Gloucester County pedestrian accident attorneys

Our lawyers advocate for injured pedestrians in Gloucester County

In a recent year, nearly 16 percent of traffic fatalities in Virginia were pedestrians, as reported by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The sobering reality is that pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries when they’re in a collision with a 4,000 lb. vehicle. Because, unlike motor vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no protection from the impact of a crash. So, when struck by a vehicle, pedestrians sustain injuries from the impact and contact with the roadway.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, contact GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. When you put your trust in us, you don’t pay anything unless we win. We call it our Zero Fee Guarantee.

Call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a free consultation today.

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How are pedestrians injured in traffic crashes?

Pedestrians may be hit by a motor vehicle and killed or injured in different locations during various activities, including:

• Crossing at intersections (with or without a signal)
• Crossing at locations other than an intersection
• Walking in a roadway (with or against traffic)
• Standing in a road
• Working in a road
• Walking or standing somewhere other than a roadway

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What are the common causes of pedestrian accidents?

Many pedestrian accidents result from driver negligence. Common causes of this type of crash include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who text, talk on the phone, converse with passengers, or are distracted otherwise may not notice pedestrians in a crosswalk, driveway, or parking lot.
• Impaired driving: Both alcohol and drugs significantly impair driving ability. Alcohol, marijuana, and other substances decrease reaction time, coordination, and judgment, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, methamphetamine and cocaine make drivers more aggressive and reckless. However, some prescription and over-the-counter medications can also cause drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects that affect driving.
• Fatigued driving: Drowsy driving kills, as stated by NHTSA. In fact, in a recent year in the United States, drowsy drivers were associated with an estimated 91,000 traffic crashes that injured approximately 50,000 people and caused nearly 800 deaths.
• Aggressive driving: Pedestrians have a greater risk of injury when aggressive drivers are on the road. Excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and stop signs, and failing to yield the right-of-way are aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to serious pedestrian accidents.

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What should you do after suffering a pedestrian accident in Gloucester County?

In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, dialing 911 ensures medical help and law enforcement will be dispatched to address the situation. Emergency medical personnel will provide critical care and transport victims to the hospital if necessary. You should also visit your doctor immediately and report all your symptoms. Some types of injuries, such as nerve damage and TBI, can worsen over time, so it’s important to start receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment right away.

Collecting evidence at the scene is also essential for building a strong legal case and supporting your injury claim. If you feel up to it, take photographs of the accident site, capturing details such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and any potential hazards. You’ll also want to document your injuries, take note of weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident, gather contact information from witnesses, and collect the driver’s insurance details.

Your next critical step is contacting GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. Remember that insurance agents may pressure you to sign documents or make a recorded statement about the accident, but you can tell them to talk to your lawyer instead. And you also want to avoid discussing the accident details on social media or with friends—this could be used by insurance companies to damage your claim.

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What types of injuries are sustained in pedestrian accidents?

When pedestrians are struck by a motor vehicle, the injuries can cause significant physical harm and emotional distress. The most debilitating pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Bone fractures are among the most common injuries sustained during a pedestrian accident. The force of impact can lead to broken arms, legs, or even more complex fractures like those of the pelvis or collarbone. These injuries often cause severe pain and may require surgical intervention, followed by lengthy rehabilitation.
• Spinal cord injuries disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body, resulting in loss of sensation or motor function. This can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly changing—and diminishing—the victim’s quality of life.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results from a direct blow to the head or a violent jolt. TBIs may cause brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. Symptoms of a TBI include headaches, confusion, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating.
• Neck and back injuries are prevalent in pedestrian accidents, often resulting in debilitating pain and restricted mobility.
• Whiplash, a common neck injury, occurs when a sudden impact causes the head to jerk forward and backward. This can lead to chronic pain and stiffness. Meanwhile, back injuries include herniated discs or fractures, which can severely impact the victim’s ability to perform daily activities.
• Nerve damage causes chronic pain, numbness, or weakness, impacting mobility and independence. It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications and to begin a rehabilitation process that may involve surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care.
• Internal injuries might not be immediately apparent, making them particularly dangerous compared to external wounds. Common internal injuries include organ damage, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. These conditions require urgent medical attention.

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Can you recover compensation for a pedestrian accident in Gloucester County?

If you were hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian, it should be a simple matter of filing a claim with the responsible driver’s insurance company and collecting the compensation you are entitled to receive. However, in practice, it is not usually that simple. Insurance companies are in business for profit, and their goal is to minimize your compensation. So they may offer a lump sum that falls far below the amount of the actual cost that you deserve to settle quickly. Your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have experienced Gloucester County personal injury attorneys handling your case.

We’ll consider economic damages, which are quantifiable financial losses that victims incur as a direct result of the accident. This typically includes medical expenses, which can cover hospital bills, surgery costs, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation therapies needed for recovery. This can also include lost wages due to the inability to work during the recovery period and any reduction in earning capacity if the victim sustains long-term or permanent injuries.

Non-economic damages refer to the compensation for intangible losses that a victim experiences following an accident. Unlike economic damages, these losses do not have a direct monetary value but significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. Common non-economic damages include pain and suffering, which account for the physical discomfort and emotional distress endured due to the accident. This category also covers loss of enjoyment in daily activities, where victims can no longer engage in hobbies or routines they once enjoyed. Non-economic damages may also include emotional anguish and mental trauma.

Calculating non-economic damages requires a nuanced approach, often involving testimony from medical professionals, psychologists, and other experts.

In representing the injured in a pedestrian accident case, our lawyers can:

• Investigate the accident and secure evidence to support a claim
• Assess the full extent of the cost, including past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, loss of future earning potential, and physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Negotiate skillfully with insurance companies to achieve full and fair settlement
• Pursue your claim to the fullest extent of the law

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How can you get legal support from experienced pedestrian accident lawyers?

GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys will guide you through the complex legal process following a pedestrian accident. Our experienced litigators will conduct a thorough investigation and, afterward, file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries.

Throughout negotiations with insurance companies, we’ll advocate for a fair settlement by leveraging our well-crafted case to counter lowball offers. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, our lawyers are always prepared to take your case to trial.

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Why choose GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys for your case?

Partners Ken Gibson and John Singleton know firsthand what it’s like to be an injury victim. That’s part of how we’re able to bring genuine compassion and empathy to every client we serve. We do everything possible to make the legal process easy for you so you can focus on recovering and getting your life back.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, call GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 today.

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