North Carolina
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Injured While Walking in North Carolina? Here's What You Need to Know.
Pedestrian accidents are on the rise across North Carolina — from city streets and school zones to suburban intersections and rural roads. If you were struck by a vehicle while walking, you’re likely dealing with serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and questions about your legal rights.
At RHD Legal, we help victims of pedestrian accidents understand their options and pursue full compensation under North Carolina law. Whether your accident involved a car, truck, bicycle, or even a government vehicle, we’re here to investigate, advocate, and get you the justice you deserve.
What Is Considered a Pedestrian Accident in North Carolina?
A pedestrian accident involves a collision between a person on foot and a moving vehicle. This can include passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or even electric scooters. Because pedestrians have no physical protection, they often suffer the most serious injuries when an accident occurs.
Many of these incidents result from driver negligence, but fault can also lie with poorly maintained roads, inadequate lighting, or defective vehicle components. Regardless of the cause, these accidents often lead to long recovery periods, high medical expenses, and emotional trauma for victims and their families.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?
In North Carolina, liability in pedestrian accidents can extend to more than just the driver:
Negligent Drivers – including distracted, impaired, or speeding motorists
Employers – if the driver was operating a company vehicle on the job
Vehicle Manufacturers or Mechanics – if a defective part or poor maintenance played a role
Municipalities or Property Owners – for unsafe road conditions, missing signage, or poor lighting
Establishing liability isn’t always straightforward. That’s why working with an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer can be crucial to identifying all responsible parties and securing full compensation.
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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in North Carolina
Pedestrian accidents occur under a variety of circumstances, but some of the most frequent causes include:
Distracted driving or walking (e.g., using cell phones or GPS devices)
Driving or walking under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections
Speeding and reckless driving, especially in school or residential zones
Wearing dark clothing at night, reducing visibility
Poorly lit roads or intersections
Hazardous road design or ongoing construction
Severe weather conditions, impacting visibility and stopping time
Both driver and pedestrian behavior—as well as environmental factors—can contribute to these tragic accidents.
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Injuries Frequently Seen in Pedestrian Collisions
Due to the direct impact and lack of protection, pedestrians often suffer catastrophic injuries. Common medical issues we see in these cases include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
Bone fractures and crush injuries
Internal bleeding or organ damage
Severe lacerations and road rash
Long-term disability or disfigurement
Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to these injuries, and recovery can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Victims of pedestrian accidents in North Carolina may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the specifics of the case.
Economic Damages:
Current and future medical bills
Lost income or reduced earning capacity
Physical therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications
Travel expenses related to medical care
Non-Economic Damages:
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma and mental anguish
Loss of quality of life
Permanent scarring or disability
At RHD Legal, we carefully calculate the full value of your claim and negotiate for maximum compensation based on both your immediate losses and your long-term needs.
Why You Should Hire RHD Legal as Your Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it’s your provider or the at-fault party’s insurer, their goal is simple: pay you as little as possible. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims—and may pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement before you even understand the full scope of your injuries.
Personalized Attention
You’re never just a case number. We take the time to understand your story and fight for what matters most to you.
Trusted by Attorneys
Our work earns referrals from other lawyers who know we deliver results with integrity and professionalism.
Clear, Compassionate Communication
We keep you informed at every step, so you always know where your case stands and what comes next.
Relentless Advocacy
We don’t back down. We fight hard to secure the best possible outcome—because your recovery deserves nothing less.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in North Carolina
Your first priority should be your health and safety. Call 911 and seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor. If you’re able, take photos of the scene, gather contact information from the driver and any witnesses, and request a copy of the police report. Then, contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which means if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced attorney who can investigate the details and push back against unfair blame.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in North Carolina is typically three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Acting quickly allows your attorney to build a stronger case while evidence is still fresh.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if it’s included in your auto insurance policy—even as a pedestrian. Your attorney can help explore all available avenues for recovery.
Every case is different. Your compensation depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impact on your life. We’ll evaluate your claim thoroughly to seek the maximum amount you’re entitled to.
While it’s possible to handle a claim on your own, insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented victims. A lawyer can help you avoid lowball offers, calculate damages correctly, gather evidence, and fight for a fair outcome—especially in a contributory negligence state like North Carolina.
Here are key things to avoid:
Don’t leave the scene, especially if injuries are involved (this may be considered a hit and run)
Don’t forget to call law enforcement—a police report is critical
Don’t admit fault, even if you think you’re responsible
Don’t skip medical care, even if you feel okay
Don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance company without legal advice
These mistakes can hurt your ability to receive compensation.
What to Expect When You Work with RHD Legal
Your Free, No-Pressure Consultation
We start by listening. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and explain your rights. There’s no cost, no obligation—just clarity and guidance when you need it most.
Clear Commitment & Onboarding
If we’re a good fit, we make it official. Our team walks you through every step of hiring RHD Legal, ensuring you fully understand the process, paperwork, and path forward. You focus on healing—we’ll handle the legal side.
Fighting Alongside You
Once we take your case, you’re never alone. Our legal team works aggressively to build your case, deal with the insurance companies, and protect your rights—keeping you informed every step of the way.
Pursuing the Justice You Deserve
Whether through settlement or trial, we pursue the best possible outcome for your case. We don’t just aim to win—we fight to deliver real results that help you move forward with confidence.
What Our Client's
Have to Say
At RHD Legal, every testimonial is more than kind words—it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. Hearing how we’ve made a difference in someone’s life fuels our commitment to fight for every client with care, integrity, and determination.
"So nice to be able to recommend a trustworthy firm. They all work hard for the client and really listen to your concerns. I appreciate having the process and expectations clearly laid out. Highly recommend."
"We have truly enjoyed working with RDH Legal. They were very professional and helpful with all our questions and needs. They also made us feel important and we never felt as if we were not informed about the whole process. I definitely would recommend them to everyone. Thank you for all you did."
I can’t say enough nice things about this firm! Richard is a fantastic attorney - knowledgeable, honest, and professional. The staff is top notch. Kayla is friendly and helpful, and Sarah is an amazing paralegal - thorough, knowledgeable, and she doesn’t miss a thing. And on top of all this, they all truly care about their clients. You’re not just a number to them. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Wonderful team!! Kayla was so helpful and supportive. Truly couldn't have done it without them. Would highly recommend!! 100/10
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