Pedestrians risk being injured or killed in a pedestrian traffic accident anytime they walk outside near vehicles. Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injury when the pedestrian is hit by a car because they are unprotected and vulnerable, unlike the people inside the car.
In one recent year, it was estimated that 16 percent of traffic fatalities in Virginia were pedestrians. It is also estimated that the age groups with the most traffic fatalities are those aged 21 to 30 and 41 to 55. If a negligent driver injured you, you might be entitled to pursue compensation by filing a claim with their insurance company or through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Examples of negligent acts include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (such as texting and driving, eating and driving, or anything that pulls the driver’s eyes, hands, or focus from the road)
- Failing to yield to a pedestrian with the right-of-way
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
You could file an insurance claim with the driver’s insurance company when a negligent driver injures you.
Under Virginia law, every Virginia driver who owns a vehicle must obtain and maintain a minimum amount of car insurance for that vehicle. For example, if the policy effective date is between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, Virginia resident drivers are required to have the following insurance:
- Bodily injury or death per person: $30,000
- Bodily injury or death for two or more people: $60,000
- Property damage: $20,000
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but the most common areas where pedestrian collisions occur include:
Parking lots
People regularly walk in parking lots to and from their vehicles and are vulnerable to all cars driving through the parking lots. When drivers back up or aren’t paying attention while going through a parking lot, they may hit and injure a pedestrian.
Intersections
A common location for pedestrian traffic collisions is intersections because that is where pedestrians tend to walk across the street. Collisions with pedestrians may occur when a driver turns right on red without checking for pedestrians.
Crosswalks
In some locations, there may be crosswalks in areas other than at an intersection. These crosswalks are usually designated and give pedestrians the right of way. However, cars may fail to yield to the crossing pedestrian, causing severe injuries or death.
School zones
Many people walk around in school zones, including young children. The odds of a collision occurring in a school zone are increased during drop-off and pick-up times because more vehicles are in the areas, and a larger number of people are walking around at those times.
Construction zones
Other dangerous areas for pedestrian collisions are construction zones. Sidewalks and crosswalks may be blocked off, which may force pedestrians to walk closer to the street, increasing the danger of a person-vehicle collision. Additionally, workers may be performing their duties close to traffic.
Residential areas
In residential areas, there may be kids playing in the streets or people walking near the road or driveways. Unfortunately, residential zones are common locations for pedestrian accidents.
Highways and freeways
Walking near highways or freeways can lead to pedestrian collisions because there may be no designated walking areas, and a driver can move onto the shoulder with no warning while distracted.
Contact The Johnson Injury Firm Today
The attorneys of The Johnson Injury Firm have over 125 years of collective experience as personal injury attorneys. We can use that experience to fight for maximum compensation in your pedestrian accident case. If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, contact us today to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.
Our attorneys can handle everything about your case and give you the support you need so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Call us at (804) 262-9000 or contact us online for skilled and knowledgeable representation.
