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Hit by a Vehicle While Walking in North Carolina?

Pedestrians have the right to feel safe. Schedule a consultation to find out if you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries.

  • No fees unless we win (in most cases)
  • Speak directly with a pedestrian accident attorney
  • Helping injured pedestrians across North Carolina

Take the first step. Click below to schedule your case review today.

One moment can change everything when you’re crossing the street.

After a pedestrian accident, you’re not just facing physical injuries. You’re dealing with medical bills piling up, missing work, and insurance companies trying to pay you as little as possible. In North Carolina, where the law can stop you from getting any money if you’re found even 1% at fault, having a good lawyer isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary.

At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, our North Carolina pedestrian accident attorneys have helped countless injured pedestrians get the money they deserve. We know what you’re going through and will stand up for you while you focus on getting better.

Don’t let an insurance company’s quick settlement offer rob you of the money you truly deserve.

North Carolina Pedestrian Laws and Your Rights

North Carolina has specific laws about pedestrians. Knowing these laws is key to winning your case.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-173, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks or at intersections. But pedestrians also have responsibilities—you can’t suddenly step into the street when a car is too close to stop.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation also provides safety guidelines for pedestrians that can affect your case.

Contributory Negligence in North Carolina

North Carolina follows a tough rule called “contributory negligence.” This means if you’re found even 1% at fault for your accident, you might not get any money at all. Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians to avoid paying claims.

Luckily, there are exceptions to this harsh rule:

  • The “last clear chance” doctrine, which lets you recover money if the driver had the last opportunity to avoid hitting you
  • Cases where the driver was doing something really bad, like driving drunk
  • Situations where the driver broke a safety law meant to protect pedestrians

Our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to beat these challenges and build a strong case for you.

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How Our North Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Pedestrian accident cases in North Carolina need special legal knowledge. Our attorneys know exactly how to handle these tricky cases, especially with North Carolina’s strict fault laws.

When you work with our pedestrian accident lawyers, we:

  • Do a complete investigation of your accident, gathering police reports, talking to witnesses, and looking for video footage
  • Work with experts to prove exactly how the accident happened
  • Document all your injuries and help you find the right doctors
  • Figure out all your losses, including future medical costs and lost wages
  • Talk to insurance companies for you so you don’t accidentally say something that hurts your case
  • Fight hard for a fair settlement
  • Prepare your case for trial if needed

We have one goal: to get you the most money possible for your injuries while supporting you through the whole process.

Wake County Courthouse
Handles civil and criminal matters in Wake County
  • Address: 300 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  • Hours: M-F 8:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
  • Phone:(919) 792-4000

Common Causes and Injuries in North Carolina Pedestrian Accidents

Knowing what typically causes pedestrian accidents and the injuries they cause can help you see the strength of your case.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in North Carolina often happen because of:

  • Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
  • Drivers not yielding at crosswalks
  • Speeding in neighborhoods
  • Drunk driving
  • Poor visibility at night
  • Lack of sidewalks or crosswalks
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Left-turn crashes at intersections

According to the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, pedestrian deaths have been rising in recent years across the state.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

When cars hit pedestrians, the injuries are often very serious:

  • Brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Multiple broken bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Severe cuts and road rash
  • Loss of limbs
  • Psychological trauma
  • Death

These serious injuries need lots of medical treatment, rehab, and often result in permanent disability. Our attorneys make sure all your current and future medical needs are included in your compensation.

Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims

As a pedestrian accident victim in North Carolina, you may be able to get significant money for your injuries. We work to get you payment for:

  • Medical bills (current and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced ability to earn money
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage
  • In fatal accidents, wrongful death damages for family members

Insurance companies typically offer quick settlements that are way too low. Our pedestrian accident lawyers make sure all your suffering and losses are properly documented and included in your compensation.

Trust DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall with Your Pedestrian Accident Case

Being hit by a car while walking can change your life forever. The physical, emotional, and financial burden can be overwhelming, especially when insurance companies fight to pay you as little as possible.

At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we believe pedestrian accident victims deserve full and fair compensation for their injuries.

Don’t let North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence laws prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. Contact DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall today for a consultation to discuss your pedestrian accident case. Our team is ready to listen to your story and help you during this difficult time.

Serving injured motorcyclists throughout Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and all of North Carolina.

Areas served

Wake County

  • Raleigh
  • Cary
  • Apex
  • Morrisville
  • Garner
  • Holly Springs
  • Fuquay-Varina
  • Wake Forest
  • Rolesville
  • Knightdale
  • Wendell
  • Zebulon

Carteret County

  • Beaufort
  • Morehead City
  • Atlantic Beach
  • Emerald Isle
  • Newport

Durham County

  • Durham

Orange County

  • Chapel Hill
  • Carrboro
  • Hillsborough

Chatham County

  • Pittsboro
  • Siler City

Johnston County (Smithfield courthouse only)

  • Smithfield

FAQs

What should I do immediately after being hit by a vehicle while walking?

Get medical help right away, even if you feel okay—many serious injuries aren’t obvious at first. If possible, get contact information from witnesses, take photos of the scene, and call the police. Don’t discuss who was at fault or give recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to a lawyer.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in North Carolina?

You have three years to file a personal injury claim in North Carolina, according to N.C. General Statute § 1-52. But evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

Can I still get money if I wasn't in a crosswalk when hit?

Maybe, but it’s harder. North Carolina’s contributory negligence law means if you’re found even 1% at fault, you might not get any money. But there are exceptions, like if the driver had the “last clear chance” to avoid hitting you or was doing something really dangerous. An experienced attorney can look at your specific situation.

What if the driver who hit me didn't have insurance?

If you have auto insurance with uninsured motorist coverage, you might be able to file a claim with your own insurance company, even as a pedestrian. We can also look into whether other parties might be responsible, like the car owner (if different from the driver) or a government agency responsible for unsafe road conditions.

Cases We Handle

Areas Served

IN RALEIGH:
333 Fayetteville Street,
Suite 1513
Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Direction
(919) 833-5555
IN MOREHEAD CITY:
810 Arendell Street
Morehead City,
NC 28557 Get Direction
(252) 251-5555
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