Pedestrian Accidents

Dedicated Pedestrian Accident Injury Attorneys

When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the results can be catastrophic. People on foot do not have much protection against the impact of a car, truck, SUV or commercial vehicle, and they tend to sustain serious or fatal injuries in these crashes.

Breaking down the numbers

The North Carolina Department of Transportation reports that more than 2,400 pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles in the state each year, ranking it among the most dangerous places for pedestrians in the nation. Roughly 160 pedestrians are killed in these accidents yearly, and individuals struck by a car traveling at 40 miles per hour have more than an 80 percent chance of suffering fatal injuries. Most pedestrian accidents occur during weekdays.

For its part, South Carolina regularly ranks among the top five most dangerous states for pedestrians in the country, according to statistics from the state DOT. The numbers from both states indicate just how dangerous it can be for pedestrians in our region.

Why do pedestrian accidents occur?

Pedestrian accidents may occur for a variety of reasons, with most crashes resulting from some form of negligence. The following are some of the most common issues:

• Distracted driving: Motorists who use a cell phone to talk or text often take their attention off the road for seconds at a time. This increases the likelihood that they fail to notice someone crossing the street or using a sidewalk.
• Speeding: Drivers who violate posted speed limits may find it more difficult to slow down or stop to avoid hitting a pedestrian crossing the street. All motorists must obey traffic laws and refrain from traveling at excessive speeds.
• Poor conditions: Rain, fog and other inclement weather can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Thus, it’s important that motorists be extra cautious when traveling in these conditions.
• Crossing illegally: In some cases, a pedestrian may be fully or partially at fault for an accident. People on foot must also obey the law and only cross at intersections and/or in marked crosswalks when they are available. However, drivers must avoid hitting pedestrians if there is enough time for them to do so, even if they are crossing the street illegally.

A skilled personal injury lawyer will investigate an accident and help determine who or what was likely at fault. This can make all the difference when it comes to pursuing monetary damages after a serious collision.

Speak with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer today

To learn more about your options after a pedestrian accident, meet with an experienced personal injury attorney at Wallace Law Firm, PLLC. From our offices in Charlotte, we serve injured people in North Carolina and South Carolina. Please Contact us online or call us for an initial consultation.