May 17, 2024
Pedestrian Accidents

The Asheville Police Department data shows that 17 pedestrians died within the city limits in the past two years, topping the state of North Carolina in these fatalities.

The hot spots for pedestrian accidents in the downtown area are close to Pritchard Park and the crosswalk at the College Street and Biltmore intersection. Also, watch your step when walking in Biltmore Village, which also has its fair share of pedestrian accidents.

If you suffered serious injuries in Asheville, always seek medical care to get your injuries diagnosed and begin treatment immediately. Then, schedule a free consultation with an Asheville pedestrian accident lawyer.

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Five Top Intersections for Pedestrian Accidents in Asheville

Indeed, Asheville is not always a safe place to walk. According to the DOT, Asheville is a hub for five of the most dangerous intersections statewide.

Within the past decade, the five intersections below have tallied 32 pedestrian injuries, including six fatalities. Here is the countdown of the five most dangerous intersections in Asheville:

The Intersection of Hiawassee Street and Broadway

This downtown exchange, close to the Masonic Temple, has reported five recent pedestrian incidents because of poor visibility and the area’s steep streets.

Louisiana Avenue and Patton Avenue

Six crashes occurred at this spot due to the large volume of traffic and the many pedestrians waiting at the bus stop.

Ashland Avenue and Patton Avenue

The sidewalk space is limited along this span of Patton Avenue, another hazardous spot to walk.

I-240 and Patton Avenue

At this part of Patton Avenue, near the Jeff Brown Bridge, the chance of getting hit is increased, as almost 110,000 cars pass through the area daily.

The Junction of I-26 at I-240

This intersection recorded nine pedestrian accidents in recent years – topping the list of Asheville pedestrian intersections.

Many pedestrians properly use crosswalks and follow walk signals, only to suffer severe injuries when a distracted or otherwise negligent driver hits them. Drivers who fail to give pedestrians the right-of-way at intersections should be responsible for any injuries they cause.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian was walking on a zebra crossing when a car failed to stop, the scene blurred in motion.

After receiving medical care, you should meet with an Asheville pedestrian accident lawyer to determine whether you can seek compensation for damages and injuries. A lawyer can help you through the legal process so you can get back on your feet.

If your medical bills are adding up and you cannot work or care for your family, your attorney can take swift action to seek compensation. They can remove some of these burdens on your road to recovery.

Don’t try negotiating with an insurance company for an at-fault driver yourself. They frequently will blame you for the accident or use other tactics to reduce your settlement. This is because the insurance company’s goal is simple—to pay out as little as possible.

If you don’t retain the services of an attorney, an insurance company can take advantage of your lack of legal experience. You might not know how to calculate your total losses or prove you deserve more than a lowball settlement offer. Your pedestrian accident attorney will handle this process for you and protect your interests.

Your Right-of-Way as a Pedestrian

The law gives pedestrians the right to safely use sidewalks, crosswalks, and other areas to travel by foot. Unfortunately, drivers do not always respect pedestrian right-of-way rules and cause serious collisions.

Driveways and Intersections

As a pedestrian, you have the right-of-way at crosswalks, and a vehicle must yield to pedestrians. As a pedestrian, you are still obligated to follow other signs or directions, such as “Do Not Walk” signals, when they are available.

Traffic Signals

A driver is negligent when they do not yield to a pedestrian who crosses at a traffic signal. Drivers commonly make turns and hit pedestrians crossing the street, as they fail to pay attention to walk signals and instead focus on oncoming traffic or their own traffic lights. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in the right-of-way before proceeding.

Walking Where There’s No Sidewalk

If there is no sidewalk available, pedestrians in Asheville walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. Otherwise, they must walk on the sidewalk. You might believe you are safe walking on a sidewalk, but many distracted or impaired drivers can lose control and hit pedestrians who are not even on the road.

Damages You Can Receive in a Pedestrian Accident Claim

A close-up, top-down view of a dark wooden desktop with a claim form ready to be filled out.

You’re entitled to compensation if you believe the other party is at fault in a pedestrian accident. The following are some losses compensation should cover.

Medical Costs

Past and future medical care and therapy costs may be included in damages, including assistive devices.

Lost Income

You can ask for lost income and benefits if you must take time off work.

Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries lead to a permanent disability or affect your ability to work, you can request damages for your lost future earnings.

Disfigurement

If your injury ends in disfigurement, you may ask for damages for the effects of the permanent scarring, including the emotional distress it has caused.

Pain and Suffering

It’s helpful to journal how your injuries have caused pain and emotional suffering in your life or have reduced your quality of life to seek this compensation.

Wrongful Death

If your loved one dies after a pedestrian accident, you can ask for funeral and burial expenses and loss of financial support.

The Time Factor

You’ll need to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit within three years of the accident to ensure you receive compensation due to the statute of limitations in North Carolina . You also have three years to file a claim in Asheville for wrongful death if you lost a loved one.

Consult an Asheville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Now

Did a pedestrian or auto accident injure you? If so, seek legal counsel from an Asheville personal injury lawyer to improve chances of recovering fair compensation. Don’t delay in scheduling a free consultation.