Durham Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
While car accidents are a common worry for many people, most of us never anticipate becoming the victim of a pedestrian accident. Â However, pedestrian accidents are more common than many people realize, and occur all across the US, with devastating effects for those involved, and their families.
By securing an experienced Durham pedestrian accident lawyer, you will be one step closer to pursuing the compensation you deserve. Call an injury attorney in Durham today to discuss your claim and the steps you should take to maximize recovery. En Español.
Pedestrian Accident Facts
More than 4,700 pedestrians are fatally struck by motor vehicles each year and roughly 150,000 pedestrians required emergency room medical treatment after being hit by a car or other vehicle in 2013, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In fact, while car accidents are more common than those involving pedestrians, a pedestrian is about 1.5 times more likely to die from his or her injuries than either the driver or passengers of a vehicle involved in any type of motor vehicle crash.
Who are the Pedestrians Most Often Hurt
Senior citizens are the type of pedestrians most often struck by vehicles. The CDC reports that about 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths and 10 percent of all pedestrians struck are senior citizens age 65 or older.
This may be due to the fact that senior citizens are unable to continue driving and must walk or take public transportation instead. In addition, due to the effects of aging, they can be slower-moving, have sluggish responsive reflexes, and may have trouble with their senses, such as hearing and seeing clearly.
Children are the second most likely pedestrians to be struck by motor vehicles and warrant the services of a pedestrian accident attorney in Durham, with one in five children killed in all types of car crashes categorized as pedestrians.
Pedestrian deaths occur most often at night, in urban locations.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
In most of the car accidents involving pedestrians, alcohol was a factor, either for the driver or the pedestrian. In fact, 15 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents, involved vehicle drivers with a blood alcohol content level above the legal limit for the jurisdiction – usually 0.08, as is the limit in North Carolina.
Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is speeding on the part of the driver.
Consult an Experienced Attorney in Durham
Any driver who is speeding, or is under the influence of alcohol and hits a pedestrian has behaved extremely recklessly and should be held liable for any damages incurred by the victim.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Durham can examine all the circumstances that led to the accident and determine who may be liable.
Because North Carolina operates under the minority rule of “pure contributory negligence” – barring all victims who contributed to their own injuries in any way, however slight, from recovering compensation – it is especially necessary that you work with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Durham who is familiar with refuting allegations of negligence on the part of the injured victim.
This is especially true for victims who were not using available crosswalks or who were themselves intoxicated, for instance.
