Pedestrians are North Carolina’s most vulnerable road users. This means they are at the highest risk of injury and death in motor vehicle accidents in Wilmington. Understanding North Carolina’s pedestrian laws can help keep you safe as you walk or jog in your community. It can also help you prevent a pedestrian collision as a motor vehicle driver.
When Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, as is the case in most states, pedestrians do not automatically have the right-of-way in every situation. They must stop, wait and yield to other road users in certain circumstances. In the following locations, however, pedestrians in North Carolina do have the right-of-way, meaning the legal right to proceed before other road users:
- Marked crosswalks
- Unmarked crosswalks at intersections
- Traffic-control signaled intersections showing the “Walk” sign
- Sidewalks
- Parking lots
In these traffic situations, motor vehicle drivers have a legal responsibility to come to a complete stop and allow a pedestrian to proceed first. However, pedestrians also have a responsibility to obey North Carolina’s traffic laws and use caution when crossing the road. If you have been injured as a pedestrian in Wilmington, NC, contact our Wilmington pedestrian accident attorneys today for legal guidance.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, in 2022, 269 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents. This was a 2.7 percent increase from 2021. It is critical to take your safety into your own hands as a pedestrian in North Carolina; unfortunately, you cannot trust motor vehicle drivers to respect your rights and obey traffic laws.
Use these tips to help keep yourself safe:
- Stick to sidewalks and well-lit areas when walking or jogging.
- Optimize your visibility to drivers by wearing brightly colored and reflective clothing.
- Do not look down at a cell phone while walking. Pay attention to your surroundings.
- Always look both ways before crossing the road, even if you have the right-of-way.
- Make eye contact with motor vehicle drivers to ensure they see you before crossing.
- Avoid jaywalking, or crossing the road at a place in between two intersections.
- Obey traffic signs; wait for the “Walk” signal before crossing at intersections.
- Be especially cautious when walking in driveways and alleys for vehicles entering or exiting.
It is important to know when you have the right-of-way as a pedestrian and to understand all of your rights and responsibilities. Keep in mind that even if you have the right-of-way, a motor vehicle driver may carelessly or recklessly fail to yield and cause an accident. For this reason, you should always remain vigilant when getting around on foot.
What to Do if You Get Hit by a Car in North Carolina
If you get hurt in a pedestrian accident in North Carolina, protect your rights by contacting an attorney who specializes in this type of case as soon as possible. The motor vehicle driver’s insurance company may try to take advantage of you during the claims process. A Wilmington injury attorney can direct you to top medical care in your city and take over insurance claim negotiations to fight for a fair result on your behalf.
If you or a loved one was recently hit by a car in Wilmington, contact the attorneys at Shipman & Wright for a free consultation about your legal options. We are here to help you seek justice for your serious injuries.