Getting hit by a car while walking should never happen, but here you are, hurting, overwhelmed, and wondering how you’re supposed to move forward. You didn’t ask for this. And now you’re stuck dealing with medical bills, missed work, and insurance adjusters looking for ways to blame you.
That’s why working with a Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer matters. In North Carolina, if you’re found even 1% at fault, for example, in the case of jaywalking, you could lose your right to compensation entirely.
As Charlotte personal injury lawyers, we take that seriously. We’ll walk you through what needs to be proven, who may be responsible, and how to protect your future—starting right now.
Why Pedestrian Accident Claims Are So Complicated In North Carolina
In many cases, the driver isn’t the only one under scrutiny. Pedestrian accidents often raise questions about who was paying attention, who had the right of way, and whether the pedestrian was even 1% at fault. In North Carolina, that’s all it takes to lose your right to compensation under the state’s harsh contributory negligence rule.
Insurance companies know this—and they’ll use it to their advantage. If they can show you stepped outside a crosswalk, crossed against the light, glanced at your phone, or simply didn’t react “fast enough,” they’ll argue you share blame and deny your claim.
This is exactly why you need an experienced Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer. At Auger & Auger, we know how to shut down these tactics, protect your rights, and build a case that makes your side of the story undeniable.
What Injured Pedestrians Need To Prove
The law may not be on your side, but we are. To build a successful pedestrian accident case, your lawyer must show that another party—usually a driver—was completely at fault for the crash. That means proving:
- The driver had a duty of care to avoid hitting pedestrians
- They breached that duty through negligent actions (like texting or speeding)
- Their breach directly caused your severe injuries
- You did not contribute to the accident in any way
Our legal team uses evidence like traffic camera footage, crash scene photos, witness statements, and expert testimony to make your case as strong and airtight as possible.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Pedestrian Crash In Charlotte?
It’s not always just one person or company. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, multiple parties accountable for your injury might include:
- Negligent drivers who were distracted, drowsy, or impaired
- Employers of commercial drivers (like delivery services)
- Property owners who failed to fix dangerous conditions, like blocked sidewalks or unmarked crosswalks
- Government entities responsible for poorly maintained or confusing traffic signals
We take a close look at every angle of your pedestrian accident claim to make sure all responsible parties are identified and held accountable.
Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents In Charlotte
Injured pedestrians often suffer far more serious damage than those inside vehicles. With no protection from the force of impact, injuries can be life-altering and permanent. We’ve helped clients recover after suffering:
- Traumatic brain injuries and head injury
- Spinal cord injuries and permanent disabilities
- Broken bones and knee injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Neck injuries and soft tissue injuries
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
These are not just “painful.” They affect how you work, move, sleep, and live your daily life. That’s why we fight for maximum compensation—to support your current and future medical care, lost wages, and any future rehabilitation costs.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents And Wrongful Death Claims
Some pedestrian accidents tragically result in fatal injuries. When this happens, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation may be available for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of income and benefits
- Loss of companionship or loss of consortium
In North Carolina, these claims must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. Our Charlotte wrongful death lawyers can walk you through the process and help your family pursue fair compensation for this devastating loss.
Why You Shouldn’t Trust The Insurance Company
After a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian, it’s common for the driver’s insurance company to reach out quickly. They may sound kind and cooperative, but their real priority is protecting their bottom line, not helping you get the care or compensation you need.
Be cautious. Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements or push quick settlement offers that fall far short of what your case is actually worth. Some may try to shift blame, delay your calls, or twist your words to weaken your claim, especially in a contributory negligence state like North Carolina.
That’s why it’s so important to have someone stepping in on your behalf. We handle the insurance companies directly, calculate the full value of your losses—including medical care, lost income, and future expenses—and push for the financial compensation you deserve to truly move forward.
Compensation You Can Recover After A Pedestrian Accident In Charlotte
Pedestrian accident victims often face a long road ahead—medically, emotionally, and financially. Recovery isn’t always as simple as healing a broken bone or waiting for bruises to fade. Some injuries come with permanent consequences, long-term pain, and a heavy emotional burden that affects every part of your life.
A successful personal injury claim can help cover a wide range of losses, including:
- All medical costs, from the ER to physical therapy
- Future expenses related to long-term care or permanent injury
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Property damage, including phones or belongings destroyed in the crash
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Loss of enjoyment of life and missed milestones
- Loss of consortium for spouses and partners
This compensation isn’t just about the past—it’s about your future. It’s about making sure you have the support, resources, and financial relief to move forward without being buried in debt or left to manage the consequences on your own.
What To Do After A Charlotte Pedestrian Accident
The crash may be over, but what you do now matters just as much. Once you’ve gotten medical attention, it’s time to think about protecting your rights, because the insurance company already is.
Here’s what you can do right now to support your claim:
- Call a Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer: Before you deal with insurance companies or make any big decisions, speak with an attorney who understands North Carolina law and can guide you through what comes next.
- Request your medical records: ER visits, follow-up care, physical therapy, prescriptions—every piece of documentation helps show the full impact of your injuries.
- Preserve anything you were wearing: Clothes, shoes, or anything else that was damaged in the crash can be used as evidence. Store them safely and don’t wash or throw them away.
- Write down what happened: As soon as you can, jot down everything you remember about the crash. Details like where you were, how the driver acted, or how you felt right after may become important later.
- Identify any witnesses: If someone else saw the accident, try to get their name and contact information. A statement from a neutral party can be a powerful part of your case.
- Take photos of your injuries over time: Healing can take weeks or months. Photos from different stages help document just how serious your recovery has been.
- Keep a record of your expenses: Save receipts for things like medications, medical devices, travel to appointments, and anything else you’ve paid for because of the accident.
- Avoid posting on social media: Insurance adjusters may search your accounts looking for ways to downplay your injuries. Even seemingly harmless posts can be misinterpreted.
- Don’t sign anything from the insurance company: Accepting a quick settlement or signing paperwork too soon could limit your ability to seek full compensation. Let a lawyer review anything before you agree to it.
These steps might feel small, but they can make a big difference in the strength of your pedestrian accident claim. A lawyer can help you organize everything and take the legal pressure off your shoulders.
The Value Of A Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer isn’t just helpful in pedestrian accident cases—it can be the difference between getting compensated and getting nothing. In North Carolina, if the insurance company finds you even 1% at fault, they can deny your entire claim. That’s not just frustrating—it’s unfair. And it’s exactly why you need someone who knows how to push back.
We take a close look at every detail of your crash, preserve important evidence before it disappears, and figure out exactly who should be held responsible. Our team works with medical and accident experts when needed and handles all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening. We’ll explain your options, walk you through the legal steps ahead, and keep you fully informed throughout the case. You focus on healing—we’ll handle the rest.
What Makes Auger & Auger The Right Call?
You already know how important it is to have a lawyer, but not all firms offer the same level of care. Auger & Auger is a local, family-owned firm led by Herb and Arlene, who founded it over 30 years ago and still run it today.
We focus exclusively on personal injury law, and every attorney on our team brings years of experience to the table—an average of 19 years each. We’ve recovered over $100 million for clients throughout North and South Carolina, and we’re committed to getting the full value of every claim we handle.
We also make it easy to get started. Our consultations are always free, and our zero-fee guarantee means you don’t pay anything unless we win. For us, it’s not just about results—it’s about helping people who’ve been through something life-changing feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Talk To A Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Pedestrian crashes can leave you hurt, grieving, and unsure of what to do next—especially when the insurance company is already working against you. You don’t have to accept their version of what your case is worth.
An experienced Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you’re owed. We know how North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule works—and how to push back when insurers try to use it against you.
You deserve legal support that’s local, personal, and committed. Your initial consultation is free, and our zero-fee guarantee means you won’t pay us unless we win. Let’s talk about what happened, what comes next, and how we can pursue the financial relief you need to move forward.
