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When you’re struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, the impact can shatter your life, leaving you with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. Distracted or negligent drivers often cause these devastating accidents, and you deserve justice. A dedicated pedestrian accident lawyer can be your advocate, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our Shelby personal injury lawyers are committed to fighting relentlessly for your rights, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and reclaim your life.
Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Go Above and Beyond
Responsive legal representation is crucial when you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, and that’s precisely what our firm offers. Our team includes two exceptional personal injury attorneys, Mark Morris and Hannah Davies, and is supported by a dedicated group of paralegals.
Mark has been honored as Rutherford County’s Best Attorney every year from 2011 to 2021. Hannah has been recognized by the National Association of Personal Injury Attorneys as one of the ten best personal injury lawyers in North Carolina.
Is Hiring a Lawyer for a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth It?
Sometimes, victims of pedestrian accidents are already dealing with costs from the accident and possibly physical pain, which has made their lives more difficult, and they’re not sure if they’ll be able to afford a lawyer.
While hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer doesn’t guarantee that you will have a favorable outcome for your case, it does mean that professionals will handle your case for you while you focus on recovering from your accident.
Read what our clients have to say about our services.
Benefits of Working with a Shelby Pedestrian Accident Lawyer from Our Team
Here’s what you can expect when you work with an attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC.
- Transparent Communication: We pride ourselves on keeping our clients informed throughout the legal process. We ensure that all of your questions are answered promptly and thoroughly.
- Client-Centered Approach: Your concerns and needs are our top priority. We work diligently to address every aspect of your case, provide peace of mind, and recover a fair settlement for the injuries and losses you suffered.
- Experienced Advocacy: With years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases, our attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to your case.
- Aggressive Representation: We are committed to fighting vigorously on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
- Comprehensive Support: From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every detail of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we win your case. This ensures that our interests are aligned with yours, and we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Types of Recoverable Damages for Pedestrian Auto Accidents In Shelby
The amount of compensation you can pursue for your personal injury claim depends on the details of your case and the costs incurred. We aim to recover damages to cover any expenses caused by your accident. Here are the types of damages you may be entitled to:
Medical Costs:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation services
Property Damage:
- Repair or replacement of personal property damaged in the accident
Rehabilitative Costs:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Long-term care facilities
Lost Wages and Benefits:
- Compensation for income lost due to time off work
- Lost benefits such as health insurance and retirement contributions
Diminished Earning Capacity:
- Compensation for reduced ability to earn income in the future due to injury-related disabilities
Pain and Suffering:
- Compensation for physical pain endured
- Emotional distress and trauma experienced
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to the accident
What Determines Liability in a Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in pedestrian accidents hinges on identifying and proving the negligent behavior of the involved parties. By thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the accident and demonstrating how the liable party failed to exercise reasonable care, injured pedestrians can seek compensation for their damages and hold the responsible parties accountable.
If you were struck by a vehicle, the driver of the vehicle that struck you could be considered liable under various circumstances, particularly if their actions deviated from safe driving practices. Here are several ways a driver might be found liable:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving involves any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and can significantly increase the risk of a collision.
- Traffic Violations: Traffic violations occur when drivers do not obey traffic laws and regulations. This includes speeding, running red lights, not stopping at stop signs, illegal turns, and not yielding the right of way. These violations can lead to accidents, fines, points on a driver’s license, and higher insurance rates.
- Poor Vehicle Operation: Poor vehicle operation refers to the inability to properly handle and control the vehicle. This can result from inexperience, lack of training, or not understanding the vehicle’s features. Poor vehicle operation can include improper lane changes, sudden braking, failing to use turn signals, and not adjusting to road conditions, all of which can lead to accidents.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Driving under the influence (DUI) is operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This significantly reduces the driver’s ability to make quick decisions and react to situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
While drivers are often the primary liable party in pedestrian accidents, other parties might also share responsibility under certain conditions:
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be held liable for producing a faulty product.
- Municipalities: Poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate signage can lead to accidents, potentially implicating the responsible municipal body.
- Employers: If the driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job, the employer might be liable under vicarious liability principles.
Establishing Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident
To hold a party liable, it must be demonstrated that they were negligent. This involves proving:
- Duty of Care: The driver owed a duty to operate their vehicle safely and obey traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: The driver breached this duty through negligent actions (e.g., speeding, distracted driving).
- Causation: The breach directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
- Damages: The pedestrian suffered actual harm or losses as a result.
Begin Your Pedestrian Accident Case Immediately
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Shelby, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years from the accident date, according to G.S. § 1-52.
If a loved one died as a result of a pedestrian accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years, according to G.S. § 1-53.
Don’t miss your opportunity to exercise your legal right to compensation. Call us today for your free initial consultation to discuss your legal options.
