Wilmington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
At Cline Donaldson, our Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyer helps injury victims recover damages and justice after being hit.
Pedestrian accident lawyer
Being hit by a car as a pedestrian can leave you facing devastating injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
But you don’t have to go through this alone. If a driver’s negligence caused your accident in the Wilmington area, a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Cline Donaldson Law, our Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyer helps injury victims recover damages and justice after being hit.
Don’t go through this difficult process alone – contact us now for dedicated legal representation. We’re here to help you obtain a favorable outcome.
From Our Founder
We’ll thoroughly investigate your accident, build a strong claim proving fault, and fight relentlessly against insurance companies to get you properly compensated.
Scott Donaldson
Right-of-way Rules
NC Pedestrian Accident Laws — What Drivers and Walkers Must Know
North Carolina traffic laws establish the right-of-way rules that protect pedestrians across the state. Under NC statutes, vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Drivers must also exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on any part of the roadway.
Failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in North Carolina can result in traffic citations and civil liability if an injury occurs. Understanding these traffic laws regarding walkers can help determine fault after an accident. An experienced attorney knows how to leverage NC’s pedestrian statutes to prove negligence in an injury claim.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Wilmington
While pedestrians have the legal right-of-way in North Carolina, accidents still happen far too often. According to data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, over 3,000 pedestrians are injured annually statewide.
Some common causes of pedestrian collisions in the Wilmington area include:
Speeding
Drivers going too fast to stop safely.
Distraction
Drivers not paying attention to the road.
Failure to yield
Not respecting the pedestrian’s right-of-way.
Impaired driving
Drunk or drugged driving leading to slow reaction times.
Poor lighting
Making pedestrians difficult to see at night.
An experienced Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyer can perform a thorough investigation and determine what factors led to your collision. Identifying the at-fault party is key to securing the compensation you deserve.
Serious Injuries Suffered in Wilmington Pedestrian Accidents
The human body simply wasn’t meant to withstand the impact of a car or truck.
In addition to immediate trauma, chronic pain, expensive medical treatment, and lasting disabilities frequently stem from pedestrian collisions. An attorney can help you recover damages for all of these losses.
Pedestrian accidents often lead to traumatic injuries, including:
Fractures
Broken leg, arm, hip, or ankle bones.
Spinal cord damage
Impaired movement/paralysis.
Head trauma
Concussions, bleeding, brain damage.
Internal organ damage
Lungs, heart, liver.
The worst outcome in a fatality. Learn how Cline Donaldson can help in the tragic case of wrongful death.
Accident aftermath
After a Pedestrian Accident in Wilmington — First Steps to Take
In the aftermath of an accident, contact the Wilmington Police Department to file an official report. Seek any necessary medical treatment right away, as delays can negatively impact your claim.
As soon as you are able to do so, call a skilled pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer will launch an independent investigation, interview witnesses, obtain video evidence, and establish legal liability. They can also coordinate medical care, communicate with insurance companies, and manage your claim every step of the way.
Don’t settle with an insurance provider before consulting with legal counsel first. Their initial offers usually undervalue pedestrian accident claims. An attorney can negotiate for full and fair compensation.
Proving Liability in Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Securing fair compensation starts with demonstrating the at-fault driver’s legal liability.
Thorough investigation and documentation ensure we build the strongest argument to place fault on the negligent motorist and win damages for your injuries and losses.
A skilled Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to establish negligence through various methods, such as:
Analyzing police reports from officers who responded to the scene.
Interviewing eyewitnesses who saw the collision occur.
Obtaining video footage from nearby security cameras or dash cams.
Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists.
Reviewing data from the vehicle’s black box and electronic systems.
Applying North Carolina’s statutes on right-of-way and pedestrian laws.
Determining if the driver violated traffic laws or ordinances.
Pedestrian accident compensation
Potential Compensation Available in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
It’s difficult to estimate an “average” payout for a pedestrian accident claim, as the amount of compensation depends on several unique factors, like the severity of your injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, and the number of responsible parties.
Rather than an average settlement value, it’s best to have an attorney analyze the unique details of your pedestrian accident claim when estimating potential payouts.
However, generally speaking, if someone else’s negligence caused your pedestrian injuries, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, which can include:
Medical expenses
Emergency, hospital, physical therapy.
Future treatment
Ongoing rehab, surgery, medication.
Lost income
Wages missed while recovering.
Loss of future earning capacity
For permanent disabilities.
Pain and suffering
For trauma and reduced quality of life.
We're with you through life's defining moments
An accomplished pedestrian accident lawyer will fight tirelessly to help you recover every dollar owed so you can focus on healing, not daunting medical bills. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Work With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Wilmington?
Handling a pedestrian injury claim on your own against experienced insurance adjusters can feel intimidating and overwhelming.
A knowledgeable lawyer levels the playing field and handles every aspect of the process for you while you recover from the trauma.
Our attorney can deal directly with insurers, so you don’t have to. We know how to address common tactics used to try and minimize valid claims and will fight back on your behalf. If a settlement can’t be reached through negotiations, an attorney won’t hesitate to take the case to court and trial if warranted.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident as a pedestrian?
North Carolina follows contributory negligence rules. Even if you were partially responsible, you would be barred from recovering compensation, making it all the more important to contact a personal injury lawyer right away.
Should I provide a recorded statement to the driver's insurance company?
No. Insurers often use statements against victims. Refuse to provide any recorded statement until you consult with legal counsel.
How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian accident?
North Carolina law gives you three years from the date of injury to take legal action. However, it’s best to act immediately to preserve evidence.
How are pedestrian accident settlements and verdicts paid out?
The at-fault driver’s liability coverage or assets pay settlements/verdicts. If they lack sufficient coverage, your own uninsured motorist policy may cover shortfalls.
Contact Us Today
Injured in an Accident? Take the First Step and Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Don’t go it alone — contact the injury law firm of Cline Donaldson PLLC today for dedicated representation. Our attorney has extensive experience handling claims resulting from driver negligence in the Wilmington area. We’ll determine exactly who is at fault and work tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses. You deserve experienced legal counsel fighting for justice on your side.
Contact us now to learn more.
Speak to a lawyer today
North Carolina is Home
Proudly serving clients in Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties.
Wilmington
Southport
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With Two Convenient Office Locations
Wilmington
6329 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
Hampstead
14889 US-17 Suite 108
Hampstead, NC 28443