Norfolk Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A quick visit to Virginia’s DMV website will show you just how much of an issue pedestrian accidents have become in recent years. While following pedestrian safety tips can drastically reduce your chances of getting hit, there are many situations where cautionary measures fail.
If you’ve been hit by a car while crossing the street or using the sidewalk, you deserve to collect compensation for your medical treatment bills and any other losses you’ve endured. To get the payment you’re entitled to, you’ll need a skilled pedestrian accident attorney in Norfolk from Pendleton Law. We have what it takes to build a fruitful claim.
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Norfolk Will Protect Your Rights
Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable and can sustain serious injuries if struck by a negligent driver. Such injuries can take years to recover from and will undoubtedly take a massive toll on the victim’s personal finances.
If you were harmed in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you’ll need a skilled attorney to help you pursue compensation. Our lawyers will investigate your case and hold the at-fault driver liable for the following damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Wages lost during your recovery
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Mental distress, anxiety, and PTSD caused by the accident
Virginia has strict laws regarding accident fault. To get you the above mentioned damages, your Norfolk pedestrian accident attorney will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver’s behavior was the sole cause of your injuries and losses.
Contributory Negligence in Norfolk, VA
When it comes to pedestrian accidents, the state of Virginia has what’s known as a contributory negligence law. That means if you’re found to be as much as 1% responsible for the incident you were injured in, you won’t be able to collect compensation for your expenses.
While many find this law to be completely unfair, it is a reality that all pedestrian accident victims in Norfolk have to deal with. On the bright side, our attorneys have a great deal of experience establishing negligence. They’ll do everything they can to prove to the offending driver’s insurance company that they were 100% responsible for the accident.
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Deal With Insurance Company Representatives
Once our lawyers have conducted a thorough liability investigation, they’ll have the information they need to negotiate from a place of power. This is crucial because insurance companies will fight tooth and nail to ensure they don’t have to pay for the losses their client caused.
It’s highly likely that the defendant’s insurers will attempt to take advantage of the previously mentioned contributory negligence law by claiming that you were partially responsible for the accident. Our attorneys will be fully prepared for such an accusation. They’ll have the facts and documents necessary to disprove false claims and show who is really at fault.
Once negotiations have concluded, you’ll have the settlement you need to cover your medical bills and any other expenses related to your physical and mental recovery. However, if the offending driver’s insurance company refuses to settle, your lawyer will need to take matters to court. If that’s the case, they’ll get started on filing the necessary court documents ASAP.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Norfolk, VA
If you’ve been hit by a reckless, inebriated, or distracted driver in Norfolk, VA, getting medical care should be your first priority. However, if your injuries aren’t too incapacitating, you can take the following actions to increase the strength of your pedestrian accident claim:
- Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Get the at-fault party’s contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license number
- Jot down a description of the vehicle you were struck by
- Talk to eye-witnesses and get their contact information
- Call local law enforcement and give them a brief and truthful description of the accident
- Seek medical attention
Gathering the above mentioned information will dramatically increase your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries. One of our personal injury attorneys in Norfolk can use photos, accident reports, and witness accounts to craft a persuasive case. Once they’ve finished building your claim, they’ll make sure it’s submitted before Virginia’s legal deadline.
Legal Deadline for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Virginia
Taking prompt legal action will ensure that your pedestrian accident claim gets filed before the state-imposed deadline. Also known as a statute of limitations, this deadline dissuades ill-intentioned individuals from filing false and fraudulent claims.
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, you must file your claim within two years of your injury date. If you fail to do so, it will be very hard for you to win payment for your losses, but not necessarily impossible. Talk to an attorney today to get your claim filed before its due date.
Paying for a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Is Incredibly Easy
The attorneys at Pendleton Law make paying for their legal services simple and affordable for individuals of any economic status. Our lawyers work for a contingency fee, or percentage of your settlement. The portion they take averages around 33% of your total winnings.
If your case doesn’t yield compensation, you won’t have to use your own money to cover legal fees. If your case is a success, your lawyer will automatically take their fee and send you the rest. The payment you receive will be enough to cover all the monetary and non-monetary losses you’ve taken as a result of your accident.
Reach Out to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Norfolk Today!
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Norfolk are fully prepared to take on your case. They’ve managed over 80,000 different civil claims, and have amassed a great deal of skill and knowledge along the way. They have what it takes to investigate your claim, cut through nonsensical accusations from insurance companies, and secure the payment you deserve.
Contact Pendleton Law today to schedule your free consultation. If our attorneys think you have a good chance at winning your case, they’ll get started on it right away. They’ll work fast to ensure all deadlines are met and keep you in the loop regarding the status of your claim.
