As local residents know, Wilmington is a great place to be a pedestrian. Our city is chalk full of sidewalks, beaches and pleasant areas for getting around by foot. Unfortunately, some of these spaces can become dangerous if drivers on nearby roads aren’t careful.
Pedestrian accidents are often very serious. Wilmington pedestrians have virtually no protection against an oncoming vehicle, and the results of a collision can be devastating. Sadly, that was the case in a recent pedestrian accident in New Hanover County.
On Wednesday, a 50-year-old woman was attempting to cross Carolina Beach Road. North Carolina Highway Patrol said she had just left a nearby pub. As the woman crossed the road, she was struck by a car. Tragically, she was killed in the collision.
Police say the pedestrian had been drinking at the bar before crossing the street. They have not charged the driver.
This accident is a grave reminder of the serious consequences of a pedestrian accident. While this accident might not have been entirely the driver’s fault, many pedestrian accidents are the result of negligent driving. Whether a driver is texting while driving, driving while intoxicated or otherwise distracted, such negligence can change a person or family’s life forever.
If a family has lost a loved one to a pedestrian accident, a wrongful death lawsuit may be appropriate if the driver was at fault. While no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one, compensation can help cover funeral costs and other expenses that can make a death even more difficult to cope with.
Source: WECT, “Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle,” Feb. 9, 2012
