Virginia Beach Pedestrian Acciden Attorney

Virginia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents in Virginia Beach are a growing concern, reflecting a troubling trend seen in many urban areas. With its bustling tourism, busy streets, and numerous crosswalks, the city presents a unique set of challenges for both pedestrians and drivers. Factors such as distracted driving, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and high traffic volumes contribute to the frequency of these accidents. Addressing pedestrian safety is crucial for Virginia Beach to ensure the well-being of its residents, and if you have been injured as a pedestrian, do not hesitate to speak to a Virginia Beach pedestrian accident lawyer today.

Why Choose Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp for a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

  • At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our personal injury lawyers have more than 75 years of combined legal experience to bring to your side.
  • Our injury attorney team has obtained significant multimillion-dollar settlements on behalf of clients throughout Virginia, and we are respected by our peers, rivals, and the courts.
  • Our firm handles only personal injury law cases, which allows us to focus our resources on helping pedestrian and bicycle accident victims secure the compensation they need.

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How A Virginia Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

A Virginia Beach pedestrian accident lawyer can be an invaluable ally in the aftermath of an accident, providing expert guidance and representation to ensure you receive fair compensation. These legal professionals understand the complexities of personal injury law and are skilled in navigating the legal system. They can help gather crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate on your behalf in court if necessary. A lawyer can also assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available. By handling the legal intricacies and offering strategic advice, a pedestrian accident lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery with the confidence that your case is in capable hands.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident in Virginia Beach?

After a pedestrian accident, understanding the types of compensation you may be entitled to can be essential for addressing medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Victims often face significant financial burdens alongside their physical and emotional recovery. Knowing what compensation you can recover can help you navigate the aftermath of the accident more effectively and ensure you receive the support you need to rebuild your life.

Economic Damages

Compensation intended to reimburse pedestrian injury victims for their financial losses and help put them back into the financial position they were in before the accident:

  • Medical Bills: Compensation for any medical bills related to the accident and any future treatment you may need—for example, emergency services, surgeries, hospitalizations, doctor visits, prescription medications, physical and rehabilitative therapy, in-home care, adaptive medical equipment, etc.
  • Lost Wages: Current and future lost income and benefits due to your injuries. If you suffer a permanent disability, you may be able to claim diminished earning capacity if you cannot earn the same level of income as before the accident.
  • Property Damage: If any of your personal property was damaged by the accident, you are entitled to compensation for its repair or replacement (e.g., cell phone, laptop, purse, backpack, clothing, etc.).

Non-Economic Damages

Compensation for your intangible, subjective losses:

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain you have and continue to endure due to your injuries, as well as any emotional distress—for instance, depression, anxiety, insomnia, loss of enjoyment of life, PTSD, etc. caused by the accident and your injuries.
  • Loss of Consortium: When a pedestrian accident victim suffers a life-changing injury, their spouse may be able to pursue compensation for the loss of companionship, sexual relations, support, guidance, and services.

Punitive damages are another type of compensation possibly available, but they are reserved for pedestrian crosswalk accident cases involving a defendant (at-fault party) who caused intentional harm or acted with a complete and reckless disregard for the safety of others.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach pedestrian accident lawyers

Pedestrian accidents in Virginia Beach can be attributed to a variety of factors, many of which are interconnected. Understanding these causes is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. With the widespread use of smartphones, drivers are often distracted by texting, calls, and other activities, diverting their attention from the road and increasing the risk of hitting pedestrians. Speak to a car accident attorney in Virginia Beach for more information.
  • Speeding: Driving at high speeds reduces the reaction time for drivers to stop or avoid hitting pedestrians. Speeding is particularly dangerous in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as near schools, parks, and shopping centers.
  • Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. This failure can be due to impatience, lack of awareness, or misunderstanding of traffic laws.
  • Poor Visibility: Low visibility conditions, such as nighttime, heavy rain, or fog, can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing or walking in poorly lit areas are especially at risk.
  • Alcohol and Drug Impairment: Both driver and pedestrian impairment due to alcohol or drugs significantly increase the likelihood of accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, while impaired pedestrians may not follow traffic signals or use crosswalks properly.
  • Inadequate Infrastructure: Insufficient pedestrian infrastructure, such as lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals

Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe, often depending on the speed of the vehicle and the specific circumstances of the collision. Common injuries include:

  • Head Injuries: Head injuries are among the most serious outcomes of pedestrian accidents. These can range from concussions and skull fractures to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have long-term effects on cognitive and motor functions.
  • Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer fractures in various parts of the body, including the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can lead to long recovery times and, in severe cases, permanent disability.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
  • Internal Injuries: The force of a vehicle collision can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding and organ damage can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical intervention.
  • Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes are common in pedestrian accidents, particularly if the person is thrown onto the pavement or into objects like guardrails or other vehicles. While often less severe, these injuries can still be painful and lead to complications such as infections.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can result from the impact of a collision. These injuries might not be immediately apparent but can cause significant pain and mobility issues over time.
  • Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can also lead to psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The emotional and mental impact of such an event can be long-lasting and may require professional treatment.

The severity of injuries from pedestrian accidents underscores the importance of preventive measures and effective response strategies to mitigate these incidents and their consequences.

Virginia Beach Pedestrian Accident Statute Of Limitations

In Virginia Beach, as in the rest of Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim resulting from a pedestrian accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that victims have a two-year window to initiate legal action against the responsible party. Failing to file within this period typically results in the forfeiture of the right to seek compensation.

It is crucial for accident victims to be aware of this timeframe, as it allows them to gather necessary evidence, consult with legal professionals, and build a strong case. Exceptions to this rule can exist, such as cases involving minors or incapacitated individuals, so it is advisable to seek legal counsel to fully understand the applicable deadlines and ensure timely action.

What to Do if You Are Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

Experiencing a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming and disorienting. Knowing the appropriate steps to take immediately afterward is crucial for ensuring your safety, receiving necessary medical care, and protecting your legal rights. Prompt and effective action can significantly impact your recovery and any potential claims you might need to make. Here are key steps to follow after being involved in a pedestrian accident.

Notify the Police

Call 911 and report the accident. If you do not require emergency medical care, still notify law enforcement. A police officer will create an accident report containing facts and details, such as contact information for the parties involved and any witnesses, the extent of property damage and injuries, and their impression of how the accident happened and who was at fault. This report can significantly influence an insurance adjuster’s decision on liability.

Seek Medical Attention

See a doctor as soon as possible if you are not taken to the hospital. Severe injuries can have delayed symptoms, and medical documentation must link your injuries and any potential harm to the crosswalk accident. In addition, continue any follow-up treatment advised by your physician. If you fail to do so, an insurance adjuster can argue that a gap in your medical treatment means your injuries are not severe or were not caused by the crosswalk accident.

Document the Scene

If you can remain at the accident scene, document as much as possible by taking photos or videos of the following:

  • The entire scene, including the surrounding area and any property damage.
  • The position of the vehicle involved.
  • The point of impact where the car hit you.
  • Your injuries.
  • Any skid marks or other markings on the road.
  • Street signs and traffic signals.
  • Any apparent hazards, such as improper signage, or faded road or crosswalk lines.

Ask any witnesses for their contact information and if they will make a brief recorded statement on your phone.

Speak to a Virginia Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Before speaking to an insurance company, consult a Virginia Beach Pedestrian Crosswalk Accident Attorney. Insurance adjusters can seem friendly, but they may try to take advantage of you by offering a quick settlement upfront or getting you to unintentionally admit fault. A personal injury attorney in Virginia Beach can advise you on the best course of action and protect your right to full compensation. Call or contact us today to discuss your case.

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