Greensboro Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Injured by a Vehicle While Walking in Greensboro, NC?

Pedestrian accidents are some of the most severe and catastrophic types of motor vehicle accidents. When a driver fails to see a pedestrian in their path of travel, the results can be devastating. Pedestrians can be seriously injured or killed. In many cases, the pedestrian is left with a lifetime of medical bills and permanent disabilities.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  At Comerford Chilson & Moser, L.L.P., we are prepared to aggressively advocate for your interests. We will fight to obtain the maximum damages you are owed.

Contact us today at (336) 568-8779 to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian accident refers to any incident involving a collision or incident between a pedestrian (a person walking or traveling on foot) and a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other object. These accidents often result in injuries or fatalities to the pedestrian, given the significant difference in size and speed between pedestrians and vehicles.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving: When drivers are engaged in activities that divert their attention from the road, such as using a mobile phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or talking to passengers, they are more likely to miss pedestrians crossing the road.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a driver's ability to stop quickly and increases the severity of a collision with a pedestrian.
• Failure to yield: Drivers not giving the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, or while making turns can lead to accidents.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): Alcohol or drug impairment significantly impairs a driver's judgment, reaction time, and ability to perceive and react to pedestrians.
• Poor visibility: Low-light conditions, bad weather, or obscured sightlines can make it difficult for both drivers and pedestrians to see each other, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Jaywalking: Pedestrians crossing roads outside designated crosswalks or not obeying traffic signals put themselves in danger of getting hit by vehicles.
• Aggressive driving: Reckless driving behaviors like running red lights, tailgating, and aggressive lane changes can lead to accidents involving pedestrians.
• Inadequate infrastructure: Poorly designed or maintained roads, lack of pedestrian crossings, and insufficient street lighting can contribute to accidents.
• Distractions for pedestrians: Pedestrians may also be distracted by mobile phones, listening to music, or engaging in other activities, making them less attentive to traffic.
• Age and mobility issues: Children and elderly individuals are often more vulnerable as pedestrians due to their limited mobility and difficulty judging traffic situations.

Proving Liability in a Pedestrian Accident in North Carolina

In North Carolina, proving liability in a pedestrian accident typically involves demonstrating that the driver of the vehicle was negligent or acted in a way that caused the accident.

Here are the elements you must prove to establish liability in a pedestrian accident claim:

1. Duty of Care: Show that the driver owed a duty of care to the pedestrian. Motorists have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care and caution when operating their vehicles, especially when there are pedestrians nearby.
2. Breach of Duty: Prove that the driver breached their duty of care. This can include actions like speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving), running a red light, or failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.
3. Causation: Establish a direct link between the driver's breach of duty and the pedestrian accident. This means demonstrating that the driver's actions directly led to the collision with the pedestrian.
4. Damages: Provide evidence of the injuries and damages suffered by the pedestrian as a result of the accident. This can include medical records, bills, and other related expenses.

North Carolina follows a rule of "contributory negligence." This means that if the pedestrian is found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation. Therefore, it is essential to demonstrate that the pedestrian was not at fault or only minimally at fault for the accident.