Virginia Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

When you are either driving a car or a passenger in a motor vehicle, the vehicle’s structural frame provides some measure of protection in the event of a car accident. Even people riding bikes or motorcycles often wear helmets to reduce the risk of a serious head injury if they are involved in a car accident. However, pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when sharing the road with motor vehicles because nothing protects them from the force of impact associated with a car accident.

The expenses related to a serious pedestrian injury are likely to accumulate very quickly. If you were struck by a car while walking, jogging, or crossing the street, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The Virginia Beach pedestrian accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC will help.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Most pedestrian accidents are preventable if motorists and pedestrians alike obey the rules of the road and avoid unsafe behavior, particularly during heavy traffic or busy intersections. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 46 percent of all pedestrian fatalities involved drunk driving. The following are additional examples of behaviors that cause pedestrian accidents:

Distracted driving, including talking or texting while driving
Failure to yield to pedestrians
Failure to obey traffic signals
Drowsy driving
Losing control of the vehicle due to speeding, unsafe lane changes, or hazardous road condition
Aggressive driving
Failure to use headlights or fog lights when visibility is an issue
Jaywalking

What Injuries Are Common in Pedestrian Accidents?

Unfortunately, if a pedestrian is hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle, it is unlikely that they will walk away with minor cuts and scrapes. Injuries tend to be much more severe and require immediate medical attention. Common pedestrian injuries include the following:

Spinal cord injuries
Knee injuries
Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Injuries to the arms and legs
Organ damage
Dental injuries
Hemorrhaging and blood clots
Stroke
Coma
PTSD

What Steps Do I Take After a Pedestrian Accident?

If you were seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial that you take the following steps if you are physically able to do so. This will ensure that police and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) arrive at the scene as quickly as possible and provide the medical care you need.

Call 911 to report the accident and notify dispatch that you are seriously injured so they can send an ambulance to the scene.
Try not to panic. It is important that you remain calm and assess your injuries.
Move to a safe place, away from oncoming traffic if you are able.
Gather evidence. Take pictures of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, the location of the accident, and skid marks on the road.
Get contact information, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance information from the driver.
Notify your insurance company about the accident.
Get immediate medical attention when EMTs arrive. Even if your injuries do not seem life-threatening, it is likely that the pain and other symptoms are being masked by the adrenaline that is coursing through your body. If you fail to get medical attention, an undiagnosed injury can become more serious and even life-threatening. In addition, the insurance company may deny your claim, arguing that your injuries must not be severe if you did not find it necessary to get immediate medical attention at the accident scene.
Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who will protect your legal rights and recover the maximum damages you are entitled to.

What Damages Can I Receive if I Was Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

Due to the nature of pedestrian accidents and the injuries involved, the expenses associated with this type of accident can be astronomical. If you can prove that the motorist who hit you was at fault, a successful personal injury claim may include the following damages:

All medical expenses
Future medical care
Lost wages
Disfigurement
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Pedestrian Accident?

To recover the damages you are entitled to, you must file a personal injury claim. In Virginia, you must file your claim within two years of the accident date. If your claim is filed after the statute of limitations has expired, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages. The dedicated Virginia Beach pedestrian lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC will assist you with the claims process and ensure that your claim is filed well before the deadline approaches so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

How Can Pedestrians Avoid Being Hit by a Car?

You cannot control how motorists behave when they are behind the wheel. However, as a pedestrian, you can take the following proactive steps to stay safe when you are sharing the roads with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles:

Only cross the street at crosswalks whenever possible.
Always look both ways before crossing the street.
Do not run between cars into the street.
Make sure you wear bright, reflective clothing so drivers can see you, particularly if you are walking at night or early in the morning.
Use extreme caution when walking at dawn and at dusk. It can be particularly difficult for motorists to see you if you are not wearing reflective clothing.
Avoid talking on the phone or texting when sharing the road with other vehicles. When distracted by a call or a text, pedestrians are more likely to cross the street without looking or veer into the road without realizing it.
Stay alert when walking near motor vehicles, whether near a busy highway, a multi-lane intersection, or a suburban neighborhood.
Carry your wallet or some other type of personal identification when you go for a walk or a jog. This will make it easier for EMTs to identify you, reach your emergency contact, and ensure you receive medical attention as soon as possible.
If you notice a motorist driving aggressively or in a way that endangers other motorists or pedestrians in the area, report the driver and provide the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number.

Virginia Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Seek Maximum Compensation for Victims of Pedestrian Accidents

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Virginia Beach pedestrian accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC. We will review the details of your case. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.