Norfolk Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Being struck by a vehicle can result in severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship, and it’s a situation that no one should go through alone. I’m Ed Atkinson, and as a Norfolk pedestrian accident lawyer, I am fully aware of the challenges you face after such an incident.

If you or a loved one was hurt as a pedestrian, I can conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the financial compensation you deserve. After a devastating pedestrian accident, you can count on a Norfolk personal injury lawyer to give your case their full attention.

Contact Atkinson Law today to schedule a free consultation.

Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Getting hit by a car or truck can lead to severe, life-altering, and even fatal injuries. Common pedestrian accident injuries I see as a personal injury lawyer include:

• Soft tissue injuries: At the very least, a pedestrian accident victim will likely sustain soft tissue damage like a sprain or strain. Even a minor injury can cause pain and limited mobility, requiring immediate medical treatment plus physical therapy.
• Breaks and fractures: Getting hit while on foot can cause broken arms, legs, ribs, and hips, among other injuries. Broken bones often require surgery, resulting in a long and painful recovery.
• Head trauma: When a motor vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the victim may sustain severe injuries to the head. These include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, and brain bleeds. Head trauma can have life-long consequences, affecting intellectual abilities, coordination, and enjoyment of life.
• Damage to the spinal cord: A spinal cord injury from a pedestrian accident can result in varying degrees of paralysis. A catastrophic injury like this often requires costly initial treatment, a lengthy rehabilitation process, and lifelong medical care.

I can help you understand the full extent of your damages and pursue compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

You may wonder about the available compensation after getting hit by a car in Norfolk, VA. While I will need to review your specific case to estimate the damages, there are certain categories of compensation that injured victims typically pursue.

Available damages in a case where the victim is a pedestrian often include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish or emotional distress
• Damage to your clothing, phone, or other items
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• Punitive damages (especially if you were hit by a drunk driver) 
• Wrongful death

After reviewing your case, I can help you make an informed decision about moving forward with an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Establishing Liability in a Norfolk Pedestrian Accident

Proving liability is important when pursuing damages as an injured party in a Norfolk pedestrian accident. If you were hit by a car while on foot, you or your attorney must demonstrate that the driver was negligent.

Two key factors come into play when establishing liability in a pedestrian accident:

Negligence

The focus of the investigation is often on the motor vehicle driver’s behavior and whether they acted carelessly or “negligently.” Negligent behavior can include the following:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Running a stop sign or red light
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian

Evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance camera footage can be instrumental in establishing negligence and fault.

Right of Way

When traveling on foot, you have certain rights as a pedestrian. As a result, your personal injury claim may be cut and dry in situations where you have the right of way (like walking in a crosswalk).

That said, even if you did not necessarily have the right of way, I can help you demonstrate contributory negligence, or that the driver acted negligently which contributed to the accident.

Proving negligence in a pedestrian accident can be complicated, requiring a comprehensive investigation and a deep knowledge of Virginia law. That’s why it’s best to consult with a Norfolk pedestrian accident attorney like me who has the experience to build a solid case against the driver.

Negotiating With the Insurance Company After an Accident

Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming and tricky. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or deny your claim outright, even if their policyholder clearly caused the accident.

As an attorney who previously represented insurance companies, I know the various tactics they use to protect their interests. This makes me well-equipped to handle the claims and litigation process and pursue a favorable settlement or court award in your case.

When an insurance adjuster contacts you, remember that they are not your friend. A claims adjuster may seem nice, but they will try to get you talking so they can use something you say against you. They may also try to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement offer.

That’s where an experienced personal injury attorney comes in. I will handle all communications with the other party’s insurer and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. I can also help you file a lawsuit and fight for you in court if necessary.

Time Limit for Filing a Norfolk Pedestrian Accident Claim

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Norfolk, VA, it is important to take legal action as soon as possible. The Code of Virginia § 8.01-243 limits the time to file a lawsuit, so it’s best to get started as soon as possible.

In most cases, victims of pedestrian accidents have only two years from the date of the incident to pursue a legal claim for damages. After that time has passed, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and related damages.

Contact Me for a Free, No-Risk Case Review

You need an experienced lawyer after a collision with a careless driver. As your Norfolk pedestrian accident attorney, I will work tirelessly to obtain evidence to support your claim. This typically includes medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to establish the other party’s negligence in causing the accident.

I will then make it my mission to demonstrate the accident’s impact on your life so you can recover fair compensation for your injuries. Unlike other Norfolk area law firms, where clients may not even meet their lawyer until the trial, I’ll give your case my personal attention from the beginning.

Contact Atkinson Law today for a zero-risk consultation.