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May 26, 2026
Being the victim of a pedestrian accident can be catastrophic. When you are walking along the side of the road, you shouldn’t have to worry about the possibility of a vehicle striking you. Such a destructive turn of events can lead to lifelong medical care, physical and emotional trauma, and chronic pain that may never go away. There’s nothing wrong with seeking accountability from the driver who hit you. You need to understand the North Carolina pedestrian accident laws first.
The smartest move you can make for yourself at the start of all this is hiring a North Carolina pedestrian accident attorney to help you build a case against the driver. Pedestrian accident injuries can be substantial, and it may be wise to have someone in your corner during your pedestrian accident case who can take charge of your case and give you time to focus on recovery. Steven T. Meier can bring decades of experience and knowledge to your claim.
North Carolina Pedestrian Accident Laws
North Carolina has very strict laws regarding pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of the road. While sometimes an accident with a car is unavoidable, it is largely up to the pedestrian to not endanger themselves by breaking pedestrian laws. In 2024, the state saw 2,421 non-fatal pedestrian accident injuries and 281 pedestrian fatalities in similar accidents. It’s vital to your case that you understand how pedestrian accident laws work in North Carolina:
- Right Of Way: In North Carolina, pedestrians do not automatically have the right of way in all situations. There are certain situations where pedestrians have to yield to vehicles and wait their turn to cross when traffic has subsided. Locations where pedestrians do have the right of way include marked crosswalks, sidewalks, parking lots, signaled intersections showing the “walk” sign, and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
- Crosswalks: Crosswalks are not always marked, and it can sometimes be confusing to know if you are even walking on one. When pedestrians use crosswalks, they are generally safer than they would be if they were crossing unmarked streets. Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers, confirming that they recognize each other’s presence.
- Intersections: Pedestrians are required by law to obey “walk” and “don’t walk” signals at intersections. If there are no walking signals, then pedestrians should adhere to traffic signals instead. If a pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle due to their own failure to yield when required, they may be held liable for the car’s damages and found to be at fault.
- Fleeing The Scene: In North Carolina, it’s illegal for any vehicle to flee the scene of an accident in which they were involved, or one that causes a severe injury or death. If the driver were to hit you and then take off, you would be the victim of a clear hit and run, which makes the situation so much worse for the driver. You can still seek damages through your own insurance company if the driver is not found.
FAQs
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in North Carolina?
No, pedestrians do not always have the right of way in North Carolina. They have the right of way at all marked and unmarked crosswalks, intersections, and driveways. However, pedestrians must instead yield to vehicles when they are crossing outside of a crosswalk, also called jaywalking, or if there are no sidewalks. If a pedestrian is hit by a car while crossing outside of a crosswalk, the pedestrian could be found at fault for the accident.
What Happens if a Driver Hits You, But Doesn’t Injure You?
If you are hit by a driver but not injured, the incident is generally treated as a property damage claim. However, you can still hold the other driver accountable. At the very least, they still hit you with their car. You should report the accident to the police and create a record. Exchange insurance information to report the incident to both your insurance company and theirs. Hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you with this.
Is North Carolina a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
No, North Carolina is not a no-fault state for car accidents. North Carolina considers the fault for car accidents. The driver found to be at fault for causing the accident is held liable for reimbursing the other driver for all damages. This is also true for pedestrian accidents. If the driver is found responsible, they will have to pay the pedestrian damages. If the pedestrian is found responsible, they’ll have to pay the driver’s property damages.
Do I Need to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
You should absolutely hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you through this case. Handling a pedestrian accident case on your own can be overwhelming and difficult, especially if you were severely injured by the accident. You don’t want to spearhead a personal injury case while also trying to heal from serious injuries. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you figure out a way forward while also taking your case seriously.
Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you are hit by a car while walking on the side of the road or crossing the street, seeking legal action may be the furthest thing from your mind. You may just be happy that you survived, and you may be focusing on your recovery. However, you can still consider hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer to take control of your case and take the chance to recoup damages from the negligent driver. You can then focus on healing, knowing your case is handled.
At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we can provide you with options and help you determine the right way forward for your pedestrian accident case. We can develop your claim, gather evidence that supports your position, and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you during this vulnerable time. Contact us to speak with a valued member of our team about how we can help you.
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