New Bern Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An accident between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian can result in potentially fatal consequences. Pedestrians struck by moving vehicles often face catastrophic and life-threatening injuries, such as internal bleeding, deep lacerations, loss of limb, traumatic brain injury, penetrating wounds, damage to internal organs, and crushing injuries. If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one as a result of a pedestrian accident, you may need the help of a skilled New Bern pedestrian accident lawyer to pursue compensation for your damages or loss. Read on to learn more about how a compassionate injury attorney could work to make a difference in your life today.
How Common are Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents are more common than many people realize. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2015, approximately 5,376 pedestrians died in motor vehicle accidents. In the same year, 70,000 pedestrians suffered injuries stemming from collisions with motor vehicles. While the total number of traffic fatalities has decreased in the past few decades, pedestrian deaths spiked by 12%, and pedestrian injuries have gone up about 14%. With such worrisome numbers, many states and municipalities have taken steps to protect pedestrians by establishing more clearly marked crosswalks, passing stricter right-of-way laws, providing clear signage, and building and maintaining sidewalks. When a driver ignores these rules of the road, they may be held accountable for their negligence with the help of a professional New Bern pedestrian accident lawyer.
Potential Compensation
Naturally, the injuries from pedestrian accidents involving a moving car can lead to staggering medical costs and expenses, in addition to other damages. Pedestrians who were involved in a collision with a motor vehicle may be eligible for compensation for their damages, including but not limited to:
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Inability to participate in previously enjoyed hobbies, career goals, and educational pursuits
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and trauma
- Therapy for mental health
Family members of individuals who died in pedestrian accidents may be eligible for wrongful death compensation that could include one end-of-life expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of the decedent’s support, both financially and personally. A dedicated injury attorney could offer their assistance in filing a claim and negotiating a settlement agreement.
Protection Under Traffic Laws
New Bern has laws in place to protect pedestrians. Motorists must always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially if they are near a crosswalk. North Carolina negligence laws include contributory negligence, which is a strict doctrine that has the potential to bar individuals from recovering compensation for their damages if they contributed to their own injuries, even if the other party was mostly at fault. For example, if a pedestrian acted in a way to contribute to their own injuries, such as jaywalking, a skilled New Bern pedestrian accident lawyer could evaluate whether the pedestrian may still have a claim.
How a New Bern Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Could Help
Given New Bern’s policy of contributory negligence, it may be difficult to know whether you will receive compensation from a pedestrian accident lawsuit. However, an experienced attorney may be able to rebut any claims a pedestrian acted negligently and therefore caused their accident. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, consider consulting a weathered New Bern pedestrian accident lawyer today who could allow you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal process of seeking your compensation.
