Man and Dog Killed in North Carolina Pedestrian Accident

A 24-year-old Boston, MA man visiting North Carolina was killed when he was hit by a 2005 GMC Sierra pickup truck on the Outer Banks while walking his dog. According to information released by North Carolina Highway Patrol, on Sunday, July 17 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Thomas Koconis was walking along the grassy shoulder of N.C. Highway 12 in Avon, in the area of Dolphin Lane when the 64-year-old driver of the pickup truck become distracted and drove into him. The dog died at the scene. The victim was taken to the Outer Banks Hospital where he was stabilized and then to Norfolk General Hospital, where he died from his injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

Alarming Pedestrian Accident Statistics

While any vehicle accident has the potential to be serious, those that involve pedestrians are often catastrophic. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to severe injury because there is nothing to protect them from the impact of a moving vehicle. The North Carolina personal injury attorneys at our firm have been helping pedestrian accident victims and their families for decades and understand the physical and financial impact these accidents can have. We work diligently to obtain the financial compensation that victims deserve for the losses their personal injuries have caused.

According to national statistics, there are more than 7,000 people killed each year in pedestrian accidents. That comes out to one person killed every 75 minutes. Another 104,000 people ended up in emergency rooms after being struck by vehicles.

In a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), North Carolina ranks number 18 in state pedestrian fatality rates, with more than 200 pedestrians killed each year.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

There are a number of different reasons why pedestrian accidents can happen, however, it is important to note that all drivers in North Carolina owe a duty of care to everyone they share the road with. That includes pedestrians.

Our personal injury law firm has represented a number of clients who were injured in pedestrian accidents and have found the following to be some of the most common factors for these incidents:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Speeding
  • Disobeying traffic laws
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians

Have You Been Injured?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and more. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have been fighting for accident victims and their families for almost four decades, using all available resources to obtain the best possible outcome under the circumstances of the case. Our legal team has earned a solid reputation as skilled negotiators, obtaining significant settlements for our clients, like the $545,000 settlement we negotiated for two clients who both suffered leg fractures when they were struck by a car while using a crosswalk. However, we will not hesitate to pursue litigation if the insurance company fails to negotiate in good faith.

Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated North Carolina pedestrian accident attorneys and find out how we can help.

 

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