Our Virginia Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Believe Victims Deserve to Be Compensated for Their Injuries and Losses
There are numerous ways motorists compromise the safety of people traveling on foot: Running traffic signals or stop signs, failing to slow down at crosswalks, or driving while distracted are just a few.
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, knowing what steps to take next is crucial for protecting your rightful claim to fair compensation against a negligent driver. At The Mottley Law Firm, our experienced legal team understands what you’re going through and offers this advice regarding how the immediate actions necessary at the scene, as well as subsequent measures to take in the weeks to follow, make a difference to the success of your case.
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Steps to Take at the Pedestrian Crash Scene
Pedestrian and vehicle collisions happen at crosswalks, at unmarked intersections, in parking lots, and anywhere else where people walking may encounter moving vehicles. Understanding what’s needed in a pedestrian accident claim is similar to what you should do after a car accident in Virginia. It’s about getting the emergency help you need and taking appropriate steps to protect your legal rights.
- Find safety away from moving traffic if you can. The last thing you’d want after a pedestrian accident is to be hit by another passing vehicle.
- Call 911. Emergency medical personnel can assess and tend to any injuries. Ask for a copy of the police report from officers attending the crash scene.
- Exchange information with the driver who hit you. Get their full name, driver’s license, address, and phone number. Record the make and model of the car, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Gather additional evidence. Other proof from the scene that might reinforce your case includes pictures of relevant signs, road and weather conditions, visible damage, and skid marks. Get contact details from eyewitnesses, too.
In the case of a Virginia hit-and-run accident, vital evidence can help identify the culprit and bring them to justice. Our experienced car accident and personal injury lawyers will access resources to aid this investigation.
What to Do Soon After Your Pedestrian Accident
After you leave the scene of the pedestrian crash, it’s important to stay vigilant protecting your legal claim to a fair settlement. Be sure to follow these critical steps in the days, weeks, and months after the crash.
Get Immediate and Ongoing Medical Care
Even if you call an ambulance for emergency medical attention at the accident scene, it’s important to follow up with a full medical exam soon after the incident. Traumatic brain injuries and internal injuries in particular may not be obvious right away. Pedestrian accidents can involve more serious injuries, and you must address them accordingly.
Follow any directions you receive from doctors about your ongoing medical care. This may include medication, physical therapy, medical imaging, and other actions. By diligently following these instructions, you’ll better support your claim regarding the extent of your injuries—delays in treatment often undermine your personal injury case.
Collect Copies of All Relevant Documentation
To make a rightful claim for damages, you must have documentation to support that claim. You may be able to recover lost wages as a result of your injuries, for instance. To do this, create a file of pay stubs and other supporting documents. Similarly, keep copies of relevant medical records, doctor’s notes, correspondence from insurance companies, and expense receipts.
Start a Personal Journal About Your Injuries
Capture the subjective experience of your injuries by maintaining a personal journal. Describe how your injuries impact day-to-day life. Write new entries regularly, helping to establish a recovery timeline, including medical treatments you receive and whether or not they’re effective.
Retain the Services of a Personal Injury Lawyer
To avoid common mistakes and build the strongest case possible, hire a Virginia pedestrian accident lawyer to represent you. Local attorneys may take on many types of personal injury cases, but they’re not all the same—benefit from the knowledge and insight of a lawyer with experience in pedestrian accident cases in particular.
Also, don’t speak directly with insurance companies. Let your lawyer handle that communication.
Protect Your Rights With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney From The Mottley Law Firm
Dealing with the aftermath of being hit by a car as a pedestrian is confusing and remarkably nuanced. Without strong legal representation, victims run the risk of being taken advantage of by insurers and lawyers representing at-fault parties. Even if you were jaywalking, you may still be eligible to recover damages. Our Virginia pedestrian accident lawyers vigorously advocate for your rights and build a strong case for your claim.
The extent of recoverable damages from an accident can be considerable:
- They may factor for current medical expenses, such as emergency room visits and prescription pain medication, plus future expected costs.
- Damages may also include lost income, property damage, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
However, with a typical statute of limitations of just two years in Virginia, you must act quickly with your pedestrian accident claim.
The legal team at The Mottley Law Firm has a proven track record of success in cases like these. Along with MartinWren, we co-counseled a client who was hit by a car while crossing a crosswalk in Charlottesville. He suffered a concussion, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. After mediation, the case settled for $5 million without going to trial.
