In today’s world, drivers are often distracted. Pedestrians are at risk of these distracted drivers when crossing the road or walking on sidewalks. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the victim often requires long-term medical care and suffers significant financial burdens. If a negligent or distracted driver harms a pedestrian, the pedestrian has legal options to pursue compensation. A Fairfax pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate a fair settlement, or, if necessary, go to trial.
Navigating the court system alone is risky. Virginia is a contributory negligent state, which means if the negligent or distracted driver proves that you are 1% at fault, you will not receive any compensation. Because most people don’t know this, insurance companies will take advantage of a pedestrian who represents themselves and try to get you to admit or prove that you were at least a bit at fault in causing the accident. A personal injury attorney will protect you from the traps that insurance companies will use against you so that they don’t have to pay you any compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney brings experience and skill, helping accident victims understand their rights and navigate the complexities of the legal process.
Virginia has specific laws in place to protect pedestrians and hold negligent and distracted drivers accountable. Pedestrians involved in accidents should know these important regulations to protect their right to compensation. For example, according to Virginia Code § 46.2-820, pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections.
The state also has a strict contributory negligence rule. As a result, a pedestrian who is found partially at fault for a collision may be unable to recover any compensation, even if one percent at fault. This is why it is crucial to hire an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can build a strong claim for compensation in Fairfax and defend against accusations of contributory fault.
Multiple factors may be involved in determining liability in pedestrian accidents. A knowledgeable Fairfax attorney may evaluate factors like driver negligence, cell phone usage right before the accident, pedestrian behavior, and roadway conditions to determine the cause of a crash. Common causes of pedestrian crashes include:
A skilled attorney from The Leiva Law Firm can investigate the circumstances of an accident and gather evidence to establish liability. Additionally, Manuel Leiva is not afraid to go to court and has the experience you need to secure total compensation for your losses.
Pedestrians injured in accidents may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain & suffering. These expenses may include hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy appointments, and any future medical costs.
An injured person may be entitled to non-economic damages, which include intangible losses. For instance, pedestrian wreck victims may receive reimbursement for lost wages and pain and suffering. If the collision resulted in a person’s death, the family of the deceased may also seek wrongful death damages to cover funeral expenses and loss of financial support. A tenacious Fairfax pedestrian crash lawyer can advocate on your behalf for all recoverable damages and guide you through the claims process.
Hiring an experienced Fairfax pedestrian accident lawyer is an important step in securing fair compensation. Legal representation can guide you from start to finish, including evaluating your case and gathering evidence. An attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies, file a lawsuit, and take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
If you are a pedestrian who sustained injuries in a crash caused by a negligent or distracted driver, you do not have to face the legal system alone. A dedicated lawyer from The Leiva Law Firm can assist you in filing a compelling claim and securing a favorable settlement. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and one-on-one case evaluation.
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