Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Raleigh, NC
Taking On Tragic Pedestrian Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015, there were 5,376 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in the United States. That’s a pedestrian fatality rate of 1.5 per 100,000 people and it’s the highest it has been since 2007. In addition, there were an estimated 69,000 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in 2015. These are alarming statistics, and they underscore the importance of pedestrian safety. Every year the statistics climb higher and higher.
Every day we share the road with cars, buses, motorcycles, and bicycles. As a pedestrian, you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times and take steps to protect yourself from being involved in a traffic accident.
Unfortunately, even when pedestrians follow all the rules of the road, they can still be seriously injured or killed as a result of someone else’s negligence. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
It is never a contest when a car or truck strikes a pedestrian. Flesh and bone don’t stand a chance against an oncoming vehicle. That is why car and truck accidents in which pedestrians are injured are so severe, and the need for compensation is so great.
At O’Malley Tunstall, PC, our team of pedestrian accident lawyers in Raleigh, NC, has represented many people who were hit by a car or truck while walking. We stand up for injured pedestrians when they are knocked down. We seek maximum compensation for time lost from work, medical care, and the resulting pain and suffering the accident caused you. Call us today at (919) 277-0150 and get ahold of a Raleigh pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for you.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Many different factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents. In some cases, the driver of the vehicle may be at fault, while in other cases, the pedestrian may be at fault. Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Reversing without looking
In some cases, a combination of factors may have contributed to an accident. For example, if a driver is speeding and fails to yield the right of way to a pedestrian who is crossing the street, this could result in a serious or fatal accident.
There are many different reasons why a car or truck might hit a pedestrian. Sometimes it is due to the negligence of the driver, such as if they were texting while driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other times, it might be due to a mechanical issue with the vehicle itself, such as defective brakes.
In some cases, it might be due to poor road design or maintenance, such as a pothole in the road. No matter what the reason for the accident, if you have been injured, you need to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve in your pedestrian accident case.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Pedestrian Accident?
In many cases, the driver of the car or truck that hit the pedestrian will be held liable for the accident. However, there are other potential defendants as well. If the accident was caused by a mechanical issue with the vehicle, then the manufacturer of the defective part might be held liable. If the accident was caused by poor road design or maintenance, then the government entity responsible for the road might be held liable.
It is important to note that pedestrians can also be held liable for accidents in some cases. For example, if a pedestrian crosses the street outside of a crosswalk or against a red light, they might be held partially responsible for an accident that occurs.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your legal rights. First and foremost, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, might not be immediately apparent.
Next, you should gather as much evidence from the accident as possible. This might include taking photos of the scene of the accident, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the police report.
Then, you should contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. The lawyers at O’Malley Tunstall, PC are adept at handling all types of pedestrian accidents and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How can a Lawyer Fight for Me?
Many times pedestrians do not survive being struck. For this, we bring fatal accident lawsuits against the responsible party. Other times, pedestrian injuries are not fatal, but they are catastrophic or permanently disabling. When this happens, we ask for more to pay for a lifetime of care.
In cases where the driver showed utter indifference to other people’s well-being—by being drunk, speeding, playing with the radio buttons, or applying makeup while driving—we seek punitive damages, above and beyond ordinary compensation. These punitive awards make a public statement that such behavior will never be tolerated, and they make the roads safer for everyone.
We have also asked for and were awarded damages by bar owners who allowed the intoxicated individual to drive away and party hosts who allowed friends to get drunk and send them on their way.
Seeking punitive damages, which sometimes doubles or triples the amount awarded by a jury, is the injured party’s way of saying no to those who would behave recklessly behind the wheel.
O’Malley Tunstall, PC, has represented many people who have been catastrophically injured or killed in pedestrian accidents. We know what you’re going through because we’ve helped others like you. And we can help you too.
Is it Worth Hiring a Lawyer in My Case?
Accident cases are never easy, but when a pedestrian is involved, they can be downright tragic. The injuries suffered in these accidents tend to be catastrophic, and the medical bills can quickly pile up. If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, you may be wondering if it’s worth hiring a lawyer to help you with your case.
The answer is: it depends. If the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence, then you may have a strong case against them and their insurance company. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and let you know what your options are.
There are many different types of pedestrian accidents, but some of the most common include:
- Crossing the street outside of a crosswalk
- Jaywalking
- Being hit by a car while walking in a parking lot
- Being hit by a car while riding a bicycle
If you’ve been injured in any type of pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you pursue all of the compensation you’re entitled to.
If you have been hurt as a pedestrian by an oncoming vehicle, or if you have lost a loved one to this kind of accident, give the Raleigh pedestrian accident attorneys at O’Malley Tunstall, PC, a call today at (919) 277-0150. Our lawyers want to hear the circumstances of your accident, and we offer a free initial consultation to assess the strength of your case.