As the population of Raleigh, North Carolina continues to grow, so too does the number of pedestrians navigating its busy streets. With areas like downtown Raleigh, North Hills, and NCSU attracting high foot traffic, pedestrian safety has become an increasingly important issue. Unfortunately, accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles are on the rise, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. RHD Legal, a local law firm with massive experience in personal injury cases, is here to represent pedestrians who have been injured due to the negligence of drivers. Our firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of pedestrians and helping them recover the compensation they deserve.
Raleigh Pedestrian Laws: What You Need to Know
Understanding the laws that protect pedestrians in Raleigh is crucial if you’ve been involved in an accident. North Carolina, like most states, has specific rules that govern the interaction between pedestrians and motor vehicles. Here are some key aspects of Raleigh’s pedestrian laws that both pedestrians and drivers should know:
1. Pedestrian Right of Way in Crosswalks
Under North Carolina General Statutes § 20-173, vehicles must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. This means that if a pedestrian steps into a crosswalk, the driver must stop and allow the pedestrian to cross safely. However, pedestrians also have the responsibility to exercise caution and avoid stepping into the path of an oncoming vehicle that does not have enough time to stop.
2. Unmarked Crosswalks at Intersections
Many intersections in Raleigh lack clearly marked crosswalks, but pedestrians still have the right of way. North Carolina law treats intersections as implicit crosswalks, where drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians who are crossing. Pedestrians should remain vigilant when crossing at these locations, as drivers may not always be aware of their legal obligation to stop.
3. Mid-block Crossings
Pedestrians are generally required to cross streets at designated crosswalks. If a pedestrian crosses a street mid-block, outside of a crosswalk, they must yield to traffic. In busy urban areas like downtown Raleigh, jaywalking is a common issue that can result in accidents. While pedestrians may still be entitled to some legal protections, their failure to use a designated crossing area can complicate personal injury claims, especially under North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Raleigh
Accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles can happen for a variety of reasons, but some causes are more common in Raleigh than others. These include:
1. Distracted Driving
With the rise of smartphones and in-car technology, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, using GPS, or adjusting their radio may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections, leading to devastating accidents.
2. Speeding
Speeding drivers pose a significant threat to pedestrians, particularly in urban areas where pedestrians are more common. In Raleigh, speed limits in densely populated areas are often ignored, and speeding drivers have less time to stop or avoid pedestrians, increasing the risk of serious injuries.
3. Failure to Yield
Despite clear laws, many drivers in Raleigh fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks. This can occur at both marked and unmarked crosswalks and is a frequent cause of accidents.
4. Poor Visibility
Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur at night or during inclement weather when visibility is reduced. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing or crossing streets with poor lighting are at higher risk of being struck by vehicles.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection pedestrians have compared to drivers and passengers in vehicles. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even low-speed collisions can cause serious head injuries if a pedestrian is knocked to the ground or strikes a vehicle.
- Spinal cord injuries: Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles may suffer spinal cord damage, potentially leading to paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures: The force of being hit by a car often results in broken bones, especially in the legs, hips, and arms.
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs can occur when a pedestrian is struck by a car, sometimes leading to life-threatening conditions.
Raleigh’s Contributory Negligence Rule: A Challenge for Pedestrians
North Carolina is one of the few states that follow a contributory negligence rule, which can make it difficult for injured pedestrians to recover compensation. Under this rule, if a pedestrian is found even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation. For example, if a pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing against a light when the accident occurred, the driver’s insurance company may argue that the pedestrian shares some of the blame.
At RHD Legal, we understand how to handle the complexities of North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule. Our attorneys work diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case that shows the driver’s negligence was the primary cause of the accident. We fight to ensure that our clients are not unfairly blamed for accidents caused by negligent drivers.
How RHD Legal Fights for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Raleigh
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Raleigh, RHD Legal is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our firm provides comprehensive legal services, including:
1. Thorough Investigation
We start by conducting a thorough investigation of your accident. This includes gathering police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and any other evidence that can help build a strong case in your favor. We also work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to prove liability.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims by blaming the pedestrian for the accident. At RHD Legal, we have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that our clients receive fair compensation for their injuries. We handle all communication with the insurance company, so you can focus on your recovery.
3. Maximizing Compensation
Pedestrian accidents can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to maximize the compensation you receive by carefully documenting all of your damages, including future medical costs and long-term impacts of your injuries.
4. Litigation Support
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. RHD Legal has a track record of successfully representing injured pedestrians in court, and we are committed to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.
Contact RHD Legal After a Pedestrian Accident in Raleigh
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Raleigh, don’t wait to get legal help. RHD Legal is here to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Contact us today at 919-246-4001 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the justice you deserve.
