Virginia Injury Lawyers Blog
Pedestrians in Virginia and the Beltway region have been at an increased risk of injury from auto-pedestrian accidents in recent years. Obsolete traffic control devices, as part of a broader shift away from pedestrian infrastructure, have caused more pedestrians to cross dangerous roads without the right-of-way, resulting in hundreds of injuries and deaths in recent years in the region. A woman was recently killed when attempting to cross the street from a restaurant in Washington County earlier this month.
According to a local news report discussing the incident, the 72-year-old victim was crossing the street in front of the Williamsport Waffle House restaurant on Route 11 an early morning in January, when she was struck by a GMC truck and died at the scene of the crash. Reportedly, it was still dark outside when the crash occurred, and visibility may have been an issue. The driver of the truck stopped after the incident and has cooperated fully with authorities concerning the tragedy, although the article does not note if a citation was issued to the driver after the crash.
Pedestrians in Virginia should exercise extreme caution when walking near a roadway or crossing the street. It is always best to find a crosswalk to cross a busy street and make eye contact with any stopping drivers before entering the road to ensure that they see you. Drivers owe all pedestrians a duty to avoid a collision and can be held accountable for causing a crash. A pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle while properly using a crosswalk has the right of way, and the driver of the vehicle can be held financially accountable for any injuries suffered in the crash.
Under Virginia law, a person who was negligent in the cause of an accident is not able to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Because of this “contributory negligence” legal framework that Virginia employs, a pedestrian who is struck by a car while crossing the street away from a crosswalk may not be able to collect damages for their injuries. Although Virginia law bars negligent parties from collecting damages in a personal injury lawsuit, a pedestrian may be able to legally cross a road away from a crosswalk without being negligent. Anyone hurt in an auto-pedestrian collision in Virginia should consult with a knowledgeable Virginia personal injury attorney to determine if they may have a case.
Have You Been Hurt in a Virginia Car Crash?
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a Virginia auto-pedestrian accident or other car crash in Virginia, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The dedicated and experienced Virginia personal injury lawyers at Schupak Law Firm can help you obtain the compensation that you deserve. Contact our dedicated legal team today to get the best results for your claim. Contact us for a no-obligation, free consultation at 240-833-3914. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.