Each year, thousands of pedestrians are injured, and over 100 are killed in traffic accidents in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles are often fatal, even if the car is traveling at a low speed. Despite efforts to prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths, these types of accidents continue throughout the state.
At Coletrane & Messersmith, our legal team represents individuals who have been injured in pedestrian accidents. While some pedestrians escape unscathed, many suffer life-threatening or fatal injuries. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, contact our office for a free consultation.
Virginia Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pedestrians are 1.5x more likely to die in a car crash than occupants of a passenger vehicle. In the United States, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash approximately every 88 minutes. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the statistics are also grim.
The most recent pedestrian accident data in Virginia shows:
- Pedestrians who die in crashes account for 15% of all traffic fatalities.
- Over 90% of pedestrian accidents involve injuries.
- 75% of all pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas.
- Nearly ½ of all pedestrian deaths happen at intersections.
- Alcohol is a contributing factor in a significant portion of pedestrian accidents.
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, contact our office immediately. You might be entitled to compensation if your injuries were caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle
Our pedestrian accident lawyers have over a decade of experience representing injury victims throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have recovered millions on behalf of our clients and may be able to help you file a claim for damages against any liable parties.
Pedestrian accident cases we handle include but are not limited to:
- Impaired driver (Driving under the influence)
- Speed-related accidents
- Crosswalk accidents
- Failure to yield
- Work zone accidents
- Distracted driver
- Driver inattention (backing without looking)
- Failure to stop
- Bus accidents
It is important to consult with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer immediately. Failure to bring a claim within the statute of limitations could bar your right to financial recovery. Call our office to discuss your legal options at (757) 821-6949.
What Are Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Case?
Depending on the facts of your case, you might be entitled to damages from a responsible party. However, it is essential to note that Virginia is one of only a few states that follow strict contributory negligence. This means that if you are found partially at fault for your injuries, you could be denied compensation from another party.
Compensation you may be entitled to in a pedestrian accident case:
- Medical bills;
- Cost of future medical care and treatment;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of future earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Punitive damages (in limited circumstances and capped at $350,000).
In the unimaginable event that you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you might be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Filing a wrongful death claim can be complex and should be done by an experienced attorney. Contact our office to speak directly with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian accidents, particularly when they involve a motor vehicle or bicycle, can result in catastrophic injury or death. Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, it is still in your best interest to seek immediate medical attention. Failure to receive and continue treatment can affect your physical and financial recovery.
Common injuries in pedestrian accidents:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Damage to the extremities
- Abdomen and chest injuries
- Shoulder dislocation
- Head and neck trauma
Do I Need an Attorney?
An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and file a claim for damages based on your injuries or the death of your loved one. Unrepresented injury victims often end up settling their case for far less than it is worth. Insurance companies will try to downplay your injuries or place you at least partially at fault for the accident.
At Coletrane & Messersmith, we believe that people deserve compensation when they are injured because of another person’s negligence. We hold liable parties responsible for their wrongdoing and will not back down to insurance companies until they provide full and fair compensation for our clients. Retaining a pedestrian accident lawyer is the best way to ensure that you receive the recovery you deserve.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact Our Office.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (757) 821-6949 to speak with a member of our award-winning legal team about your case. Cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win.
