Goldsboro Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Injured by a Motorist While Walking in Goldsboro, NC?

While walking is good exercise and great for short distances, pedestrians are at risk every time they take to the streets. Motorists fail to watch out for them and drive through crosswalks, causing injury and even death. With the advent of cell phones, distracted drivers often pay more attention to their devices than to the road and the cars and people around them. Unfortunately, this had led to an increase in pedestrian deaths in the U.S. 

At Pittman Agner, our team of Goldsboro pedestrian accident attorneys is well aware of the damage that can be inflicted on pedestrians by negligent drivers. We represent those who have been injured in accidents in and around Goldsboro.

Book a free case review with a Goldsboro pedestrian accident attorney at Pittman Agner. You can reach us online or at (919) 893-0090 to get started. 

North Carolina Pedestrian Laws

Pedestrian laws in North Carolina are designed to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers. Here's an overview:

• Right-of-Way at Crosswalks: When pedestrians are crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks at an intersection, drivers must yield the right-of-way to them. Pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close it is impossible for the driver to yield.
• Use of Sidewalks: Pedestrians should use sidewalks where provided. If there is no sidewalk, they should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Use of Crosswalks: Pedestrians should use crosswalks and pedestrian tunnels where provided.
• Jogging and Walking: Pedestrians should walk or jog facing oncoming traffic if there is no sidewalk available.
• Traffic Signals and Signs: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and signs. They should cross only on the "walk" signal at intersections when it is provided.
• No Jaywalking: Pedestrians should not cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic control devices.
• Safety Measures: Pedestrians should exercise caution and use common sense, such as looking both ways before crossing, making eye contact with drivers, and not assuming a driver has seen them.
• Crossing Between Intersections: Pedestrians should avoid crossing between intersections, but if they do, they must yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
• Walking on Roadways Where Sidewalks Are Absent: Pedestrians walking along roads where sidewalks are absent should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• No Hitchhiking on Roadways: Pedestrians are prohibited from soliciting rides on roadways except in emergencies.
• No Intoxicated Walking: Pedestrians who are intoxicated and walking on roadways or along roadways may be subject to penalties or charges.
• Use of Crosswalks in Business Districts: In business districts, pedestrians must use crosswalks when provided.

Pedestrian Accident Cases in North Carolina

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association: 

• 7.485 pedestrians died in 2021 in traffic accidents
• Pedestrian deaths have increased faster than all other traffic deaths
• The number of pedestrian deaths in 2021 was the largest in 40 years
• Speeding is an increasing factor in pedestrian fatalities

Because they lack any type of bodily protection, pedestrians are more vulnerable to serious and catastrophic injuries and death than the occupants of cars and trucks. Even at low speeds, pedestrians struck by cars can suffer multiple broken bones, organ damage, brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. These types of injuries can result in temporary or even permanent disability, altering the person’s life forever. 

Common causes of pedestrian accidents and injuries include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Drunk and/or drugged driving
• Failing to yield the right of way, especially at crosswalks

These types of accidents commonly occur in urban areas, where pedestrians walk the sidewalks and cross heavily trafficked city streets.

As a pedestrian, if you are injured by a negligent driver, you are entitled to seek compensation for damages, such as your medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost income. Wrongful death lawsuits can also be filed on behalf of family members who lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident fatality. 

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

In the event of a pedestrian accident, liability – or legal responsibility – can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. The following are some of the potentially liable parties:

• Driver: The most common scenario is when a motorist is at fault for the accident. This could be due to actions such as speeding, running a red light or stop sign, distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving), driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, or general negligence in observing and responding to pedestrian presence on the road. In such cases, the driver's insurance typically covers the damages suffered by the pedestrian.
• Pedestrian: Although less common, there are situations where a pedestrian may be held partially or fully liable for an accident. For instance, if the pedestrian jaywalks, crosses against a traffic signal, or enters the roadway while intoxicated and causes an accident, they may share some degree of responsibility.
• Property Owner: In some cases, liability may extend to property owners, particularly if there were hazardous conditions on their premises that contributed to the accident. For example, if a poorly maintained sidewalk or parking lot caused the pedestrian to trip and fall into traffic, the property owner might be held liable.
• Government Entity: If the accident occurred due to a road design flaw, inadequate signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, or other infrastructure issues, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable. However, suing a government entity often involves additional legal requirements and limitations, such as shorter timeframes for filing claims and potential damage caps.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: In rare cases, if the accident was caused by a vehicle defect (e.g., faulty brakes, accelerator pedal sticking), the manufacturer of the vehicle or its components may be held liable for the resulting damages.

At Pittman Agner, we urge you to seek our help in the wake of any pedestrian accident by contacting us for a free consultation.