accident lawyer can take over communication with insurance companies, preserve important evidence, and guide you through each step of the legal process while you concentrate on your recovery.
Understanding Pedestrian Rights in North Carolina
Right-of-Way in Crosswalks – North Carolina law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections.
Driver Duty to Exercise Care – Drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, regardless of whether the pedestrian has the right-of-way. Even if you were jaywalking, drivers must still try to avoid striking you.
Hit-and-Run Laws – Drivers who flee after hitting a pedestrian face criminal charges. We work with law enforcement to identify hit-and-run drivers and pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage when drivers flee.
Our legal team understands pedestrian safety laws and is dedicated to holding careless drivers accountable.
North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule
North Carolina follows one of the strictest legal standards in the country when it comes to accident claims. Under the contributory negligence rule, if you’re found to be even 1% responsible for your accident, you lose your right to recover any compensation whatsoever.
This harsh rule makes it essential to work with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer who can build a strong case proving the driver’s complete fault. Insurance companies know about this rule and will look for any reason to place even partial blame on you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
What is my pedestrian accident case worth?
Every pedestrian accident case is unique, and there’s no simple formula to determine its value. The worth of your case depends on several factors: how severe your injuries are, the total cost of your medical treatment, the ongoing impact on your life, and more. A lawyer can evaluate the details of your situation and give you a realistic assessment of what compensation you may be able to recover.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you typically have three years after a pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. If the deadline passes, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation.
Reaching out to a pedestrian accident attorney sooner rather than later ensures that important deadlines aren’t missed and evidence can be preserved while it’s still fresh.
What if my loved one died in a pedestrian accident?
Losing a family member in a pedestrian accident is heartbreaking, and no amount of money can replace that person or ease your grief. However, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral and burial costs, the income your loved one would have provided, and the loss of companionship and guidance.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A North Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer at NC Injury Law can help protect your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process. Our team has recovered over $50 million for clients across the state.
We listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call (800) 800-8000 or fill out our online form today for a free case review.
