Richmond Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Richmond, Virginia, has a walk score of 87 out of 100 and is therefore considered very walkable. This means most errands can be accomplished on foot, including groceries and shopping as well as dining and drinking, or visiting parks, schools, and culture and entertainment. But while thousands of Richmonders take to the city by foot every day, not all drivers exhibit the patience and understanding that the presence of pedestrians in their midst requires. In 2022, according to the DMV, there were 1,476 pedestrian crashes in Virginia, resulting in 1,390 people injured (450 seriously so) and 171 persons killed. Fatal pedestrian accidents accounted for 17% of all traffic deaths that year, far out of proportion to the number of motor vehicle accidents. What’s worse, pedestrian accidents are rising significantly and have been increasing for several years.
Pedestrian accidents happen in Richmond on urban and rural roadways, at all times of the day and night, and to people of all ages. And while pedestrians can get hit walking on the shoulder or crossing in the middle of the block, most pedestrian accidents and injuries actually occur while crossing at an intersection with a signal. Understanding how and why pedestrian accidents happen and the laws that apply to pedestrians and motorists in Virginia is essential to helping crash victims get the justice and compensation they need and deserve. You’ll find these qualities in the skilled and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Latham & Martin. We are dedicated to helping injury victims recover as much as possible from the harm they’ve suffered due to another’s negligence. Contact our experienced Richmond pedestrian accident lawyers today for a free consultation and immediate assistance.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are incidents where an individual walking, running, jogging, hiking, or otherwise on foot is struck by a vehicle. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting or talking on the phone can hit pedestrians when their eyes or attention are off the road, even for an instant.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the stopping distance required to react to an emergency. Pedestrians crossing the street might misjudge the speed of an oncoming vehicle, not expecting it to be speeding down a city street.
- Failure to Yield: Virginia drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, yet the majority of pedestrian accidents nevertheless happen here. The duty to yield to pedestrians crossing the street includes drivers traveling through intersections as well as those making turns.
- Intoxicated Driving: Alcohol or drug-impaired driving impacts judgment, reflexes, reaction time, attention, vehicle control, and all the skills necessary to drive safely and avoid pedestrian accidents.
Legal Aspects of Pedestrian Accidents in Virginia
Virginia law imposes duties on both motorists and pedestrians to ensure pedestrian safety. The law requires pedestrians to cross the street only at intersections or marked crosswalks wherever possible and not to “carelessly or maliciously interfere with the orderly passage of vehicles.” Pedestrians are prohibited from entering or crossing an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic. However, the law is clear that if there are no marked crosswalks present, pedestrians are not negligent as a matter of law for crossing at an intersection or between intersections when crossing by the most direct route.
Drivers for their part are required to stop when a pedestrian is crossing the street and is in the driver’s lane or approaching from an adjacent lane. The driver is required to stop and stay stopped until the pedestrian has passed the lane in which the vehicle is stopped. This law applies at any clearly marked crosswalk, whether at midblock or the end of the block, at any marked pedestrian crossing, or at any intersection where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
How Latham & Martin Can Help
At Latham & Martin, we provide personalized attention to the victims of pedestrian accidents in Richmond, Virginia, and surrounding areas, including Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield counties, and communities like Hopewell, Petersburg and Colonial Heights. Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We meticulously review all aspects of the accident to establish liability.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We negotiate assertively to ensure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement is not reached, we are prepared to take the case to court. Our trial experience helps us negotiate fair settlements and try cases as needed.
Why Choose Latham & Martin
- Experienced Representation: We have over two decades of combined legal experience helping injury victims in Richmond across the spectrum of Virginia personal injury law, with a record of achieving successful outcomes.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize the needs and concerns of our clients, guiding them through every step of the legal process.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact Latham & Martin Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Richmond, Virginia, don’t hesitate to contact Latham & Martin. Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is committed to helping you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at 804-821-0090 or fill out our online contact form. Your road to recovery begins with Latham & Martin.
