North Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

shutterstock_155405681Every 2 hours, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident. A pedestrian is injured in a crash every 8 minutes. This amounts to over 4,000 pedestrian deaths per year, and close to 70,000 pedestrian injuries. In 2008, 70% of all pedestrians fatalities were men, more than double the rate for females.

In North Carolina, 11.2% of all traffic fatalities were pedestrian fatalities. Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a law firm experienced in helping people who have been hit by a car.

Attorney Arlene P. Auger is an avid runner. Having completed several marathons, Mrs. Auger has run thousands of miles on the streets of Charlotte and has seen first-hand the inattention of drivers on a regular basis. Far too often, motorists do not maintain a proper lookout when turning corners and turning in and out of parking lots, failing to see runners or walkers in the right of way.

As a pedestrian, you have a duty to follow traffic laws and to also maintain a proper lookout. North Carolina General Statutes 20-174 states. Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within a marked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway. That section also prohibits pedestrians from crossing the street at any place except a marked crosswalk when walking between intersections in which there is a traffic-control signal present and in operation.

Safety Advice for Pedestrians

  • Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on extreme left of roadway facing oncoming traffic (N.C.G.S. 20-174(d).
  • Make eye contact with drivers. Even though drivers entering or exiting a building entrance, private road or driveway are required to yield the right of way to approaching pedestrians, do not assume they will stop.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street, do not rely only on pedestrian signals.
  • Do not wear headphones or talk on cell phone, be alert for sights and sounds of vehicles.
  • If possible, cross only at crosswalks or intersections; if no crosswalk or intersection, yield the right-of-way to all vehicles (N.C.G.S. 20-174(a).
  • Follow directional signs, such as WALK/DON’T WALK (N.C.G.S. 20-172).
  • Visually confirm that all lanes you intend to cross are clear before proceeding. Do not assume that just because one car has stopped to allow you to cross that other drivers in other lanes will also stop.
  • Wear brightly colored clothing with reflective material. 30% of all pedestrian fatalities occurred between 8pm and midnight.
  • Stay sober! 36% of pedestrians in fatal accidents had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed as a pedestrian on North Carolina roadways, our pedestrian accident attorneys can help you with the following:

Your initial consultation is free.

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