Legal Representation After a Pedestrian Accident: Why It's Crucial

Pedestrian accidents are alarmingly common and often result in serious injuries or fatalities, especially in North Carolina where pedestrian fatalities are among the highest in the nation. Legal representation is essential for victims of pedestrian accidents to navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation they deserve.

The Stark Reality of Pedestrian Accidents

In North Carolina, the number of pedestrian accidents is staggering, with an average of more than 2,500 incidents yearly, leading to hundreds of deaths and serious injuries. Raleigh, in particular, has seen a significant rise in pedestrian incidents, averaging one every 30-36 hours.

The Need for Legal Representation

Pedestrians hit by cars face a challenging road to recovery, both physically and legally. North Carolina’s contributory negligence policy can bar recovery if the pedestrian victim is even slightly at fault. An experienced lawyer can help navigate these legal hurdles, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure victims receive fair compensation.

What is Contributory Negligence

Contributory negligence is a legal doctrine used in some jurisdictions, including North Carolina, that can completely bar a plaintiff from recovering damages if they are found to be even slightly at fault for the incident that caused their injuries. This means if a plaintiff is found to be 1% responsible for their accident, they may not be able to receive any compensation from the other party who is 99% at fault. This strict rule emphasizes the importance of thorough legal representation to prove the full liability of the defendant and navigate the complexities of the law. In pedestrian accident cases, for example, even if a pedestrian is partially at fault for not using a crosswalk, they could be denied compensation under contributory negligence unless specific legal exceptions apply, such as the "last clear chance" doctrine.

Services Provided by Lawyers in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Lawyers play a vital role in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. They can:

• Investigate the accident scene and gather evidence, including security footage.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to overcome contributory negligence claims.
• Represent victims in court, if necessary, to secure fair compensation.

Why Choose DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall for Your Pedestrian Accident Representation

Our lawyers have decades of experience in personal injury cases and focus on assisting pedestrians and other kinds of accident and negligence victims. We understand the complexities of North Carolina injury law and are committed to fighting for the rights and compensation of our clients. Our successful track record in accident compensation cases underscores our commitment to justice and client satisfaction.

If you or a loved one is a pedestrian accident victim, immediate legal consultation is crucial. Our skilled attorneys are ready to provide the guidance and representation needed to navigate the legal system and secure the compensation you deserve.