Thousands of Americans die in pedestrian accidents every year, and many more suffer serious injuries. The attorneys of Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C. are strong advocates for Virginians injured in pedestrian accidents. Located in Charlottesville with additional offices in Harrisonburg, Staunton and Palmyra, our law firm has a track record of helping Virginia injury victims obtain sizeable settlements and monetary judgments. We understand the substantial medical costs and long-term mental anguish that people often experience after being hit by a car, and we work to see that victims are compensated fairly.
A pedestrian is someone moving on foot, whether in a crosswalk, parking lot, jogging path or sidewalk. Whether you’re walking in Charlottesville or in a picturesque town along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway, a careless driver can trigger catastrophic harm.
Common locations of pedestrian accidents include:
Many pedestrian injuries involve two impacts, first from the vehicle colliding with the person, then from the person hitting the ground. Among the most common types of injuries suffered in serious pedestrian accidents are:
Victims are also at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder and other non-physical harm.
If you are hit by a car while walking and you experience any injury, seek medical help promptly. Even if you think you are not seriously injured, you may be in shock. It is wise to call 911 to report the accident to the police and request medical assistance. Try to get the driver’s license-plate number, insurance information and contact information. If it is safe and you are able, photograph the car that hit you and the scene, or ask a witness to take pictures and send them to you.
After you receive medical treatment, contact a personal injury attorney. A lawyer from our firm can help you file a claim with the driver’s insurance company or seek compensation through a lawsuit.
Compensable damages sustained by a person injured in a pedestrian accident may include:
Though it may seem obvious to you that a driver was responsible for your accident, evidence is needed to establish fault. Distracted driving, drunk driving, drowsy driving and failure to check mirrors are a few of the ways in which drivers cause pedestrian accidents. A pedestrian may be found partially responsible for an accident if he or she was distracted by a cell phone, under the influence of alcohol or walking in the road recklessly. Virginia law permits negligent parties to evade legal responsibility if the plaintiff bears any fault for their injury, so it is critical to hire a capable attorney.
Our Albemarle County attorneys carefully review police reports, witness testimony, video footage and other evidence relevant to the accident to develop the strongest possible argument as we work to collect maximum compensation for victims.
The personal injury attorneys at Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C. represent injured Virginia pedestrians in accident litigation. We have offices in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Palmyra and Staunton. To schedule your free initial consultation, call 434-973-7474 or contact us online.