In Virginia, the number of pedestrian accidents has gradually increased, causing policymakers to adopt changes intended to reduce accidents and fatalities. So, if you or a loved one has already been injured, it is in your best interest to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer near York, VA, regarding a personal injury claim.
During a free consultation, the “Heavy Hitters®” of the Pendleton Law Team will assess the details behind your pedestrian accident and estimate the value of your injury claim. Should you choose to retain us, we will help with evidence collection, settlement negotiations, and more. As state laws change, it’s important to have an attorney who’s prepared to guard your pedestrian rights.
The Commonalities of York Pedestrian-Car Accidents
While each personal injury accident has its own set of distinctive factors, there are commonalities within each case that your attorney will use to determine case value and the best course of action. The successful pedestrian accident cases that our firm has handled display the following characteristics:
Causation of Pedestrian Accidents
Post-accident investigations are conducted to establish who caused the pedestrian crash and, ultimately, who is responsible for paying damages after a pedestrian accident. The following reasons have been the most common throughout Virginia:
- Reckless driving: Driver carelessness is the main factor contributing to pedestrian collisions. This can involve irresponsible driving, speeding, disregarding traffic signals or signs, using a cell phone while driving, or other distractions.
- Pedestrian negligence: By acting in a dangerous manner, pedestrians themselves might cause accidents. Jaywalking (crossing the street in an unauthorized spot), defying traffic signals, walking while preoccupied (such as texting or listening to music), and, when possible, failing to use crosswalks or pedestrian bridges are all examples of this.
- Insufficient maintenance: Poor infrastructure may also be a factor in accidents involving pedestrians. Accident risk can be increased by elements including poorly constructed or maintained sidewalks, poor lighting, the absence of crosswalks or pedestrian bridges in busy areas, and insufficient signage or signaling.
- Poor visibility: When it’s difficult for automobiles to notice pedestrians, especially at night or in bad weather, there is a higher chance of an accident occurring.
- Driving under the influence: Those who are driving or walking while impaired by alcohol or drugs run an increased chance of being in an accident. Because they can impair coordination, judgment, and reaction times, it is risky for both participants.
- Mechanical issues: Some accidents may be caused by problems with the vehicle, such as mechanical breakdowns, defective brakes, or poor maintenance, which can cause the driver to lose control.
- Age and impairments: Due to their limited mobility, slower reflexes, and less awareness of oncoming traffic, children and elderly people are particularly susceptible to pedestrian accidents. Similarly to this, disabled people may experience more difficulties and risks when crossing roads.
Injury Analysis From Pedestrian Incidents
Our pedestrian accident attorneys have seen how pedestrian-car accidents in York can impact lives. We are dedicated to constructing a defense that shows how the following injuries have reduced your quality of life:
- Traumatic brain injury: Any impact or blow to the head is referred to as a trauma brain injury (TBI). The effects can range from short-term and minor to long-term and severe.
- Broken bones: Broken bones can occur in both the upper and lower extremities, including the arms, pelvis, and legs. Also susceptible to fractures are the wrists and hands. Surgery or therapy may be required.
- Internal bleeding: Internal injuries are a serious risk. The risk of death for the patient is raised since organ damage or hemorrhage sometimes goes undetected at first.
- Emotional trauma: Being struck by a moving car can leave you feeling tense and anxious all the time. This may call for counseling or result in lifelong behavioral changes.
- Spinal cord trauma: A significant collision from a moving car could cause damage to the thoracic, lumbar, or cervical parts of your spine. You might become paralyzed if your spinal cord is injured.
There are a multitude of injuries that can result from a pedestrian accident that qualify for a settlement award. Immediately following your wreck, seek medical support to have your wounds assessed, documented, and treated so that the insurance company won’t invalidate your claim.
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How Virginia’s Legislation Defends Pedestrian Accident Victims
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that the number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States is at its highest level in more than three decades. Over 7,000 pedestrians died in 2020, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 1 in 6 of all fatalities in collisions with moving vehicles involved pedestrians. The statistics in Virginia reflect this unfortunate national trend. The number of pedestrian fatalities reached an all-time high in 2021 and has been on a steady incline.
Since then, several pieces of legislation, including the hands-free regulation, have been amended to promote safe driving. If you or someone that you know has been hurt in a pedestrian-car accident in York, retaining a pedestrian accident lawyer is in your best interest, as we possess a breadth of experience and are familiar with Virginia’s changing laws
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Virginia’s Deadline to Initiate a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Each state has a different personal injury statute of limitations. According to Code of Virginia 8.01-243, a pedestrian accident victim in Virginia has up to two years to file a claim, with or without counsel.
There are additional guidelines for victims who reach a specific age or who have a certain impairment, even though the deadline is generally non-negotiable. If you have been severely injured or are concerned with the time that has passed since your York accident, our Virginia personal injury lawyers can evaluate your filing timeline and expedite the process for you.
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Get Assistance Filing Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
If you have been wounded in a pedestrian accident, get in touch with the Pendleton Law Team, a Virginia pedestrian accident law firm serving York County and its surrounding areas. Our years of experience handling personal injury claims will help you get the money you deserve. After the free consultation, you only have to pay us if we win your case. Contact us today!
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