A pedestrian accident often results in serious injuries and, in the worst cases, fatalities. At Shipman & Wright, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take on the victim and their family. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Wilmington, our dedicated Wilmington pedestrian accident attorneys can leverage their extensive legal experience to champion your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, contact our Wilmington wrongful death lawyers.
Contact Shipman & Wright today to discuss how our Wilmington pedestrian accident attorneys can assist you on your road to recovery.
Why Choose Shipman & Wright To Represent You
After being injured in a pedestrian accident, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. At Shipman & Wright, our legal approach is tailored to your unique situation, ensuring your case receives the attention and dedication it deserves.
Our law firm stands out for the following reasons:
- Experienced Attorneys: Our personal injury lawyers in Wilmington, NC bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to pedestrian accident claims.
- Client-Centric Service: We prioritize your needs, offering personalized guidance through every step of your case.
- Proven Track Record: Our history of securing favorable outcomes speaks volumes about our commitment to justice for our clients.
- No Upfront Costs: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, and charge no fee unless we win you compensation.
Choosing Shipman & Wright means partnering with a law firm that not only understands the intricacies of pedestrian accident claims but also cares deeply about how the accident has impacted your life.
Understanding How Pedestrian Accident Claims Work
Pedestrian accidents are more common than we would like to admit, often resulting in serious injuries that can affect victims for a lifetime. The path to recovery is not just physical but financial as well, as victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are in the business of minimizing how much they pay out for accident claims, making it challenging for victims to receive fair compensation. This is where the assistance of an experienced attorney becomes invaluable.
Statistics show that claimants represented by Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyers recover significantly more compensation than those who go it alone. At Shipman & Wright, we are committed to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve, not just what the insurance companies are willing to offer.
What Are The Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
There are many circumstances that can result in a Wilmington motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, most involving some form of negligence on the part of the driver. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted Driving: When drivers are not fully focused on the road, pedestrians are at risk.
- Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way: Pedestrians in crosswalks are often overlooked by hurried drivers.
- Speeding: Higher speeds make it harder for drivers to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Speeding is particularly dangerous in trucks and oftentimes results in truck accidents in Wilmington.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment and reaction times, which can lead to an accident.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents are more likely to occur in conditions of low visibility, such as at night or during bad weather.
At Shipman & Wright, our Wilmington pedestrian accident attorneys will investigate the specifics of your case to identify the cause and establish liability.
How Liability for Pedestrian Accidents is Established in North Carolina
On North Carolina roads, both drivers and pedestrians have responsibilities. Drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians and adhere to speed limits and traffic signals. Pedestrians, on the other hand, must follow traffic signals and use crosswalks where available (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-174).
Establishing liability for a pedestrian accident involves understanding the concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when someone’s failure to act with reasonable care results in harm to another person. For pedestrian accidents, this could mean (for example) a driver not yielding at a crosswalk and striking a crossing pedestrian.
What can complicate the matter is that North Carolina also follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which can bar an accident victim from recovering any compensation for their injuries and damages if they are even slightly at fault for the accident. This highlights the need for a Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyer who has the knowledge and skill to thoroughly investigate your case and ensure all factors contributing to the accident are considered.
Types of Compensation Available For a Pedestrian Accident Victim
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Wilmington may be entitled to various types of compensation, reflecting the physical, emotional, and financial toll of their injuries. Recoverable damages include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Punitive Damages
Understanding the full extent of your entitled compensation requires the insight of a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney who is skilled in evaluating the impact of your injuries to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
The Statute of Limitations For Pedestrian Accident Claims in North Carolina
In North Carolina, pedestrian accident victims have a limited window to file a lawsuit for their injuries. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances may modify this timeframe, either extending or shortening the period available for filing a claim.
It is also crucial to note that this statute does not apply to insurance claims, which often have their own deadlines and should be initiated as soon as possible after the accident. Starting the legal process early with the help of a Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyer ensures that all relevant evidence is preserved and enhances your chances of securing a fair settlement.
How a Wilmington Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help You Get The Compensation You Deserve
Hiring a skilled Wilmington pedestrian accident attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your case. At Shipman & Wright, our team of attorneys will:
- Investigate your accident to gather all necessary evidence and determine liability.
- Handle all communications with the insurance companies, ensuring you do not settle for less than you deserve.
- Negotiate a fair settlement, considering all future medical needs and lost wages.
- Maximize your compensation by accurately calculating and arguing for the full extent of your damages.
- Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
- Provide you with peace of mind, knowing your case is in capable hands.
Contact Shipman & Wright Today To Get The Help Of An Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Wilmington, do not wait to seek legal assistance. The Wilmington pedestrian accident attorneys at Shipman & Wright are committed to providing compassionate, competent legal representation to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Call Shipman & Wright today to schedule a consultation with a law firm that truly cares about your recovery.