A pedestrian accident claim is a personal injury case filed when a driver strikes and injures a person on foot, in a crosswalk, or along a roadway due to negligent driving. In Charlotte, pedestrians injured by a vehicle have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering – but North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule means any finding of fault against the pedestrian can eliminate recovery entirely. A Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney at Mehta and McConnell, PLLC, investigates the driver’s actions, preserves traffic camera footage, and builds the liability case before the at-fault driver’s insurer can shift blame.
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you might be experiencing pain, anxiety, and stress.
Your injuries might make it impossible to work while your financial obligations continue to pile up.
Charlotte pedestrian accident attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and work to get you the compensation you need to move forward.
You can reach our lawyers at 980-326-2270.
Key Takeaways
- Pedestrian accidents are often caused by negligent drivers who speed, drive distracted, fail to yield, ignore traffic signals, or operate a vehicle while impaired.
- After a pedestrian accident, call 911, seek immediate medical care, gather evidence if possible, and avoid discussing fault before speaking with an attorney.
- North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule can prevent you from recovering compensation if you are found even 1% responsible for the accident.
- An experienced Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the crash, preserve critical evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Charlotte, NC
Pedestrians suffer serious injuries and death every day due to preventable pedestrian accidents. In 2019, there were 15,980 pedestrian accidents in North Carolina.
In Charlotte specifically, pedestrian accidents concentrate along several high-risk corridors. The North Tryon Street and Sugar Creek Road intersection near University City sees frequent crosswalk incidents. South Boulevard through the South End and Dilworth neighborhoods generates pedestrian crash reports due to rideshare dropoff conflicts and weekend foot traffic. Beatties Ford Road and the West Boulevard corridor in west Charlotte are also documented high-pedestrian-injury areas in Mecklenburg County traffic records. If you were struck near any of these locations – or anywhere in Charlotte, Gastonia, Concord, or the surrounding metro area – our attorneys know how to obtain city traffic camera footage and intersection engineering data that can establish driver liability.
Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents may not guarantee your safety, but it may help you recognize warning signs that can keep you out of harm’s way. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, a Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Distracted Driving Near Uptown Charlotte Crosswalks and Trade & Tryon Streets in Charlotte, NC
A person is distracted when they undertake the following acts while driving:
- Talking or texting on their phone,
- Adjusting the radio station,
- Eating,
- Engaging with passengers in the car, or
- Updating their GPS while driving.
Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, even for a second, can have devastating consequences.
Our Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney will investigate whether distracted driving caused your pedestrian accident and gather the evidence needed to establish the driver’s liability.
Speeding on Charlotte Roads Like Independence Blvd and N Tryon St
Drivers who exceed the speed limit increase their chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident. The faster a car travels, the longer it takes to stop.
If a pedestrian appears in a roadway, a speeding driver may find it impossible to stop in time, even if they slam on the brakes.
Failing to Yield at Charlotte Pedestrian Crossings
When a pedestrian enters a crosswalk, drivers are required to stop and let the pedestrian pass.
Unfortunately, many drivers fail to yield and hit pedestrians. These accidents are rarely the pedestrian’s fault.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals in High-Foot-Traffic Charlotte Areas
When drivers fail to obey traffic signs or signals, they put pedestrians at risk. If a motorist attempts to beat a red light through an intersection, a driver may strike a pedestrian who is trying to cross the street.
Failing to Signal
Car signals allow drivers to communicate with others while out on the road. When drivers fail to signal, they don’t let others know that they intend to change lanes or make a turn.
For example, when a driver fails to signal, a pedestrian may believe the driver intends to go straight.
However, if the driver suddenly makes a right turn, they may catch the pedestrian unaware and hit them as they cross the street.
Impaired Driving
Anyone who drives while under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts everyone around them at risk.
Drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s vision, cognitive function, and reaction time, making it more likely the driver will cause a collision.
You deserve to recover compensation for your injuries. However, it’s vital to establish the liability of the driver to succeed.
The best Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney understands the importance of thoroughly investigating the cause of your accident to strengthen your case and help you obtain the best possible outcome.
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Why Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Victims Choose Mehta & McConnell
- Proven Experience Against Insurance Companies: Our attorneys spent years on the defense side before representing injured people, giving them a clear picture of how insurers approach pedestrian accident claims and what arguments they use to avoid full payment.
- Board-Certified Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Charlotte and Mecklenburg County: Viral Mehta and Jason McConnell hold North Carolina State Bar certifications and have fought for injured pedestrians across Charlotte, including victims struck while walking, crossing streets, or using crosswalks.
- Aggressive Protection Against Contributory Negligence Claims: Insurers frequently argue that pedestrians share fault in collisions. We build cases that challenge those allegations with evidence, witness testimony, and traffic law analysis specific to Charlotte’s road infrastructure.
- Thorough Documentation of All Damages: Pedestrian injuries are often severe. We work to document every loss, from emergency care and rehabilitation to long-term disability and pain and suffering, so your claim reflects the full impact of the accident.
- No Fee Unless We Win: Your initial consultation is 100% free, and you pay no attorney fees until we recover compensation for you.
Our Charlotte, NC Pedestian Accident Lawyer
Attorney Viral Mehta is the co-founder of Mehta & McConnell PLLC and an experienced rideshare accident attorney who represents individuals injured in rideshare, car, and other motor vehicle accidents throughout North Carolina. A Charlotte native, Mr. Mehta brings valuable insight from his early career defending insurance companies, allowing him to anticipate insurers’ strategies and advocate effectively for injured clients. A North Carolina State Bar Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law and a North Carolina Super Lawyer, he is dedicated to helping accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve with skilled, personalized legal representation.
What To Do If You’re Hit By A Car As A Pedestrian in Charlotte, NC
A pedestrian accident is a traumatizing experience. Knowing what to do immediately after an accident is crucial to protecting your rights in any potential lawsuit.
Unfortunately, many pedestrians don’t know the steps they should take after an accident.
If you were in a pedestrian accident, you might have also suffered serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
Only if you can do so safely, undertake the following actions after being in an accident:
- Check for injuries. Look yourself over and assess whether you are suffering from any obvious injuries. If you believe you are hurt, do not move. Only move and complete the next steps if you can do so safely and without harming yourself further.
- Call 911. Always call 911 after a pedestrian accident. Emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officers will report to the scene to provide medical aid and begin an investigation into the accident. Reporting officers create an accident report detailing useful facts that can be used by your Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer.
- Obtain medical care. Even if you believe you are injury-free, seek medical attention anyway. Many medical issues, including severe issues like internal bleeding, may only be evident to you hours, days, or even weeks after an accident. Charlotte pedestrian accident attorneys use your medical records to calculate a value for your case.
- Gather the driver’s information. If you can do so without further harming yourself or others, obtain the name, contact information, and insurance details of the driver who hit you. If you cannot get this information at the scene, these details will also be in the police accident report.
- Document the scene. Take photographs of the scene, the vehicles involved, your injuries, and other relevant parts of the accident scene. Take as many photos as you can. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. It’s also important to write down your recollection of the events before, during, and after the accident as soon as you can.
- Call a lawyer. Contact a Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. You deserve to have someone on your side fighting for fair compensation on your behalf.
It may seem impossible to have the clarity of mind to remember these steps in the minutes following a pedestrian accident.
However, completing these steps helps the best Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney immediately access evidence they will use to support your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am hit by a car while walking in Charlotte, NC?
If you are struck by a vehicle in Charlotte, you should call 911, seek immediate medical attention, gather the driver’s information and insurance details, take photographs of the scene if you are able, and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Avoid making statements about fault to the driver or their insurance company. Contacting a Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible helps protect your claim.
Who is at fault in most Charlotte pedestrian accidents?
Most pedestrian accidents in Charlotte result from driver negligence, including failure to yield at crosswalks, speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. In cases where the pedestrian had the right of way, liability often rests clearly with the driver. However, insurance companies may still argue that the pedestrian contributed to the accident, which is why building a strong evidentiary case is important.
How does North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule affect pedestrian accident claims?
North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule can be particularly challenging for pedestrian accident victims. If an insurer can argue that the pedestrian jay-walked, crossed against a signal, or was otherwise partially at fault, it may attempt to deny the claim entirely. Charlotte pedestrian accident attorneys work to counter these arguments using witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and applicable traffic law analysis.
What damages can a pedestrian accident victim recover in Charlotte, NC?
Pedestrian accident victims in Charlotte may be entitled to compensation for emergency medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, lost wages, future medical costs, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Because pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle, injuries are often severe and long-lasting, making thorough documentation of all current and future damages essential to a fair recovery.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, most pedestrian injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of the accident. If the accident resulted in a fatality, the wrongful death statute of limitations is generally two years. Waiting too long to take legal action can permanently eliminate your right to pursue compensation, so contacting a Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney soon after a crash is strongly advisable.
North Carolina’s statute of limitations gives pedestrian accident victims three years to take legal action under G.S. 1-52. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more time your legal team has to preserve evidence and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Contact Our Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
When you work with the legal team at Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, you benefit from our wealth of legal knowledge and skill.
Because we both previously worked as defense attorneys, we can anticipate the tactics insurance companies and opposing counsel will use to try to deny you the compensation you deserve.
With over 30 years of combined legal experience, you can trust us to handle your case while you focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for a free, no-commitment consultation to discuss your legal options.
Cases We Handle in Charlotte, NC:
- Personal Injury
- Car Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Rideshare Accident
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
Local Resources in Charlotte, NC
If you’ve been injured in Charlotte, these trusted local resources can assist you with emergency care, reporting, transportation, and vehicle repairs. While these services can help in the immediate aftermath, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and your claim.
Police & Public Safety
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) – 601 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Handles local law enforcement, traffic accident investigations, and police reports within Charlotte city limits. Call (704) 336-7600 for non-emergency assistance or records requests. Visit Website
North Carolina State Highway Patrol – Troop H Headquarters – 12101 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078. Responds to crashes on Interstate 77, Interstate 85, Interstate 485, and other state highways throughout Mecklenburg County. Call +1 704-331-3300 for highway accident assistance and report inquiries. Visit Website
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office – 700 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Provides law enforcement services for county facilities, court security, and detention operations. For certain county-related records and assistance, call (704) 336-8100. Visit Website
Accident Reports & Records
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) – 601 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Handles local law enforcement, traffic accident investigations, and police reports within Charlotte city limits. Call (704) 336-7600 for non-emergency assistance or records requests. Visit Website
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Crash Reports – Request official crash reports for reportable traffic accidents investigated by law enforcement agencies across North Carolina. Request Report
North Carolina State Highway Patrol Collision Information – Request crash reports for accidents investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol on state highways and interstates. Request Report
Medical & Emergency Care
Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center – 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, United States. Level I Trauma Center providing 24/7 emergency care, trauma surgery, advanced imaging, and specialized treatment for serious accident injuries. Call 704-355-2000. Visit Website
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center – 200 Hawthorne Ln., Charlotte, NC 28204. Offers emergency medical services, trauma stabilization, surgery, diagnostic imaging, and comprehensive inpatient care. Call (704) 384-4000. Visit Website
Atrium Health University City – 8800 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28262. Provides emergency treatment, diagnostic imaging, orthopedic care, and inpatient services for accident victims. Call (704) 863-6000. Visit Website
Towing & Roadside Assistance
Queen City Towing – Provides 24/7 emergency towing, roadside assistance, accident recovery, and vehicle transport services throughout Charlotte and surrounding communities. Call (704) 332-0001. Visit Website
Collision Repair & Auto Body Shops
Caliber Collision – Charlotte – 10421 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28273, United States. Trusted collision repair provider offering insurance coordination, dent repair, painting, and lifetime warranties on repairs. Call 704-496-7700. Visit Website
Hendrick Collision Center South – Charlotte – 8901 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, United States. Full-service collision repair and auto body shop specializing in post-accident vehicle restoration and auto glass replacement. Call (704) 527-4900. Visit Website
Auto Repair & Mechanics
Nick’s Auto Repair – 2437 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States. ASE-certified repair facility providing engine diagnostics, brake repairs, suspension work, and post-collision mechanical inspections. Call 704-374-0205.
Woodie’s Auto Service & Repair Center – Uptown Charlotte – 915 S McDowell St, Charlotte, NC 28204, United States. Offers comprehensive automotive repair, inspections, maintenance, and post-accident mechanical services. Call 704-837-7487. Visit Website
Rental Car Services
Enterprise Rent-A-Car – 5489 R Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, United States. Offers insurance replacement rentals, daily rentals, and long-term vehicle rental options near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Call 833-336-0426. Visit Website
Hertz Car Rental – 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28208. Provides short-term and long-term rental vehicles, including insurance replacement rentals. Call 704-359-0114. Visit Website
Budget Car Rental – 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28208. Offers affordable rental vehicles, insurance replacement rentals, and flexible transportation solutions. Call (704) 359-5701. Visit Website
Transportation Services
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) – Provides bus and LYNX light rail transportation throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, including routes connecting hospitals, courts, downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods. Call (704) 336-7433. Visit Website
Mental Health & Support
Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte – 501 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211. Provides counseling, trauma therapy, psychiatric services, crisis intervention, and mental health support for individuals recovering from accidents and traumatic injuries. Call (704) 444-2400. Visit Website
SAMHSA National Helpline – Free, confidential, 24/7 mental health and substance use treatment referral and information. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Visit Website