Alexandria Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Fighting For Pedestrian Accident Victims in Alexandria & Throughout Virginia
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Despite the presence of sidewalks and crosswalks designed to keep pedestrians safe, the unfortunate truth is that accidents between pedestrians and motor vehicles occur frequently. If you or a loved one was injured by a car or truck while walking, contact The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC as soon as possible. You may be owed compensation for your medical bills and other damages related to your accident, including lost wages and pain and suffering.
Backed by more than six decades of experience, the Virginia pedestrian accident lawyers at our firm have recovered millions of dollars for the injured. In fact, Attorney Daniel Barrera has been inducted into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We truly care about our clients and strive to give each case we handle the individual attention and level of care it deserves.
Contact us today to request a free initial case evaluation with our pedestrian accident lawyer in Virginia.
Virginia Pedestrian Laws
Pedestrian rights and responsibilities in Virginia are outlined under the state’s traffic laws. Knowing these laws is important when determining fault and liability after an accident. Some of the most important rules include:
- Right-of-Way in Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
- Obligations of Pedestrians: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and use crosswalks where provided. Jaywalking can reduce compensation in an accident claim.
- Passing Vehicles at Crosswalks: Vehicles cannot legally pass another car stopped at a crosswalk, as this endangers crossing pedestrians.
- Sidewalk Use: Where sidewalks are available, pedestrians are generally required to use them instead of walking on the roadway.
Violations of these rules by either party can influence liability in a pedestrian accident case. An experienced attorney can evaluate how Virginia’s laws apply to your specific situation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian accident refers to a collision between a pedestrian (someone traveling on foot) and a motor vehicle. These accidents can result in a range of injuries for pedestrians, from minor bruises to severe or even fatal injuries.
Here are some common causes of pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Failure to Yield
- Impaired Driving
- Poor Visibility
- Ignoring Traffic Signals
- Drowsy Driving
- Poor Infrastructure Design
- Backing Accidents
- Reckless Driving
Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
stablishing liability in a pedestrian accident is one of the most important roles of your Virginia pedestrian accident attorney. In most cases, liability rests with the driver of the vehicle, but other parties may also share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Drivers: For speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield.
- Employers of Drivers: If the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the crash.
- Government Entities: If poor road design, defective traffic signals, or inadequate crosswalks contributed to the accident.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: In rare cases, defective auto parts like faulty brakes may be a factor.
Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if a pedestrian is found even 1% at fault (such as jaywalking or crossing against a signal), they may be barred from recovering damages. This strict standard makes having an experienced attorney essential.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Accidents with large, heavy motor vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries to pedestrians who don’t have any physical protection. Recovery can be a long and expensive process, resulting in enormous medical bills that can be a challenge to meet without being able to work. In times like these, it is important to team up with an attorney who can fight for the money you need to cover these costs.
Pedestrian accidents may result in:
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Wrongful death
Beyond these physical injuries, victims may also experience lasting psychological effects, such as PTSD or anxiety, that require long-term therapy. Families of the injured often face significant stress worrying about the non-economic impacts on their loved one's life.
What Damages Can You Recover In a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
In a pedestrian accident claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you have lost and any future earning capacity that may be affected.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries, including pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: If your personal belongings were damaged or destroyed in the accident, you may be entitled to reimbursement or replacement costs.
- Disability and disfigurement: If the accident results in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may receive compensation for the impact on your quality of life and future earning potential.
- Wrongful death: If a pedestrian accident results in the death of a loved one, certain family members may be able to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a family member.
The specific damages you can recover will depend on the circumstances of your case. Consulting with a Virginia pedestrian accident attorney from our firm can help you understand the potential damages available to you.
How to Prevent a Pedestrian Accident
Although you can’t control the behavior of others, there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent pedestrian accidents.
For drivers:
- Always obey crosswalk signals and yield signals
- Do not drive above the speed limit
- Slow down in areas where there tends to be a large concentration of pedestrians
For pedestrians:
- Never jaywalk – always cross the street at designated crosswalks
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street
- Watch out for turning vehicles
- Never assume a vehicle is going to stop for you
- Be aware of your surroundings – avoid wearing headphones while walking
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Virginia?
Virginia’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to meet this deadline may bar you from seeking compensation.
What if the driver fled the scene?
If you were injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, you may still be able to recover damages through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other available avenues.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
Yes. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can evaluate whether the settlement offer truly reflects your damages and negotiate for a fair outcome.
Can I recover damages if I was not in a crosswalk?
Possibly. Each case is fact-specific. Even if you were not in a crosswalk, the driver may still be held liable depending on the circumstances. However, Virginia’s contributory negligence laws make these cases more challenging.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and the impact on your life. An attorney can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing your case.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Virginia Today
Being injured can be a stressful experience – not only is it physically painful, but it can also cause undue financial hardship, making an already difficult situation even more frustrating. Allow The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC to stand by your side during this time. With the help of a Virginia pedestrian accident attorney, you may stand a much better chance of receiving maximum compensation for your injuries. Our team is ready to do what it takes to ensure that you are made whole again.
Our dedication extends to offering personal and approachable service to all clients, providing clear, jargon-free communications throughout the process. Being involved in a legal case can often feel overwhelming, but with our knowledgeable team, you'll always have a guiding hand to help you make informed decisions.
Contact us today at (571) 290-2390 to discuss your case with our Virginia pedestrian accident attorney. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.
