Pedestrians can stay safe by practicing care as they stroll along busy city streets. Whether you walk for exercise, to the store, or to work, staying safe is essential for reaching your destination successfully.
In addition to the health benefits, walking can help to reduce pollution and lessen the impact on the environment. A pedestrian is at risk, however, for experiencing serious injuries and possibly death by a dangerous driver.
If you suffered serious injuries or you lost a close loved one, a member of our team can help you. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, “pain and suffering,” and inconvenience.
How Can Pedestrians Stay Safe While Walking?
A study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that pedestrian deaths increased more than 50 percent from 2009 to 2018. This supports the idea that it is important to stay safe while traveling on foot—now, more than ever.
How can pedestrians stay safe? Staying safe while walking is possible by implementing a few proactive safety measures, including:
- Crossing streets at crosswalks
- Obeying all traffic laws and rules
- Paying more attention to your path and less to your phone
- Watching for cars entering or exiting driveways
- Wearing bright and/or reflective clothing at night
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs
You may take these and other precautions to remain safe while walking and still experience an out-of-control driver. Your injuries may prevent you from returning to a career you once loved or to activities you once enjoyed.
Your injuries that result from a drunk, distracted, or aggressive driver are not fair. If a walk for exercise or to work left you with life-changing injuries, you have the right to retain a lawyer.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After A Pedestrian Accident
If your walk resulted in serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more, you may want to consider retaining a lawyer. A lawyer (or their team) can:
- Collect evidence to support your testimony
- Represent you in court, if necessary
- Recruit expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists
- File all required insurance and court paperwork
- Negotiate with insurance companies for you
- Keep you up to date regarding your case
A lawyer can also help you adhere to relevant timelines. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Virginia is generally two years under Code of Virginia § 8.01-243. Once the deadline passes, you may lose your chance to pursue compensation forever.
Why You May Want to Pursue Compensation After an Accident
Your future medical needs may require surgeries, therapies, and prescription medications. Depending upon the severity of your injuries, you may require continuous medical and personal care throughout your lifetime.
Civil action allows you the opportunity to pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled. It is also an opportunity to hold those responsible for your injury accountable for their actions.
No one should pay out of pocket for medical costs that were the result of a reckless driver. If you lost a close loved one, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages as well.
Call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC Today for a Free Consultation
Dealing with your unexpected loss is difficult enough. Let a personal injury lawyer from the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC handle the details of your case. If we are unable to secure a fair settlement for you out of court, we can go to trial.
Our team members treat all our clients with compassion and care. We keep the lines of communication open so that you can contact us with any questions and concerns. We also share any new developments regarding your case with you.
If you experienced a sudden and tragic injury during your walk that was caused by a dangerous driver, let us help you. Upon careful review of your case, we can inform you of your options.
Jim Parrish Has Information from Inside the Insurance Industry
Insurance companies often like to settle cases for as little money as possible. Jim Parrish understands how insurance companies like to deny or delay claims and the tactics they use to underpay victims. As an attorney who once represented insurance companies, Mr. Parrish now puts his knowledge of the insurance industry to work for accident victims.
Do not accept an initial settlement offer without legal representation. Accepting it may prevent you from pursuing civil action later, should your condition worsen.
Call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC today for your free case evaluation: (571) 229-1800. We can help if you suffered bicycle vs. pedestrian accidents, or bicycle vs. bicycle accidents as well.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form
