Raleigh Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Negligent drivers cause many pedestrian accidents each year. Common forms of negligence include speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield the right-of-way, running red lights or stop signs, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When drivers ignore traffic laws or drive carelessly, pedestrians become vulnerable to serious injury or even death. In Raleigh, these accidents often happen at busy intersections, crosswalks, or near school zones where pedestrian traffic is high.
If you were injured by a negligent driver, our Raleigh pedestrian accident lawyer law firm can help you seek compensation. Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers understands the challenges victims face when dealing with insurance companies and the legal system. We will fight aggressively on your behalf to protect your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. To request a free consultation with our local pedestrian accident attorneys, please call (252) 777-2222 or contact our law firm online.
Why Consult Our Skilled Pedestrian Accident Attorneys?
When you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Raleigh, it’s important to consult skilled attorneys who truly understand your needs. At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, you’ll find a well-established and community-focused legal team dedicated to helping accident victims throughout North Carolina. Founded in 1998, our firm is well-known for being strong advocates who fight tirelessly for the rights of injured pedestrians all over the state.
Our lawyers bring over 150 years of combined experience to every case. They are confident, assertive, and caring, providing you with highly competent and result-driven legal representation. This means you’re not just a case number—you’re a valued client who deserves the best legal support.
Over the years, our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, including many seven-figure verdicts and settlements. We understand the challenges you face after a pedestrian accident and will work hard to maximize your total compensation award.
We also offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide honest advice about your legal options. Additionally, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means we don’t take a fee unless we recover financial compensation for you.
How Much is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you might be wondering how much money your case can be worth. The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the types of damages you are eligible to recover.
- First, medical expenses are a significant part of any pedestrian accident case. This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical treatment you may need because of the accident. If your injuries are severe, you may also have long-term or permanent medical costs that increase the value of your claim.
- Lost wages are another important factor. If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can typically recover the income you lost during your recovery period. This also applies to any decrease in your ability to earn money in the future if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the pedestrian accident. These damages are less tangible than medical bills but can be a significant part of your case’s value, especially if you experienced severe pain, emotional trauma, or a diminished quality of life.
The specific amount you can receive varies widely depending on the facts of your case. Minor injuries might result in a settlement of a few thousand dollars, while serious injuries—like broken bones, head trauma, or permanent disability—can lead to settlements or verdicts worth much more.
At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we will pursue the full compensation you deserve by accurately assessing your damages and fighting on your behalf.
Most Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Raleigh
Pedestrian accidents caused by driver negligence happen more frequently in certain locations throughout Raleigh, North Carolina.
Busy Intersections
Heavy traffic and complicated signal patterns often lead to crashes and injuries to pedestrians. For example, the intersection of New Bern Avenue and Capital Boulevard is known for frequent pedestrian accidents. This area has high vehicle volumes, and some drivers speed or run red lights, putting pedestrians at risk while crossing the street.
Another intersection with a high rate of pedestrian crashes is the one at Glenwood Avenue and Wade Avenue. Glenwood Avenue is a major road with several lanes of fast-moving traffic. Distracted driving or failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians often causes accidents here.
Downtown Raleigh
Fayetteville Street also sees many pedestrian accidents. This area is a hub for nightlife, shopping, and events, meaning there are often many pedestrians sharing the road with vehicles. Drivers who are impatient or distracted in these busy areas can easily cause collisions.
Crosswalks Near Popular Parks and Schools
Areas such as Pullen Park and Raleigh Charter High School also experience pedestrian accidents. Drivers sometimes ignore crosswalk signals or fail to stop completely, which leads to crashes involving students and families walking in the area.
Large Multi-Lane Roads
Pedestrian accidents occur frequently on major roadways with limited sidewalks or pedestrian infrastructure, such as sections of Wake Forest Road and Six Forks Road. When drivers speed or fail to watch for pedestrians on these busy roads, serious injuries can result.
Proving a Pedestrian Accident Case Successfully
To win a pedestrian accident case in Raleigh, our pedestrian accident lawyers need to prove several legal elements. These elements show that a driver was responsible for the accident and your injuries.
- The first element is duty of care. Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow all traffic laws. This means they must watch out for pedestrians, obey speed limits, stop at crosswalks, and avoid distractions like texting or talking on the phone. Proving the driver had this duty is usually straightforward because the law requires all drivers to drive responsibly.
- The second element is breach of duty. This means showing that the driver failed to follow the duty of care. For example, the driver may have been speeding, ran a red light, failed to stop for a pedestrian at a crosswalk, or was distracted while driving. Evidence such as eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, police reports, or photos from the accident scene can prove that the driver broke the law or acted negligently.
- The third element is causation. You must prove that the driver’s breach of duty directly caused your accident and injuries. This means showing that if the driver had driven safely, the accident would not have happened. Medical records, accident reconstruction reports, and expert testimony can support this element by connecting the driver’s actions to your injuries.
- The fourth element is damages. You need to show that you suffered actual harm, such as physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Documentation like medical records, bills, pay stubs, and personal statements can prove the damages you experienced because of the accident.
Most Common Injuries in Pedestrian Collisions
Victims of pedestrian accidents often suffer a wide range of injuries. These injuries can vary from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-changing trauma. Because pedestrians have no protection like drivers or passengers inside cars, they are especially vulnerable during collisions.
- One of the most common injuries is broken bones. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the impact can easily cause fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis. These injuries often require surgery, casting, or physical therapy to heal properly.
- Head injuries are also very common and can be particularly dangerous. A pedestrian might hit their head on the pavement, the car’s hood, or the windshield during a collision. This can lead to skull fractures, concussions, or other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries can cause long-term problems like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or even permanent brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries can occur if the pedestrian’s back is severely impacted. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Spinal injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Soft tissue injuries such as cuts, bruises, and sprains are common but sometimes underestimated. These injuries can cause significant pain and may require medical attention, especially if deep cuts lead to infection or if sprains affect a person’s mobility.
- Internal injuries can be life-threatening and sometimes harder to detect. When a pedestrian is struck, internal organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs may be damaged, causing internal bleeding. These injuries often require emergency surgery and close medical monitoring.
- Psychological trauma is another important aspect. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a pedestrian accident. Emotional recovery is just as important as physical healing.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Pedestrian Accident
When you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, the insurance company for the at-fault driver may not make it easy for you to get the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, or even deny claims altogether. That’s why having knowledgeable Raleigh pedestrian accident attorneys on your side is so important.
Our experienced attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying fair settlements after pedestrian accidents. They might delay communication, question your injuries, blame you for the accident, or offer lowball settlement amounts. Our pedestrian accident lawyers don’t accept these unfair practices. We fight aggressively to protect your rights and ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
The first step our legal team takes is thoroughly investigating your case. We gather all of the necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage. This evidence helps us build a strong case showing that the driver was negligent and responsible for your injuries.
We also work closely with medical experts to clearly demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your life. This is important because insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or argue that they are unrelated to the accident.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers handle all communications with the insurance company, so you don’t have to deal with confusing legal language or pressure tactics. We carefully review any settlement offers and explain whether they are fair or if they should be rejected. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.
At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our goal is to get you the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future expenses related to your pedestrian accident. With our dedicated legal team by your side, you can focus on healing while we fight the insurance company aggressively on your behalf.
What Are the Most Important Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, certain actions can help you when filing a claim. Our Raleigh pedestrian accident lawyers suggest taking these steps immediately after you’ve been hurt by a negligent motorist.
The first thing you should do is complete all recommended medical treatment. This step ensures that you recover as fully as possible and creates a record of your injuries that will be important for your case.
Next, it’s important to obtain a copy of the police report. This report contains vital information about the accident, including details about the driver, witness statements, and the officer’s observations. Having this official document helps us understand exactly what happened and strengthens your pedestrian accident case when dealing with insurance companies or in court.
Speaking with our experienced Raleigh pedestrian accident attorneys as soon as possible is another key step. At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and protect your rights. We can gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Raleigh Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys will handle each step of the process for you so that you can focus on your medical recovery. We will aggressively negotiate with insurance company adjusters and, if necessary, litigate your case in court to maximize your recoverable compensation. For a free case review with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC, please call us at (252) 777-2222 or contact us online.