Fairfax Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
In the bustling rhythm of daily life, amidst the steady flow of vehicles and the constant buzz of activity, there exists a vulnerability that often goes unnoticed: pedestrians navigating the streets, sidewalks, and crosswalks of our cities and towns. Unfortunately, tragedy can strike unexpectedly, shattering lives and leaving victims in desperate need of support.
Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, inflicting severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens on the victims and their families. In such distressing times, it is essential to have compassionate and experienced legal professionals by your side.
The law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C., is determined to fight for justice and provide solace to those who have been wronged. Contact our dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers for a free consultation today.
Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
If you or a loved one has been affected by a pedestrian accident, it is essential to seek legal assistance right away. A pedestrian injury lawyer can provide the necessary tools to the injured party to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligence and seek justice on behalf of both you and your family. It’s important that victims speak with an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about Virginia’s laws before proceeding with any legal action.
What Can Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Do For You?
At the firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims and their families who have been affected by a tragic car-pedestrian accident. We have extensive experience with pedestrian accident cases and can help you with the following:
- Provide guidance regarding Virginia state laws related to pedestrians’ rights and responsibilities while navigating public spaces.
- Investigate the cause of the accident and identify any liable parties responsible for damages incurred as a result of the incident.
- Gather evidence from witnesses, medical documents, police reports, or other sources necessary for building a strong case against negligent drivers or property owners if applicable
- Negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of clients in order to obtain fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages due to disability, or time off work recovering from injuries sustained during the incident, etc.
- Represent victims at trial if needed in order to pursue justice.
- Hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions
- Pursue full and fair compensation for victims and their families
What Damages Can Be Recovered After A Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. Depending on the severity of the incident, victims may be entitled to financial compensation for the following:
Medical bills:
Compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, physical therapy, and other related costs. Even future medical bills can be covered.
Lost wages:
For time off from work due to injuries sustained in the incident or for being unable to complete daily tasks due to disability resulting from the accident.
Pain and suffering:
Reimbursement for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident.
Property damage:
Monetary compensation for any damage to personal property as a result of the accident.
Punitive damages:
Additional court-awarded damages are intended to punish wrongdoers and deter them from repeating their negligent behavior in the future.
Every case involving injured pedestrians is different. Contact our pedestrian accident lawyers for a free consultation to get a better understanding of the potential compensation and legal options available to you.
Determining Fault In Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is involved in an accident, the question of fault often arises. Virginia state law holds drivers responsible for their actions when they are found to be negligent or careless. This includes failing to follow traffic laws, speeding, texting while driving, failing to pay attention to surroundings, and other forms of reckless behavior, such as operating under the influence.
To prove fault, you must:
- Establish that the driver owed you a duty of care, meaning they were responsible for taking reasonable steps to avoid an accident
- Show that the driver breached their duty of care by engaging in negligent behavior while operating a motor vehicle
- Demonstrate that this breach of duty resulted in an accident and your subsequent injuries or damages as a result.
Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help You Prove Fault
At the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C., our pedestrian accident lawyers are highly experienced in investigating and analyzing evidence related to negligence. We can help you build a strong case to prove that the driver was at fault for your injuries or damages and seek justice on your behalf.
Contributory Negligence in Virginia
In Virginia, a legal doctrine known as contributory negligence can bar an injured person from recovering any compensation for their losses, even if they are only 1% at fault. This means that if a jury or a judge finds that the plaintiff contributed in any way to their injury or loss, they may not be able to obtain damages. This law makes it imperative that you seek the help of an attorney to build a strong case against the defendant.
Does The Pedestrian Always Have the Right-of-Way?
No, a pedestrian does not always have the right-of-way. Pedestrians are expected to obey traffic signals and laws just like any other driver. Pedestrians must abide by certain traffic laws in order to ensure their safety when navigating public spaces. This includes obeying traffic signals and signs, avoiding jaywalking, and using crosswalks whenever possible.
However, even if the pedestrian was not following these laws at the time of the accident, it does not necessarily mean that they should be held liable for any of the damages or injuries that occurred. In some cases, drivers may still be found liable for the accident if their careless behavior caused or contributed to the incident.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Fractured or broken bones
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck, Spinal cord, and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Lacerations and bruises
- Psychological trauma
Seek Medical Attention Right Away To Protect Your Rights
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, seek medical treatment right away. This is important not only to your well-being but also to your case, as this will also be important evidence when pursuing compensation from the negligent driver or their insurance company. Even with this evidence in hand, personal injury laws are complex, and it is important to have an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer on your side to utilize it.
Helping Pedestrian Accident Victims Get The Compensation They Deserve
At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we are experienced pedestrian accident lawyers and have been helping injured pedestrians in Virginia for decades. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and explore all available avenues to seek compensation for injuries or damages incurred as a result of the incident. Contact us today for a free consultation.