How Many Pedestrian Accidents Happen in North Carolina Each Year on Average?

Pedestrian accidents are some of the costliest accidents involving motor vehicles. They often involve significant injuries with equally significant medical costs. A Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney can often help seek restitution for those costs, but most people would much rather the accident never occurred. You may wonder how often pedestrian accidents happen in North Carolina.

North Carolina Pedestrian Accidents

Unfortunately, North Carolina is one of the least safe states for pedestrians, as there are around 3,000 pedestrians who are hit by vehicles each year. Sadly, around 160 of these accidents result in the death of pedestrians each year. This means that every day in North Carolina, there are around eight pedestrian accidents every day, and someone dies almost every two days.

Some of the Pedestrians Most at Risk of an Accident

One of the better ways to minimize the possibility of pedestrian accidents is to pay extra attention to those who are most vulnerable to an accident.

Some of these groups include:

• Children – In neighborhoods where children are outside playing, there is a risk of them behaving unpredictably and running into the street. Any time children are around, it’s important for drivers to exercise extra caution.
• The Elderly – Diminished vision, hearing, and mobility can put the elderly at great risk when they are near roads.
• Pedestrians Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol – When someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, everything from their vision to their judgment can be diminished.
• Pedestrians With Impairments – Pedestrians with vision issues, hearing impairments, or mobility problems can be at greater risk of not noticing a vehicle or avoiding them.
• Low-Income Area Pedestrians – Areas that generally have a lower income will tend to have roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks that aren’t as well-kept, lighted, or signed.

Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents

With the risk of a pedestrian accident so high in North Carolina, it’s important that pedestrians do what they can to avoid putting themselves at any extra risk of an accident. Generally, the most important thing you can do is make sure that you stay alert and aware of what is around you.

When you need to cross the road, it’s important that you use the designated crosswalks, as that’s where drivers will generally be more alert and aware of the possibility of someone crossing. Even so, it’s optimal to make sure that the cars have come to a stop. If you can make eye contact with the drivers, that’s helpful because it can confirm that they know that you are there.

FAQs

Q: What Restitution Is Given in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

A: A pedestrian accident claim will generally have the same restitution that is available in any personal injury claim. This means that it will cover any costs that are a result of any of the injuries that were suffered in the accident. This generally breaks down to costs covered in two categories of damages:

• Economic Damages – Things that have a clear financial cost to them are covered through economic damages. This means the medical bills that were associated with the injuries, including future medical bills in the case of serious injuries. They also cover lost wages for missed work, and if the injured party is unable to return to the same level of work as before, lost earning capacity is addressed as well.
• Non-economic Damages – The psychological and emotional impacts of an accident and injuries may not have a clear financial component, but they do have a cost. That cost is addressed through non-economic damages, where a value is given to things like pain, suffering, and mental anguish.

Q: What Is the Main Cause of Pedestrian Accidents?

A: It would be impossible to say for sure what the main cause of pedestrian accidents is, but there are certainly several factors that can often play an important role. One of these could be a lack of attention to proper driving on the part of the driver. Speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving all make the possibility of a pedestrian accident much greater.

There are factors beyond a driver’s control that can also play a significant role in a pedestrian accident. In particular, the issue of visibility. At night, and particularly during rain or snow, it can be difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially if they aren’t wearing bright reflective clothing.

Q: Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in North Carolina?

A: North Carolina pedestrians do not have the right of way in every single situation, as some crossings can be considered jaywalking. However, they do have the right of way at crosswalks, whether those crosswalks are marked or not. They also have the right of way when traffic signals tell them they are free to walk in the direction indicated.

Q: What Does a Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do?

A: A Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer can often play a crucial role in getting injured parties the compensation that they need. They will investigate the case and determine the liability for the pedestrian accident. Their attorney can then represent the pedestrian as they seek compensation, whether through a settlement or by taking the claim to court.

A Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Could Help You Get Compensation

Pedestrian accidents can be some of the most dangerous accidents that can occur on the roads. They often result in significant injuries, which can result in a number of medical bills, potentially lost wages from missing work, and a variety of psychological costs as well. These are the responsibility of whatever party is liable for the accident, although they will most likely be paid by their insurance policyholder.

Getting insurance companies to pay what they owe can often be a challenging process. Fortunately, Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyers, like those at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, have experience holding these insurance companies accountable. Whether through a negotiated settlement or in the courtroom, we represent our clients and pursue the compensation that they deserve. Contact us to discuss your accident and how we might be able to help you.