Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in North Carolina?
What are the right of way laws for pedestrians in North Carolina? In this article, we’ll answer some common questions concerning right of way laws for pedestrians in North Carolina, and how they relate to liability in pedestrian accident cases.
Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in North Carolina?
The best answer is sometimes. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), “pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections and driveways but must yield to motorists when crossing at any place other than a marked crosswalk.”
Vehicles must yield to pedestrians at any crosswalk in North Carolina, however, pedestrians must obey marked signage and instructions such as “Do Not Walk” signals.
However, all drivers must yield to pedestrians when there is a “Walk” sign, regardless of whether they have a green light, or are turning right at an intersection.
Unmarked Crosswalks
When a sidewalk ends on both sides of an intersection but there are no markings indicating a crosswalk, the crosswalk is “implied” and the pedestrian still has the right of way.
Crossing Highways
Keep in mind that pedestrians are not permitted to walk across certain roadways, such as interstate highways, except in emergency situations. Drivers have the right of way on all highways in North Carolina.
Do Pedestrians Need to Use Sidewalks in North Carolina?
Pedestrians in North Carolina are required to walk on sidewalks if they are available. If a sidewalk is not present, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
Personal Injury Claims Involving Right of Way Violations
If a vehicle violates the right of way laws in North Carolina and hits a pedestrian, that driver is liable for the accident and a personal injury claim against him or her may be filed.
Similarly, if a pedestrian violates the right of way laws, he or she may be found at fault for the accident.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can examine the facts and circumstances in your case and determine if right of way laws may have been violated by a driver or pedestrian.
IMPORTANT: If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call 1-800-525-7111 today to speak with an experienced North Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
Contributory Negligence Involving Right of Way Laws in North Carolina
In North Carolina, personal injury claims are subject to the doctrine of contributory negligence, which means that even if you are just partially responsible (even just 1 percent), you cannot recover compensation.
Situations in which a pedestrian’s actions may qualify as contributory negligence include:
- Avoiding a designated crosswalk and crossing the road elsewhere
- Crossing a highway and expecting drivers to yield
- Crossing a marked crosswalk when a “Do Not Walk” sign is indicated
- Crossing a roadway while distracted, such as while looking at your phone
“I’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident. What can I do?”
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident due to someone’s negligence, including situations in which a driver violated right of way laws, you may be entitled to compensation and you deserve justice.
We would love to help you get the compensation you deserve if we can. For a FREE consultation with an experienced North Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer, please call 1-800-525-7111.
There is no obligation and there are no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation.
“Riddle & Brantley found me all the available money from the insurance companies.”
–David Howard, Riddle & Brantley client
Please call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim.
Those who violate North Carolina’s pedestrian right of way laws should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and we would love to help protect your legal rights.