Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement - Find Out Here if You Qualify.
Free Injury Consultation Call for family law consultation rates
Español Tap to Call(800) 811-9495

pedestrian accidentDrivers in Raleigh must take reasonable measures to avoid injuring pedestrians. When they fail to do so, and you are injured as a result, you could be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, lost pay, pain, suffering, and other losses.

As experienced personal injury attorneys, we know that pedestrian accidents can result in devastating injuries, disability, or loss of life. Insurance companies for the at-fault motorist are not on your side, but we are. The Raleigh pedestrian accident lawyers of Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks are ready to fight to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Before you talk to an insurance adjuster, contact the Raleigh pedestrian accident attorneys at Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks. We want you to focus on healing from your injuries while we pursue financial recovery and justice. The consultation is completely free and confidential.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in North Carolina

Your health is the top priority after any kind of pedestrian accident. If you have not seen a healthcare provider, please do so immediately. Some injuries take time for symptoms to develop, and delaying medical care might create a more severe condition. Insurance companies will also try to devalue a claim if there is a gap in treatment.

Here are other actions to take after a pedestrian accident in Raleigh:

  • Follow through with your doctor and attend all appointments and sessions as prescribed.
  • Keep copies of your medical bills, test results, hospital invoices, prescription costs, and other proof of your injuries and medical treatment.
  • Start a post-accident journal, noting your daily pain levels and what you remember before, during, and after the accident.
  • Gather evidence and documents, such as a copy of the police report, names and phone numbers of potential witnesses, and photos of your injuries.
  • Avoid talking to the insurance adjuster or accepting any insurance money until you can consult with an attorney.
  • Contact our dedicated Raleigh pedestrian injury lawyers who can protect your rights and negotiate with the insurance company.
Free Injury Consultation Contact Us Today

Why Choose Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks as Your Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

At Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks, we focus on helping injured accident victims seek the compensation they need to pay for medical care, lost income, and the pain and suffering that accompanies a personal injury.

There are additional benefits for you when you work with our pedestrian accident attorneys. You’ll get:

  • Experienced litigators with a deep understanding of personal injury law in North Carolina
  • Award-winning law firm known for high standards of conduct, ethics, diligence, and reliability
  • Results-oriented lawyers who fight for full and fair compensation
  • Personalized client service with easy accessibility to your designated legal team
  • Free initial consultation
  • Contingency fee arrangement, where you pay attorney fees only if we obtain money for you
  • Fluent Spanish-speaking attorneys and support staff

How Can Our Attorneys Help with Your Pedestrian Accident?

A Raleigh pedestrian accident lawyer with Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks can help with many types of pedestrian accidents, including:

North Carolina Pedestrian Law

North Carolina has laws that apply to pedestrians. Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections and crosswalks but must yield to motorists when crossing in places other than marked ones.

Here are other rules and responsibilities that apply to pedestrians:

  • Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks whenever available and cross at right angles to the curb. If there are traffic signals at an intersection, pedestrians should follow those signals.
  • Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available. If there is no sidewalk, they should walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
  • Pedestrians must obey pedestrian traffic signals. They cannot cross on a “Do Not Walk” signal, but they may complete their crossing to the other side or a safe island if this signal starts blinking midway across.
  • When emergency vehicles with activated lights and sirens approach, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way and move to a safe location until the emergency vehicle passes.
  • Pedestrians should not step off a curb suddenly into the path of a moving vehicle, enter a roadway if it creates an immediate hazard, or walk along highways where pedestrians are prohibited.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?

In a pedestrian accident, several parties can be held responsible, depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. Here are some examples:

  • Driver – The most common party responsible for a pedestrian accident is the driver of a vehicle involved in the crash. If the driver was negligent, reckless, intoxicated, distracted, speeding, or violated traffic or safety laws and caused the accident, they could be held accountable. In most cases, the driver’s auto liability insurance covers the losses.
  • Vehicle owner – In certain situations, the owner of the vehicle that hit the pedestrian could be held responsible. For example, this could occur if the owner allowed an unfit or unlicensed driver to operate their car or if the vehicle was improperly maintained and its condition contributed to the accident.
  • Government entities – Government entities, such as municipalities or transportation departments, could be held responsible in some circumstances. If they fail to maintain safe road conditions or neglect to address hazardous conditions that led to the accident, such as poorly designed intersections, inadequate signage, or lack of proper pedestrian infrastructure, they could be liable.
  • Vehicle or parts manufacturers – In rare cases, a pedestrian accident may occur due to a vehicle defect or faulty parts. In such instances, the vehicle’s manufacturer, distributor, or seller of defective parts may be liable for the accident.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons, including these examples:

  • Distracted driving – One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is drivers being distracted by activities other than driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or talking to passengers.
  • Failure to yield – Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, or while making turns.
  • Speeding – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time and increases the severity of injuries sustained by pedestrians in a collision.
  • Impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs significantly impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents.
  • Poor visibility – Low lighting conditions, inadequate street lighting, and inclement weather reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of accidents.
  • Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure – Lack of sidewalks, poorly designed crosswalks, and insufficient pedestrian signage or signals can contribute to accidents.
  • Drowsy drivers – Fatigued drivers have slowed reaction times, decreased attention, and impaired judgment, making them more prone than alert drivers to causing accidents involving pedestrians.
  • Aggressive driving – Reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, aggressive overtaking, running red lights, and disregarding traffic laws can endanger pedestrians.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

In a pedestrian accident, the types and severity of injuries can vary depending on several factors, such as the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, the type of vehicle, and the overall circumstances of the accident. Here are some of the most common injuries that pedestrians may sustain in collisions:

  • Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant concern in pedestrian accidents, especially if the pedestrian’s head strikes the ground, the vehicle, or another object. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can have long-lasting effects on cognitive abilities and motor functions.
  • Spinal cord injuries – The force of impact can cause spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation in various body parts. Spinal injuries can have life-altering consequences, affecting mobility and requiring extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation.
  • Broken bones – Pedestrians often suffer broken bones, including fractures in the arms, legs, hips, and pelvis. The impact of the collision can lead to significant force being applied to the skeletal system, resulting in fractures.
  • Internal injuries – The force of a pedestrian accident can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding is also a potential risk, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
  • Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions – Pedestrians may sustain cuts, lacerations, and abrasions from contact with vehicles or the ground. These injuries can range from minor cuts that require stitches to deep lacerations that may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
  • Soft tissue injuries – Pedestrians often suffer injuries to soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can include sprains, strains, contusions, and deep tissue damage, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
  • Psychological trauma – Pedestrian accidents can cause psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks personal injury law team

Contact Our Raleigh Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you could be entitled to money for medical expenses, lost pay, pain, suffering, and other losses related to your physical and emotional injuries. The Raleigh personal injury lawyers with Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks have the experience to help you pursue compensation while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Contact us for a free consultation today.

Contact us Today
(800) 811-9495|(919) 661-9000
Awards & Memberships