Pedestrians are at the greatest risk of catastrophic harm in car collisions compared to motorists, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Without the protection of seatbelts, airbags, or helmets, pedestrians struck by careless drivers often suffer severe injuries requiring months of costly medical care. Tragically, some victims succumb to their injuries.
If you’ve been injured, our pedestrian accident lawyers serving Portsmouth can help you seek the compensation you need. We understand the challenges of covering extensive medical bills, lost wages, and other damages on your own.
At the Pendleton Law Team, our experienced Portsmouth personal injury lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable.
We’ll fight to recover compensation for all your losses, including pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we advocate for personal injury victims and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Essential Steps for Every Pedestrian Accident Victim to Take
After surviving the traumatic experience of a motorist or truck collision, if you are not severely injured, you will have to regain your composure to implement some pretty important steps for your case. Here is what you can do after a pedestrian accident:
- Go to the doctor
- Contact law enforcement
- Save evidence
- Never apologize or admit fault
- Discuss your case with a qualified accident attorney
These steps will not only ensure your health but also protect you from unethical insurance tactics so you receive fair compensation.
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Call The Personal Injury Lawyer Hotline.
804-250-5050
How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Work to Maximize Your Claim
Our pedestrian accident attorneys serving Portsmouth take a meticulous and comprehensive approach to your claim. Here’s how we approach the process:
Step 1: Comprehensive Case Analysis
Our attorneys start by thoroughly examining the details of your case. We look at the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical bills, and how the accident has disrupted your daily life.
If your injuries prevent you from working, we assess the financial strain caused by lost wages, reduced earning capacity, or the need for ongoing care.
Step 2: Expert Consultations
To strengthen your claim, we consult with experts in various fields. Medical professionals provide insights into the extent of your injuries and the potential for long-term or permanent disability.
Economists and financial experts help us assess the financial impact of lost wages and future earning capacity. Vocational rehabilitation specialists may be consulted to evaluate how your injuries affect your ability to work.
They also help us counter any arguments from the at-fault party’s insurance company that may attempt to minimize your claim.
Step 3: Calculating Future Costs
Pedestrian accidents often result in long-term consequences, and we make sure your settlement reflects that. We also account for adaptive equipment, home modifications, and other necessary accommodations you may require due to your injuries.
Additionally, we consider the impact of your injuries on your ability to earn a living. If you are unable to return to your previous job or work at the same capacity, we calculate the financial losses associated with reduced earning potential.
Step 4: Accounting for Non-Economic Damages
While financial losses are easier to quantify, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are just as important.
Step 5: Seeking Maximum Compensation for Damages
Our attorneys are committed to pursuing the highest possible compensation for your claim. The damages we seek include:
- Medical Expenses: Current bills for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation, as well as future costs of ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery, as well as reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
- Pain and Suffering: Payment for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects of the accident
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the diminished ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, and relationships
Compensation in Wrongful Death Claims
Unfortunately, some pedestrian accidents lead to the ultimate tragedy, in which a victim passes away due to their injuries. When this occurs, the estate of the decedent files a claim for their family to collect a compensation package.
Compensation for a wrongful death includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs
- Burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of services
Our Portsmouth wrongful death lawyers can handle the legal details and fight to ensure you and your family are treated fairly and receive the compensation you need to move forward.
Let the Heavy Hitters® Take On Your Case 804-250-5050
Injuries We Commonly Claim
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection pedestrians have against motor vehicles. We help victims seek compensation for a wide range of physical and emotional injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety and PTSD
- Long-term or permanent disability
These injuries can be life-altering, and we are committed to securing the compensation you need for recovery and future care.
Central Virginia's Top Rated Personal
Injury Lawyers 804-250-5050
Difficulties of a Pedestrian Accident Case
It might be difficult to determine who was at fault in a pedestrian accident lawsuit, especially if there were no eyewitnesses to the collision.
A thorough investigation might be necessary, involving the analysis of security footage, accident reconstruction, and expert consultation. While you focus on recovery, our pedestrian accident lawyers serving Portsmouth will evaluate and manage:
Potentially Responsible Parties
During the initial investigation, insurers will seek to determine liability. The following parties could potentially be liable for paying for damages after a pedestrian-car collision:
- Vehicle driver
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Pedestrian
- Government municipality that oversees street maintenance and traffic light operation
Deadlines to Meet
In each state, there is a time constraint placed on victims and their injury claims. The state of Virginia has a two–year legal deadline for filing a personal injury claim as defined in Virginia Code § 8.01-243.
This means that, as a victim, you only have two years from the date of the account to submit a claim and pursue legal action.
To protect your rights and ensure your claim is filed on time, it’s crucial to work with experienced pedestrian accident attorneys serving Portsmouth.
We can help expedite your case, guide you through the legal process, and inform you of any state-specific exceptions that may apply under qualifying circumstances.
Let Us Be The Heavy Hitters® For Your Case Speak To An Attorney Now
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often occur due to a combination of factors involving driver negligence, pedestrian behavior, and road conditions. Understanding these causes is essential for determining liability in motor vehicle accidents and building a strong case.
Here are some of the most common causes:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones, GPS devices, or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice pedestrians, leading to serious accidents.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Drivers who run red lights or fail to yield at crosswalks put pedestrians at great risk.
- Driver Negligence: Speeding, reckless driving, or failing to check blind spots are frequent causes of pedestrian collisions.
- Pedestrian Errors: Under contributory negligence laws, pedestrians who jaywalk or ignore traffic signals may share fault in an accident.
- Poor Road Design: Lack of crosswalks, signage, or proper lighting can contribute to pedestrian injuries.
- Witness Accounts: Eyewitness testimony often reveals whether contributory negligence or driver error was the primary cause of an accident.
Identifying these causes helps determine accountability and ensures fair compensation for victims.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Serving Portsmouth Now
Car accidents involving pedestrians often result in life-changing injuries. If you do not take action against the individual who hit you, you can be forced to cope with your personal losses and medical expenses on your own.
Fortunately, the Pendleton Law Team has committed pedestrian accident attorneys to assess your claim right away. Contact us today.
Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice and assistance when you’re trying to get the compensation you’re entitled to. To find out more about how a lawyer from our office could assist you, give us a call right away.
The Pendleton Law Team Is Here For You 804-250-5050
