Virginia Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Fight for Injured Parties
Hampton Roads injury attorneys seek payment for clients from Norfolk, Newport News and other area communities
With seaside views and numerous attractions, a walk in the Hamptons Roads area can be very enjoyable, but a negligent driver can change that in an instant. If you need a Virginia Beach pedestrian accident lawyer, you can rely on Ernest Law Group, PLC. We advocate on behalf of clients across the area and draw on decades of experience to provide you with highly professional and personalized representation. Our lawyers know how devastating a pedestrian accident can be, and we work diligently to secure appropriate compensation for your damages. Our firm pursues justice for residents of local communities such as Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Suffolk, and maintains a meeting location in Norfolk for clients’ convenience.
Pedestrian accident injuries can often be severe
Catastrophic injuries, those which permanently change the lives of the victim, frequently occur when a vehicle strikes an unprotected walker. Along with the direct impact of the collision, the pedestrian might also suffer additional harm when hitting the hard surface of the road. As a result, pedestrian crash victims commonly suffer injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
- Paralysis and other effects of spinal damage
- Displaced bone fractures
- Internal injuries
- Crush injuries
crashes where the victim does not receive immediate medical assistance are especially dangerous. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to handle the most complex pedestrian accident case, including wrongful death actions.
Where pedestrian accidents often happen
Pedestrian accidents occur in busy intersections and along highways. To protect them, Virginia law gives pedestrians the right of way:
- When in any clearly marked crosswalk
- At any intersection where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less
- At any “regular pedestrian crossing”
- When a traffic control device or crossing guard directs pedestrians to cross
- On sidewalks
However, automobiles have the right of way, when a traffic signal flashes “Don’t Walk,” on highways and freeways where pedestrians are forbidden, and in spots that are not regular pedestrian crossings, such as the middle of a block.
Top causes of pedestrian accidents in Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area
Factors that commonly lead to pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Cell phone use and other forms of distracted driving
- Failure to obey traffic law
- Poor visibility caused by rain, poor lighting, or sun glare
Defense lawyers might try to allege that an injured pedestrian was at fault because they darted into traffic without looking, crossed against a light or were impaired by alcohol or drugs. Our firm pushes back against unwarranted claims so that plaintiffs are not barred from recovery by Virginia’s strict contributory negligence law.
Poorly designed intersections, malfunctioning traffic lights and other factors can also cause pedestrian accidents. Our team performs a thorough investigation to determine what caused the accident. This includes reviewing police accident reports, interviewing witnesses, deposing defendants and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
Safety tips for pedestrians and motorists/drivers
An ounce of accident avoidance is worth a ton of litigation. It’s in the best interest of pedestrians and motorists to be cautious in traffic. Pedestrians should:
- Cross at corners and crosswalks
- Cross with the light, not against it
- Exercise caution when getting into and exiting a vehicle on the driver’s side
- Realize you might not be visible to drivers, especially if you are wearing dark clothes at night
As for drivers, they need to be vigilant in areas of high foot traffic, anticipating that someone might enter the street. Adhering to speed limits and traffic signals saves lives.
We pursue damages for clients who lost family members
Our Virginia Beach auto accident lawyers are determined to secure the maximum level of compensation possible for every personal injury and wrongful death case we undertake. Damages you can collect include payment for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment caused by the accident.
Contact a Hampton Roads pedestrian accident attorney for a free consultation
Ernest Law Group, PLC in Virginia Beach provides comprehensive counsel for victims of pedestrian accidents throughout the Hampton Roads area, including Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Suffolk. We also have a meeting location in Norfolk. Please call 757-289-2499 or contact us online to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer in a free initial consultation.