Norfolk Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in America

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain a significant public safety concern. Over 7,000 pedestrians died in accidents in 2023, and more than 68,000 sustained injuries that year.

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on or near our roads. Unlike motorists, they don’t have seat belts, airbags, or a vehicle frame to shield them from a collision, and the resulting injuries are often catastrophic.

These injuries can include:

The physical, emotional, and financial consequences of these injuries can overwhelm victims and their families. Many can’t work, support their households, or return to their previous quality of life.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Most pedestrian accidents trace back to negligent or reckless driver behavior, including collisions involving passenger vehicles.

Common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Texting, using GPS, or other in-vehicle distractions can lead to serious collisions.
• Speeding: Driving too fast, especially in residential areas or near schools, increases the risk of injury.
• Failure to yield: Under Norfolk Code of Ordinances §25-627, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within any clearly marked crosswalk or at any intersection on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Violations of this ordinance are a common factor in local pedestrian collisions.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Disobeying traffic signals often leads to sudden, high-impact crashes.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment drastically reduces a driver’s judgment and reaction time.
• Poor visibility: Low lighting, heavy rain, or fog can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians in time.

In some cases, unsafe road designs, malfunctioning traffic signals, or a lack of sidewalks also contribute to the danger. Cyclists face many of the same risks. Learn more from our bicycle accidents page.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Virginia

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, Virginia law may allow you to recover compensation for financial losses and personal suffering.

Pedestrian accident claims in Virginia can provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including future care costs
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability
• Property damage

If a pedestrian accident results in death, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Virginia generally allows two years from the date of death to file. When a government or municipal vehicle is involved, the timeline is tighter: a claim under the Virginia Tort Claims Act may need to be filed within one year, and written notice against a county, city, or town may be required within six months under Va. Code § 15.2-209. Every case is different, and the amount you may recover depends on injury severity, evidence strength, and available insurance coverage.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Norfolk

If you or a loved one is hit by a vehicle in Norfolk, the steps you take early on can protect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. Prioritize safety and medical attention first, even if injuries seem minor. Symptoms of concussion and internal damage don’t always appear right away.

Here’s what you should do after a pedestrian accident:

• Call 911: Check yourself for injuries, move to a safe location, and call for emergency services and police.
• Seek immediate medical care: Even minor-seeming injuries can mask serious internal damage or head trauma.
• Report the accident to authorities: Make sure a police report is filed, as it can be important to your claim.
• Gather key information: Collect the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information.
• Take photos at the scene: Document the roadway, traffic signals, weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Look for witnesses and footage: Get names and contact information from witnesses and note any nearby surveillance cameras.
• Speak with an attorney before giving statements: Insurance adjusters may ask for recorded statements early in the process. Talking with an attorney first can help protect your claim.

After receiving medical care, contact a Norfolk pedestrian accident attorney who understands local laws and procedures. At Agnew Todd Injury Law, we’re committed to helping you through every step, from gathering evidence and dealing with insurers to pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to seek.