Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident?
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable population on Jacksonville’s roads. In 2015 (the most recent year data is available), 37 pedestrian accidents occurred in Onslow County, North Carolina. No pedestrian escaped unscathed from collisions that year. Thirty suffered non-fatal injuries, while seven passed away. At Riddle & Brantley, our pedestrian accident lawyers believe that just one pedestrian death is too many. Let us help you fight for justice after a pedestrian accident.
Injured in Jacksonville? Contact Us Today!
Who Is at Fault for Your Accident?
Other drivers are most often at fault, or liable, for pedestrian accidents. This might be the case if a driver struck you while ignoring the right-of-way, running a red light, speeding, drunk driving, texting and driving, or driving while drowsy. If a reasonable and prudent driver would have seen you crossing the road and stopped, the driver who struck you could be guilty of negligence.
There is a chance, however, that the city of Jacksonville or the state of North Carolina at least shares liability for your accident. If the street, intersection, or crosswalk you were on had a dangerous design or defect such as a broken stoplight, the city could be liable for poor roadway maintenance. A product manufacturer could be liable if something like bad brakes caused the driver to crash into you. Your case might require a legal investigation to determine liability.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
North Carolina is an at-fault, or tort-based, insurance state. What does this mean as an injured pedestrian? You have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Here’s what to do after your accident:
- Get the name, phone number, license plate, and insurance information of the driver that struck you. Take photographs of the scene of the collision and your injuries, if possible.
- Do not admit fault or apologize to the driver, although you should remain calm and polite. The driver could misconstrue an apology as an admittance of guilt. Do tell the truth.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries. Common pedestrian accident injuries include lacerations, bruising, broken bones, brain injuries, and spine injuries.
- Once you’ve sought medical attention for your injuries, call the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Follow the directions to reporting the accident.
- Hire an attorney to help you protect your rights. A lawyer can make sure the at-fault driver’s insurer doesn’t take advantage of you or treat your claim unfairly.
If a driver struck you and ran, you can likely still recover compensation. Insurance laws in North Carolina require that drivers carry uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. This type of insurance will cover your losses after a hit-and-run.
Do You Need an Attorney?
Victims in vehicle-pedestrian collisions can benefit from legal representation. Pedestrians always suffer the worst of the injuries in these types of accidents. The at-fault driver’s insurance company, however, may try to downplay injuries or deny the claim based on a formality. Having an attorney taking over communications with insurers on your behalf can help make sure you get a fair settlement.
Although our firm can settle most personal injury cases without needing a trial, we aren’t scared to take insurance companies and other defendants to court in pursuit of full compensation. The ability to go to court with confidence is another benefit of hiring an attorney. Our North Carolina pedestrian accident lawyers will walk you through the entire legal process from start to finish.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
You need a personal injury lawyer if you suffered serious injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, head or brain injuries, or injuries to the spinal cord. When in doubt, contact us to find out how we might be able to help. We’ll teach you your rights and options during a free legal consultation in Jacksonville. We can also give you an estimate of what your claim could be worth. If we decide to take on your case, we can start the filing process immediately.