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Pedestrian Accidents

Not only can the hustle and bustle of city life be exhausting, but it can also be dangerous for pedestrians, especially during sunrise and sunset. In crowded city areas, such as uptown Charlotte, countless people walk to and from their cars, restaurants, bars, and workplaces during these times of the day. Sunrise and sunset are also popular times for runners who want to squeeze in a quick run before or after work.

With so many pedestrians out and about at sunrise and sunset and countless drivers rushing to and from work, pedestrian accidents are most likely to happen at dawn and dusk. But the traffic at twilight isn’t the only factor that makes these times so dangerous.

Keep reading to learn more about why twilight is so dangerous to pedestrians, how to improve pedestrian safety, and what to do if you’ve been in an accident as a pedestrian.

RELATED ARTICLE: North Carolina Is Among the Most Dangerous States for Pedestrians

Why Are Sunrise and Sunset Such Dangerous Times for Pedestrians?

Heavy vehicle and foot traffic aren’t the only factors that make sunrise and sunset such dangerous times for pedestrians. Other factors also exacerbate the situation.

  • Drivers are tired

    At sunrise, drivers may have just rolled out of bed, and the coffee might not have kicked in yet. It can take people hours to fully wake up in the morning, meaning their reaction times are slower and they may not be as aware of their surroundings. Likewise, by sunset, many people begin to wind down, and they’re exhausted from a hard day at work.

  • The sun is blinding

    Sunglasses can only do so much for drivers when the sun is shining directly into their eyes, as it tends to do at sunrise and sunset. Even if the driver is paying attention, momentary blindness at just the wrong time can have devastating consequences.

  • Commuters are rushing

    Whether we’re trying to get to work on time, get kids to school or pick them up, or just want to get home as soon as possible so we can relax, commuters tend to be in a rush, and heavy traffic times often fall around sunrise and sunset. When drivers rush, they not only drive faster but also tend to be more impatient and impulsive.

North Carolina Pedestrian Laws and Why They Matter

Understanding who has the right-of-way is the first step toward protecting pedestrians. Remember:

  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections and driveways but are still legally obligated to follow walk/don’t walk signals.
  • Vehicles have the right-of-way everywhere else, so if crossing anywhere other than a crosswalk, pedestrians must yield to vehicles.
  • Pedestrians are required to walk on a sidewalk if available and on the road facing traffic if there is no sidewalk.

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How Contributory Negligence Can Affect Your Case

In addition to helping keep pedestrians safe by making sure everyone is on the same page, pedestrian laws are extremely important in states like North Carolina that follow pure contributory negligence laws. Under pure contributory negligence, if an injured party files a personal injury claim against a negligent party but is found to be even 1% responsible for their own injuries, they cannot receive any compensation.

RELATED ARTICLE: How Do Pedestrians Get Compensated for Accident Injuries?

For instance, if you are injured crossing at an intersection while there is an active don’t walk signal, it will be difficult for you to recover any compensation since you had a legal duty to obey the walk signals. A jury may find you partially responsible for your injuries.

Likewise, if you cross somewhere other than a crosswalk and get injured, the insurance defense attorney will argue that you were obligated to yield to traffic. Also, if you were talking or texting on your phone, they’ll throw in an argument for not paying reasonable attention to your surroundings.

Either way, you will face the defense of contributory negligence, which will make a recovery much more difficult. Because the defense only needs to prove that you were 1% responsible to deprive you of your rightful compensation and because insurance companies do everything they can to deny any compensation, obeying the pedestrian laws and contacting an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury is essential to the success of your personal injury case.

Safety Tips for Drivers and Pedestrians

The number one safety tip for both pedestrians and drivers is to remain aware. Know and understand the risks of driving and walking at twilight, and always pay extra attention to your surroundings.

How Drivers Can Help Keep Pedestrians Safe

    • Reduce glare from the sun by keeping the inside and outside of your car windows clean.
    • In addition to wearing sunglasses, position your car’s visor to block the sun whenever possible.
    • Always be extra careful when turning a corner or entering an intersection, as these areas make it even harder to notice pedestrians crossing the road.
    • Stay off of your phone while driving. Texting while driving takes your eyes off the road and causes distractions.

Pedestrians: Keep a Lookout and Don’t Trust Drivers

    • Never assume a car is going to stop when you are crossing the road. Always wait until you are sure they can see you and have come to a complete stop before beginning to cross.
    • Only cross the road at crosswalks. Drivers expect to see pedestrians at designated crossing areas but may not react in time if you cross the road elsewhere.
    • Avoid distractions such as texting or talking on your phone, listening to music, or digging through your bag when walking in high traffic areas or crossing a road.
    • Never trust a turn signal. Even if the car is approaching the intersection and has a turn signal on, wait until you are sure the car is actually turning. The driver may have not turned off the turn signal or may be lost and not sure where to turn.

Myers Law Firm: Representing Injured Pedestrians in Charlotte and Throughout Mecklenburg County

If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in the Charlotte area and want to seek compensation for your injuries, you’ll need a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney to help you fight claims of contributory negligence. Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking to any insurance company representatives, who might use what you say against you.

The attorneys at Myers Law Firm have experience handling pedestrian personal injury cases and can manage the details of your claim and legal case so you can focus on your recovery. To schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys today, call 888-376-2889 or complete this brief contact form. We look forward to hearing from you and finding out how we can help.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.

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We are able to meet with clients and hold consultations with prospective clients via telephone or video conference. If you need to contact us, please do not hesitate; we are happy to speak with you about your situation, your needs, and how we can help.

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Three Reasons to Go to the Doctor After Car Accident

It might be tempting to skip going to the doctor after you’ve been in a car accident. Maybe you think you can tough it out, or you’re hoping the pain will get better on its own. Before you skip going to the doctor, take a few minutes and read this article. There are plenty of good reasons why you should always receive medical attention after you’ve been involved in a car accident.

Here are three reasons to go to the doctor after experiencing a car accident.

1. You Need to Take Care of Yourself and Look Out for Your Long-Term Health

First and foremost, you need to take care of yourself. Even if you think you can tough it out or don’t believe you are injured very badly, it’s still best to seek medical attention. Latent injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal wounds are not always immediately apparent, and they can become more dangerous (and more expensive) the longer you wait to seek treatment.

RELATED BLOG ARTICLE: Do I Have to Pay My Own Medical Bills After a Car Crash?

Traumatic car accidents can also cause mental and emotional damage that can be just as damaging as physical injuries. Emotional stress is very real and, like physical injuries, can be dangerous when left untreated. It’s not unusual for victims to experience stress, anxiety, insomnia, or even PTSD after a terrible accident. It’s normal to have a fear of driving or even riding in a car for some time. A medical professional can recommend appropriate treatment for your emotional anguish and help you begin to live your life again after a wreck.

2. Visiting a Doctor Right Away Can Help You Avoid Bogus Arguments From the Insurance Company

Medical bills can pile up after a car crash, and going to the doctor if you are injured ensures detailed documentation of your injuries. Insurance companies will review this paper trail when assessing your claim and deciding how much money you’re owed.

The insurance company wants to settle your case as quickly and cheaply as possible after an accident. They’ll do whatever they can to claim that you were not injured. When you try to tough it out and wait to go to the doctor but then demand compensation for your injuries later, the insurance company will claim that you aren’t owed anything because your injuries weren’t severe enough to merit going to the hospital right away.

While this bullying tactic isn’t fair to victims who’ve been injured in an accident that was not their fault, it happens every day — which is why, in addition to seeking prompt medical treatment, reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer is in your best interest. An attorney can deal with the insurance company and help you navigate the complex insurance claims system in North Carolina.

3. Medical Treatment Establishes Critical Evidence for a Lawsuit

You might not want to think about anything other than recovering from your injuries after a car accident, but when you’ve sustained traumatic injuries because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve fair compensation. Medical records document your physical condition. The longer you wait to get examined, the more challenging it will be to prove the extent of your injuries and demand compensation for your suffering.

Medical records allow your attorney to support you in the event you decide to file a lawsuit to obtain compensation for your losses and suffering. These records provide evidence to support your claims. X-rays, doctor’s notes, and patient files are all proof that you’ve suffered as much as you say you have. Without these records, it would be incredibly challenging for you to prove your case, no matter how devastating your injuries. If you can’t prove these damages, in the eyes of the court, they don’t exist. Going to see a medical professional for physical and emotional wounds is the best way to make sure you have everything you need to fight for justice and fair compensation.

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Myers Law Firm: Helping North Carolina Car Wreck Victims Seek Justice and Prioritize Health

If you’ve suffered injuries as a result of another driver’s negligence in North Carolina, you’re entitled to financial compensation under the law. The attorneys at Myers Law Firm are experienced, compassionate, and ready to fight for justice on your behalf.

Please contact us today by calling (888) 376-2889 or completing our easy and convenient online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.

Contact Myers Law Firm

We are committed to continuing to serve our clients’ legal needs

Single Divider

We are able to meet with clients and hold consultations with prospective clients via telephone or video conference. If you need to contact us, please do not hesitate; we are happy to speak with you about your situation, your needs, and how we can help.

Schedule Your Consultation Now!

Type of Case (Select One)(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.