Durham Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

An Honest Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Durham, NC

A pedestrian accident can result in serious, life-threatening injuries, even if an accident occurs at low speeds. A Durham pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the accident, identify responsible parties, and seek compensation for lost wages and medical expenses that resulted from injuries.

The Law Office of Jacob Goad represents clients in Durham and the surrounding communities, helping victims of pedestrian accidents obtain peace of mind on the road to recovery.

Pedestrian Accidents in North Carolina

Walking is a common way to get around the city of Durham, especially with popular shopping areas in Southpoint, Ninth Street, and the busy campus of Duke University. However, pedestrians have little physical protection when it comes to heavy-traffic areas.

In Durham, 23 people die in pedestrian accidents every year on average. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians lost their lives in accidents across the country, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with 71,000 more pedestrians injured.

Pedestrian collisions often occur when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks, turn through an intersection without looking for walkers, or drive while distracted. The location of the collision matters when filing an injury claim. For example, an accident on a busy main roadway may require different evidence than one occurring in a quiet suburban neighborhood.

What Happens After a Pedestrian Accident?

After an accident, the most important thing is to seek prompt medical attention by calling the Durham Police Department or 911. Serious injuries may not show symptoms right away and can become much more serious without treatment. Medical records are also crucial when determining the scope of your injuries for a pedestrian accident claim.

If you are able, preserve evidence from the accident by taking photos of injuries, the scene, and the vehicle that struck you. Collect witness testimony or contact information. The police report will also provide useful information for your case, as well as medical testing and reports.

Your Durham pedestrian accident lawyer can help guide you on how to speak with insurers to better support your case.

How Insurance Companies Handle Pedestrian Accident Claims

After a collision occurs, the insurance company may contact the injured pedestrian to gather information about the accident, the treatments necessary, employment, and if there had been any prior injuries. It is important to be truthful about the incident, but statements made immediately after the accident can be interpreted differently than what actually happened. Similar concerns may arise after a Car Accident, Wrongful Death, Traumatic Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Spinal Cord Injury, or Truck Accident.

Settlement offers require careful review. Accepting an offer early on may not cover the full scope of treatment for the injuries, which can slow your recovery or prevent you from obtaining additional help for ongoing concerns.

Your attorney can communicate with the insurance carrier directly and help you determine if the proposed resolution accounts for all damages sustained.

Why Hire a Trusted Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

A pedestrian accident claim can be complicated when it comes to submitting medical bills to the insurance carrier, and insurers are often quick to offer low settlements to close a case. However, when you hire a pedestrian lawyer, they can help identify how the collision happened and what damages may be recoverable to you.

An experienced attorney can review the police report, investigate the accident’s location, and identify other possible witnesses. They can seek available surveillance or traffic camera footage and thoroughly review all photographs and video evidence.

A Durham pedestrian accident attorney also helps you calculate the full extent of the damages to support your recovery efforts. They can help identify other complications, such as multiple insurance policies or property owners or disputes over fault.

How the Law Office of Jacob Goad Can Help

The Law Office of Jacob Goad focuses primarily on personal injury and workers’ compensation matters. Clients receive individualized guidance from the first consultation to the close of your case.

Not every claim can be resolved through negotiation. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court at the Durham County Courthouse when an appropriate resolution can’t be reached. This may be necessary in cases involving Catastrophic Injury, Nursing Home Abuse, Medical Malpractice, or a Motorcycle Accident.

Jacob Goad has been named a Super Lawyer, earned exceptional reviews, and is passionate about helping the residents of Durham when they have suffered due to another’s negligence.*

FAQs

Who Is At Fault When a Car Hits a Pedestrian?

The party at fault when a car hits a pedestrian depends on the circumstances, such as whether there were traffic signals, crosswalks, the driver’s and the pedestrian’s conduct, and the road conditions. Drivers need to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but a pedestrian has duties too, especially when crossing outside of a crosswalk. Since the state follows pure contributory negligence law, if a pedestrian is found partially at fault, they are barred from pursuing compensation.  

What Are the Pedestrian Laws in North Carolina?

The pedestrian laws in North Carolina address crosswalks, traffic signals, sidewalks, and pedestrians walking along the roadways. Pedestrians must follow applicable traffic-control signals and walk on the sidewalks where they exist. They also must face traffic on the left side of the road if there is no sidewalk. The Last Clear Chance Doctrine allows for drivers to be held accountable if they had a clear chance to avoid the collision.

What Should You Not Tell Your Insurance Company?

There are several things you should be careful of when speaking to your insurance company. It is important not to lie, minimize your injuries, or admit fault. Do not provide a recorded statement without first speaking with your attorney. Simply give accurate information about where the collision occurred, but do not speculate on speed, distance, or fault. Admission of any degree of fault can bar recovery of compensation.

What Are the Rights of a Pedestrian?

The rights of a pedestrian include statutory protections at qualifying crosswalks and intersections. Drivers are meant to yield to pedestrians under North Carolina General Statute 20-173, and drivers must exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian. An injured pedestrian may claim damages when another party’s negligence caused the collision and resulting losses.

Contact a Top Rated Durham Pedestrian Lawyer Today

The Law Office of Jacob Goad represents injured people in Durham and throughout North Carolina. Jacob Goad works directly with his clients to find solutions through negotiation or litigation when necessary. Fluent in both English and Spanish, we pride ourselves on clear communication and care.

If you have been injured after being struck by a vehicle, contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about recovering compensation for your medical needs.

*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.