If you were hit while walking in Matthews, our pedestrian accident lawyer in Matthews can help you take the next steps. You may be dealing with injuries, missed work, and questions about who pays your bills.
Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers help injured pedestrians and families after crosswalk collisions, hit-and-run crashes, school-zone incidents, and fatal pedestrian accidents in Matthews. Our team handles claims involving cars, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and buses.
We’ve won over $100 million in compensation for accident victims. Get the legal help you need by contacting our Matthews personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Matthews Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
You need a Matthews pedestrian accident attorney who understands local roads, intersections, and common defense tactics. We use police reports from the Matthews Police Department, collision diagrams, and scene measurements to build the strongest record possible. Our approach is focused on clear communication and timely action.
From day one, we collect medical records, verify billing codes, and track wage losses to present a full and accurate claim. We coordinate with your providers to document prognosis, future care, and any permanent limits. If needed, we retain accident reconstruction and human factors experts to explain how the driver failed to yield.
Whether your case resolves through a settlement or proceeds to litigation in Mecklenburg County, we prepare it as if it will be tried. That preparation often leads to better settlement outcomes. You stay informed at each step, and we move your case forward without delay.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents In Matthews
Drivers often hit pedestrians because they fail to yield at crosswalks or when turning right on red. Speeding on local corridors and cut-through traffic in neighborhoods also elevates risk. Nighttime visibility issues, dark clothing, and poor lighting can compound driver mistakes.
Distracted driving is a leading factor in Matthews pedestrian collisions. Texting, app use, and in-car screens pull eyes off the road long enough to miss a person in a crosswalk. Impaired driving and fatigue also reduce reaction time and decision-making.
Many crashes occur near shopping centers, schools, and multi-lane roads where sight lines can be blocked. We analyze each location to see whether lane design, signals, or signs played a role. Still, the core question is whether the driver used reasonable care and followed North Carolina traffic laws.
What To Do After A Pedestrian Crash In Matthews
Your actions in the hours and days after a crash can affect your health and your claim. Get medical care right away, even if you think you can walk it off.
Some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or ligament damage—surface over time. Also, make sure you contact the police to file a crash report.
Also:
- Preserve your clothing and shoes in a bag for later inspection.
- Avoid social media posts about the crash, injuries, or activities.
- Decline recorded statements until you speak with a pedestrian accident attorney in Matthews.
Matthews Laws That Affect Your Pedestrian Injury Claim
North Carolina follows contributory negligence, which can bar recovery if an insurer proves you were even slightly at fault. Drivers often argue that a pedestrian “darted out” or crossed outside a crosswalk. We counter these claims with timing analysis, surveillance, and witness testimony.
State law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Drivers must also use due care to avoid people on the roadway and must not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks. Violations of these rules can support a finding of negligence.
In some situations, the “last clear chance” doctrine may apply if the driver could have avoided the collision after becoming aware of your peril. We examine vehicle speed, sight distances, and reaction time to assess this. Each fact pattern is unique, so the record we build matters.
Damages Available After A Pedestrian Accident In Matthews
Your claim may include past and future medical bills for hospital care, imaging, surgery, therapy, and medication. You can also seek lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and loss of household services if injuries limit your ability to work or care for your family. Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life are recoverable as well.
Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent impairment are common in pedestrian crashes and should be documented by your treating providers. We also present day-in-the-life evidence to show how injuries affect your routines. When a driver was impaired or engaged in reckless conduct, punitive damages may be available under North Carolina law.
In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death action. Recoverable damages can include funeral costs, medical expenses, the value of the decedent’s services, and the loss of companionship. We file the claim through the personal representative of the estate as required by statute.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurers may contact you quickly and offer a fast settlement before you know the full scope of injuries. Early offers often fail to cover future care or wage losses. You do not have to accept or sign anything without advice.
Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement or broad medical authorizations. These can be used to shift blame or dig into unrelated medical history. We handle communications with the insurer so you can focus on treatment.
A Matthews pedestrian injury lawyer brings structure to the process: we present a detailed demand, support it with records, and set deadlines for responses. If the insurer disputes liability or damages, we are prepared to file suit and move the case into discovery.
How We Build And Pursue Your Matthews Pedestrian Claim
Our process starts with a thorough intake and review of your medical status. We coordinate follow-up care and obtain records that reflect diagnosis, causation, and prognosis. Photographs and witness interviews are scheduled quickly to secure time-sensitive evidence.
Next, we quantify losses by compiling bills, ledgers, and wage documents. For serious injuries, we consult life-care planners and economists to project future costs and lost earning capacity. This gives us a clear basis for negotiation with the carrier.
If negotiations stall, we file a lawsuit in the appropriate North Carolina court. Litigation tools—depositions, subpoenas, and expert reports—allow us to test the defense story. Many cases settle after discovery clarifies the strengths and risks for both sides.
Contact our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Matthews
We’re ready to help you move forward. If you were hit while walking in Matthews, contact us to discuss your options, timelines, and next steps with a pedestrian accident attorney in Matthews.
Reach out today for a free consultation so we can review your claim and start building your case.
