Pedestrian Accidents & Fatalities on the Rise in NC

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents Rising in North Carolina

Did you know …

In 2020, a shocking 12% of pedestrians who were hit by a vehicle in North Carolina were killed. That meant a total of 249 pedestrian fatalities – a stunning 7.8% increase from 2019. The story doesn’t look better nationally either with total projected pedestrian fatalities increasing by 13% from 2020 to 2021.

These deaths are the result of multiple causes:
• Speeding
• Driving while impaired
• Distracted driving caused by using cell phones and texting

Due to the weight of motor vehicles and the speed that they travel, cars and trucks can cause tremendous damage to pedestrians, even at slow speeds. Adults or children when out walking have no real protection, so seemly simple “bump” at a crosswalk can lead to a devastating injury.

 

Head Injuries are a Common Result of Pedestrian Accidents

One of the most common types of damage a pedestrian suffers when hit by a car or truck are head injuries. Head injuries are always very serious and may result in permanent disabilities. And brain injury symptoms do not always immediately appear.

If you have been stuck or hit by a motor vehicle and you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention because you may have a brain injury:

• Headaches
• Loss of coordination
• Impaired vision or depth perception
• Emotional instability or mood changes
• Difficulty speaking or comprehending speech
• Difficulty concentrating or recalling information
• Perseverating (continuously repeating words, thoughts or actions)

 

Pedestrian Accidents Always Have High Costs

An accident involving a pedestrian can also result in considerable expenses. Not only are there medical expenses for initial care (frequently including hospitalization), but there’s also continuing care including physical therapy, ongoing medication and follow up doctor’s visits.

Someone with a brain injury or physical limitations because of their injuries may also need occupational or vocational therapy so they can try to work again.

On top of ongoing medical expenses, there’s loss of work and wages to consider too. Such an accident may leave a person permanently disabled and unable to return to work at all or in a position where they cannot earn the same amount as they did before being hurt.

Pedestrian accidents can also leave lasting wounds, visible or not. Often the damage done after an accident goes far beyond medical bills and lost wages. So, at Fisher Stark we always seek fair compensation for pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering damages encompass the human losses that result from being injured, such as the loss or diminished enjoyment of life. Insurance companies typically undervalue these harms, and competent legal representation goes a long way to making sure a person receives a full and fair amount.

 

Asheville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers – Brad Stark and Perry Fisher

At Fisher Stark, P.A., we know that most pedestrian accidents are caused by cars and other vehicles. There’s limited protection afforded to those who use their feet to get around.

So, injuries sustained when struck by a vehicle like a car, bus, or truck can have traumatic, long-lasting effects. We routinely help victims of pedestrian accidents.

One of our goals as personal injury lawyers is to help anyone who is hurt to get back to the business of living their life, and not have to worry about paying bills or dealing with an insurance company fighting them at every turn, while they are trying to recover.

We focus on holding the at-fault party accountable and making sure their insurance companies or a jury understands the true value of a case. Insurance adjusters know our reputation as “trial attorneys.” This means that they know we are willing to go to court to fight for you and your rights.

So, if you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver in a pedestrian accident, you should consult an experienced accident attorney as soon as you can. We invite you to call Fisher Stark, P.A., at 828-505-4300 for a free consultation.