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Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Anyone who has tried to navigate the streets of Charlotte on foot can attest to the risk of getting hit by a car when trying to cross the street, even in a marked crosswalk when there is walk signal indicating it is safe to walk. Drivers commonly fail to yield the right of way and fail to stop before making a right on red, and due to the vulnerability of a walker, oftentimes a pedestrian injury case can turn into a wrongful death case.

At Auger & Auger, our Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyers take legal action against negligent drivers for the personal injuries and wrongful death they cause. Partner Arlene Auger has been handling exclusively personal injury law for over 20 years. She has completed several marathons and logged thousands of miles on Charlotte roads; she is well aware that many drivers are distracted and fail to see, or look for, walkers or runners in the right of way. “Unfortunately, the auto insurance industry is quick to blame pedestrians for these accidents. They know that if even if the pedestrian is only 1% at fault, they can deny their injury claim under NC law. If you have been hit by a car, truck or bus, please call our office to speak with either myself of my partner for free legal advice before you call the insurance company,” said attorney Arlene Auger.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Charlotte and its surrounding suburbs are not very walkable, leaving travel by motor vehicle as the primary means of transportation. Drivers always seem to be in a rush to get to their destination, putting innocent pedestrians at risk. Drivers in Charlotte are often seen weaving in and out of traffic and regularly running red lights.

Risky behavior is not limited to motorists. As a pedestrian, you have a duty to follow traffic laws and to also maintain a proper lookout. North Carolina General Statutes 20-174 states “Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within a marked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway.” That section also prohibits pedestrians from crossing the street at any place except a marked crosswalk when walking between intersections in which there is a traffic-control signal present and in operation. However, even when you are disobeying a traffic law, you may still have a claim if you can prove that the motorist had the last clear chance to avoid hitting you after you put yourself in a dangerous position.

Recovering Damages from Negligent Drivers

Our attorneys are experienced in obtaining compensation for pedestrians that are injured by negligent drivers, and have been handling exclusively personal injury cases for over 20 years. We will conduct our own investigation into the facts surrounding your accident and will prove why the motorist was responsible for your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Time is of the essence. Many intersections and businesses maintain surveillance cameras but the data from these devices is only held for a short period of time. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, let our experience work for you.