Raleigh Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Explains Crosswalk Laws in North Carolina:

In a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian never wins.  Even though laws are designed to make travel safer for pedestrians a driver who sees a pedestrian in the roadway should always yield the right of way, regardless of whether the pedestrian is entitled to it or not. Because an accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian often results in catastrophic injuries or even death. 

Basic Pedestrian Laws in North Carolina

According to North Carolina law, any pedestrian crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk should yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the roadway. These laws are designed with pedestrian safety in mind.

Learn more about North Carolina Pedestrian Laws.

Are Pedestrians Required to Always Cross in a Crosswalk in North Carolina?

Although pedestrians are encourage to use crosswalks whenever possible for their own safety, that does not mean drivers can hit pedestrians outside of crosswalks with impunity. Sometimes there is no crosswalk or sidewalk nearby. Sometimes the pedestrian, for convenience, chooses to cross without the aid of a crosswalk. When pedestrians are regularly hit and injured while walking on the side of the road or while attempting to cross the roadway., experienced crosswalk accident lawyers are still able to recover damages on their behalf.

Can a Pedestrian Recover Damages If They Were Injured Outside of a Crosswalk in a Crosswalk in North Carolina?

In many cases, yes. You’re likely to be told by an insurance company that your claim is barred by your contributory negligence.  This is a harsh rule that can be used to bar an injured party’s claim if he or she is even 1% at fault.  With respect to pedestrians, the most common arguments for contributory negligence are that the pedestrian was crossing illegally, was not watching for traffic, or attempted to cross without warning to the driver. 

Because of the harsh nature of contributory negligence, it is important that pedestrians know and follow the law regarding safe crossings.  However, even if the pedestrian was negligent in crossing the roadway, they may still prevail in a lawsuit if they can establish that the driver was reckless or had the last clear chance to avoid the accident. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Raleigh Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

If you were injured as a pedestrian in North Carolina, it is important to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC who can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. It is important to note that each case is different, and the specific laws and regulations that apply will depend on the circumstances of the accident. So don’t wait.