According to a representative of the Bertie County Sheriff’s Department, one of their deputies was involved in a pedestrian accident on Tuesday, September 12th. The incident took place at about 8:14 p.m. when a deputy struck a pedestrian on Grabtown Road in the area of Spivey Lane.
How do I prove who was at fault for my pedestrian accident?
Sergeant H. Williams was transported to East Carolina University Health Bertie for treatment of minor injuries. He has since been released.
The pedestrian, however, was airlifted to East Carolina University Health Medical Center in Greenville. Their name and current medical condition are unknown.
This accident is under investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
North Carolina residents should be able to get around on foot without worrying about being injured due to driver negligence. This, unfortunately, is not always the case. When pedestrian accidents occur, the consequences can be debilitating. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we practice only injury law. Since it opened its doors in 1985, our law firm has helped hundreds of clients receive the financial compensation they deserve after being struck by a reckless or careless driver. Contact us today for a free consultation with a North Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics for North Carolina
To be able to grasp just how often these injuries and fatalities occur, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has recently published statistical data on the matter. These statistics show that:
- Every year, an average of 3,000 pedestrians are struck by drivers throughout the state
- Roughly 10% of all pedestrian accidents are fatal for the pedestrian
- In the past decade, the number of pedestrian fatalities rose from 153 to 235.
How is Fault Determined in a North Carolina Pedestrian Accident?
When it comes to car accident claims, North Carolina is an at-fault state. So, regardless of whether the driver collided with another car, pedestrian, bicycle, or motorcycle, the liable party can be made to pay for all damages arising from and relating to the accident.
Determining fault in a pedestrian accident is not always a straightforward process. They frequently become bogged down in disputes regarding who is to blame because the at-fault driver does not want to be held accountable.
How Do I Prove My North Carolina Pedestrian Accident Case?
In order to achieve the financial outcome you are hoping for, you and your attorney will need to prove that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver’s negligence violated that duty
- The driver’s violation was the proximate cause of your injuries
- Your injury caused you to sustain actual damages
To successfully prove these four elements, our Virginia personal injury lawyers will engage every appropriate resource to ensure we secure the evidence you need.
Common Causes of North Carolina Pedestrian Accidents
Understanding the most common causes of pedestrian-involved accidents can make them easier to avoid. In North Carolina, the most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents are:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigued driving
- Illegal turns
- Limited visibility
- Poorly marked crosswalks
What Damages Are Covered by My Injury Claim?
Many accident victims have no idea what type of compensation they are eligible for after a pedestrian accident except for their medical bills. Along with your medical costs for emergency transportation and care, surgeries, and hospitalization, you may be entitled to collect compensation for lost wages as well as future medical care such as:
- Follow-up doctor appointments
- Additional surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medicines
Protect Your Right to Financial Compensation
If you were hurt in a North Carolina pedestrian accident you did not cause, an experienced North Carolina pedestrian injury attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help. The duties of a pedestrian accident attorney go well beyond taking legal action and filing some paperwork. They include supporting injured clients during a very trying time by assuming responsibility for every legal aspect of their case.
The personal injury law firm of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is backed by more than 40 years of legal experience and knowledge. We have the resources and talent that you need to win your case. Call (833) 997-1774 right away to schedule a free consultation.