Richmond Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians navigate busy streets and intersections or Richmond daily to explore the historic neighborhoods, enjoy the scenic parks, or simply commute to work or school. When pedestrians use crosswalks or venture across roadways, they are vulnerable targets to distracted or otherwise negligent drivers. When pedestrian accidents occur, the injuries can be devastating.
If you or a loved one was hit by a negligent driver and suffered injuries, you shouldn’t shoulder the cost of the medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
Contact a Richmond pedestrian accident attorney from Allen & Allen. We are dedicated to providing legal representation and support to individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of another. Our experienced team of attorneys is committed to navigating the complex legal process on your behalf, ensuring you are treated fairly and receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
Richmond Pedestrian Accident Guide
- Why Choose Allen & Allen for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim?
- How Much Does a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Cost?
- How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Richmond, Virginia?
- What Damages Are Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims?
- Who May You Hold Liable in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
- How Can a Lawyer with Allen & Allen Help with My Pedestrian Accident Case?
- Contact the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Allen & Allen Today
Why Choose Allen & Allen for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Allen & Allen is a personal injury law firm with over a century of experience protecting the rights of Virginians injured in accidents. Our success lies in the values that gave guided us since 1910—to build relationships on integrity, respect, compassion, and trust.
Through the years, we have handled a wide range of personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, and have recovered hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
When you trust us with your case, you can take comfort in knowing your fight becomes our fight. Our personal injury lawyers are passionate advocates who will work tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We will answer any questions you have and discuss your legal options.
How Much Does a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Cost?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, the last thing you need to worry about is how to pay for an attorney. The personal injury lawyers at Allen & Allen work on a contingency fee arrangement. You pay no upfront costs. Our fee comes out of the compensation we recover for you. We also offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case, during which we can explain our contingency fee process.
One of the biggest benefits of having a lawyer handle your personal injury claim is that we understand the rights of accident victims and the different types of compensation they deserve. We are skilled negotiators who will fight the insurance company to get you the maximum compensation in your case.
In fact, research conducted by the Insurance Research Council found that people who hired lawyers to handle their injury claims recovered about 40% more than those who did not. Even after deducting lawyers fees, accident victims who retained legal counsel pocket more money than those who handle these claims on their own.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Richmond, Virginia?
Pedestrian accidents happen far too often in Richmond, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the U.S. as a whole. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, 7,508 pedestrians died in traffic accidents on U.S. roadways last year — the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1981.
Virginia saw the second-highest increase in these fatalities in the country, with 169 pedestrian deaths. Pedestrian accident deaths in the Richmond area jumped to 35 from 27 the previous year.
Richmond isn’t taking these grim statistics lightly. In May 2023, the city announced plans to calm traffic around VCU after two pedestrians were killed on campus. City officials also pledged to take additional measures to improve pedestrian safety in the coming months.
What Damages Are Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims?
Pedestrian accident victims may recover damages, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and applicable laws. These damages compensate the victim for the losses and suffering they have endured due to the accident.
The following are some common types of damages available to pedestrian accident victims:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to their injuries, including hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor’s fees, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatment
- Lost Earnings: Compensation for the income lost due to the injuries, which may include not only past income but also potential earnings lost because of the accident
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering resulting from the accident injuries
- Property Damage: Compensation for the cost of repair or replacement of property damaged in the accident
- Disability and Disfigurement: Compensation to account for the impact of debilitating injuries on the quality of life of the victim’s life
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the spouse or family members of the victim may recover damages for the loss of companionship, care, and support due to the injuries suffered in the accident
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, the family or estate of the deceased victim may seek damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
Who May You Hold Liable in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
In a pedestrian accident, liability for the incident may extend to several parties, depending on the circumstances and the specific details of the accident. Here are some of the parties who you may hold liable in a pedestrian accident:
Driver of a Motor Vehicle
The most common party you may hold liable in pedestrian accidents is the driver of the motor vehicle. If the driver negligently broke the speed limit, ran a red light, texted while driving, or drove under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can hold them responsible for the accident.
Vehicle Manufacturer
If the accident resulted from a defect in the vehicle, such as faulty brakes or steering, you can hold the manufacturer liable under product liability laws.
Government Entity
Sometimes, poorly maintained or designed roadways, inadequate signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals can contribute to accidents. In such cases, you can hold a government entity responsible for road maintenance and safety liable.
Employer of the Driver
If the driver operated a vehicle in the course of their employment at the time of the accident, you can hold their employer responsible for vicarious liability or respondeat superior. This holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees while performing job-related tasks.
Property Owner
In cases where the accident occurred on private property, such as a parking lot, and you can prove that the property owner’s negligence (i.e., inadequate lighting or lack of maintenance) contributed to the accident, you can hold the property owner liable.
Other Third Parties
Depending on the specific circumstances, other third parties, such as a construction company working on or near the road, may also share liability for the accident.
Can a Pedestrian Cause Their Injuries?
While pedestrians generally have the right-of-way, in some cases, they may bear full or partial liability for the accident. For example, if the pedestrian crossed the road illegally or unexpectedly stepped into traffic without giving the driver reasonable time to react, their actions could contribute to the accident.
Unfortunately, insurance companies know that in Virginia, if they can get you to accept even partial blame, they could deny your claim. You should not talk with the insurance company because they will use your words against you to get out of paying what you deserve. Let our lawyers deal with the insurance company to protect your rights.
How Can a Lawyer with Allen & Allen Help with My Pedestrian Accident Case?
A lawyer can play a crucial role in helping you with your pedestrian accident claim by providing valuable legal advice and support throughout the process. Here’s how a pedestrian accident attorney with Allen & Allen can assist you:
Legal Guidance
Our lawyers can explain your rights, legal options, and the potential outcomes of your case. We can explain the complexities of personal injury law and the specific laws and regulations applicable to pedestrian accidents in Richmond.
Investigation
Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to gather evidence, including witness statements, police reports, video footage, and medical records. This helps establish liability and the extent of your injuries.
Determining Liability
Your lawyer will assess who may be liable for the accident and damages, whether it’s the driver, the vehicle owner, a government entity, or another party. We’ll work to build a strong case by proving negligence on the part of the responsible party.
Calculating Damages
Your lawyer will determine the full extent of your damages, which may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future costs related to your injuries.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Most personal injury claims involve negotiations with insurance companies. Your lawyer can handle these negotiations on your behalf and work to secure a fair settlement. We will know how to counter lowball offers and advocate for your best interests.
Litigation Representation
The insurance company won’t settle, your lawyer can represent you in court. We can file a lawsuit and navigate the litigation process, presenting your case before a judge or jury.
Expert Witnesses
Our lawyers have access to medical and accident reconstruction experts who can testify to support your case, especially if it’s a complex or disputed matter.
Filing Timely Claims
Personal injury claims have statutes of limitations, which are deadlines for filing a lawsuit. Your lawyer will file your claim within the required timeframe.
Maximizing Compensation
We can identify all potential sources of compensation, ensuring that you receive the maximum amount you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. This can make legal representation more accessible, as you won’t have to pay upfront legal fees
Peace of Mind
Hiring an attorney allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case, reducing stress and anxiety during a challenging time.
Contact the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Allen & Allen Today
Pedestrian Accident Attorney, Edward Allen
When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the resulting injuries are almost always serious or fatal. Pedestrians are vulnerable to these accidents when walking in crosswalks or along roads without sidewalks. But even freak accidents can occur when drivers don’t pay attention to pedestrians.
When you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident, a experienced personal injury Lawyer in Richmond can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome in your accident claim.
Let the experienced Richmond pedestrian accident lawyers at Allen & Allen help you navigate the legal process effectively and efficiently. Contact us today at (866) 552-5683 for your free consultation and let us fight this fight for you.
Our Richmond office
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
1809 Staples Mill Road
Richmond, VA 23230