Pedestrian accidents can happen in an instant, often leaving victims with life-changing injuries. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no physical protection when a crash occurs. When a vehicle strikes someone on foot, the consequences are frequently severe. If you were injured, a knowledgeable Concord pedestrian accident lawyer can help.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, the Concord personal injury lawyers at Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers are ready to help. Our firm has represented injured people across North Carolina since 1995.
We understand how overwhelming dealing with a serious accident can be. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how we can assist you.
How Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Concord Investigate Your Case
A thorough investigation is essential in any pedestrian accident case. Because injuries are often severe, the financial stakes are high. Our legal team takes swift action to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Depending on the circumstances, our investigation may include:
- Visiting the accident scene to document road conditions, traffic signals, signage, and visibility
- Collecting photographs and video footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams
- Obtaining police reports and reviewing officer observations
- Interviewing eyewitnesses who saw the collision occur
- Seeking phone records through appropriate legal channels if distracted driving is suspected
- Examining vehicle data and damage patterns
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
- Analyzing medical records and working with healthcare professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries
By gathering and carefully reviewing this evidence, we can determine how the crash occurred and who should be held accountable. Once we establish liability, we will file an insurance claim and begin negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurer.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you before a judge and jury.
Understanding Contributory Negligence in North Carolina
North Carolina follows one of the strictest negligence standards in the country. Under the doctrine of contributory negligence, if an injured person is found to be even 1% at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation.
In pedestrian accident cases, insurance companies frequently attempt to use this rule to deny claims. They may argue that the pedestrian:
- Crossed outside of a marked crosswalk
- Failed to obey a traffic signal
- Was distracted while walking
- Entered the roadway suddenly
Even if these claims are exaggerated or inaccurate, they can jeopardize your ability to recover damages. This is why it is essential to have a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Concord who understands how to counter these defenses.
Our legal team carefully analyzes the facts and works to demonstrate that the driver’s negligence was the true cause of your injuries. We focus on building a strong, evidence-based argument designed to protect your right to compensation.
Deadlines for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Concord
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Concord, you do not have unlimited time to take legal action. In most personal injury cases in North Carolina, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. While three years may seem like a long time, building a strong case requires prompt action. Evidence can disappear, surveillance footage can be erased, and witnesses’ memories can fade.
In certain situations, shorter deadlines may apply. For example, if the accident involved a government vehicle, special notice requirements and time limits could affect your case. By contacting a Concord pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible, you give your legal team the opportunity to gather evidence quickly and file all necessary paperwork on time.
Types of Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, with permanent disabilities being common. Recovery can involve extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
When pursuing a claim, you need to understand that the compensation available will depend on the details of your case. In general, injured pedestrians may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to reimburse you for measurable financial losses related to the accident. These may include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous job
- Property damage
Our legal team works with medical experts and financial professionals to calculate the full value of your economic losses, including projected future costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the personal and emotional impact of your injuries. Although these losses do not come with receipts or invoices, they are often just as significant as financial damages.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Serious pedestrian injuries can permanently alter your quality of life. Our attorneys carefully evaluate how the accident has affected your daily activities, relationships, and overall well-being.
Punitive Damages
In rare situations, punitive damages may also be awarded. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not intended to compensate you for specific losses. Instead, they are designed to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or egregious conduct.
Punitive damages may be considered in cases involving extreme behavior, such as driving while intoxicated or intentionally disregarding pedestrian safety. However, these awards are uncommon and typically reserved for particularly serious misconduct.
Reach Out to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Serving Concord Today
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have decades of combined personal injury experience representing accident victims throughout North Carolina. We are committed to helping injured pedestrians in Concord pursue the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Our team works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t pay any upfront fees, and we only collect payment if you recover compensation. If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident in Concord, contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule your free case review. Let us help you seek accountability and move forward with confidence.
