Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Alexandria

Woman crossing in pedestrian lane

Because pedestrians are completely exposed, they are extremely vulnerable to catastrophic injury and death in the event of an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 6,516 pedestrians lost their lives nationwide in auto accidents in one recent year alone. Tragically, this translates to one death every 81 minutes.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. The next thing you should do is speak to a pedestrian accident injury attorney who can make sure you know your legal rights and options. The sooner you do, the sooner they can get started building your case.

Marks & Harrison has been defending the right of injury victims to full and fair compensation for over one hundred years. We have the skills and experience needed to handle even the most difficult cases. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Alexandria.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents are almost always caused by some form of human error or carelessness. Both pedestrians and drivers must take care to avoid causing accidents.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Failure to yield the right-of-way
  • Failure to slow down in school zones
  • Ignoring red lights and stop signs
  • Crossing roads outside of crosswalks
  • Wearing dark clothes at night
  • “Rolling stops”
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Drowsy driving

How Is Fault Established for a Pedestrian Accident?

In most pedestrian accidents, liability is established by proving that someone was negligent, which simply means proving that they failed to take reasonable precautions to avoid harming others through their actions. Plaintiffs must prove the at-fault party’s negligence by a preponderance of the evidence.

Depending on the circumstances of the pedestrian injury accident, relevant evidence may include things like:

  • Police accident reports
  • Photos and videos of the crash location and aftermath
  • Footage from traffic and surveillance cameras
  • Testimony from witnesses
  • Testimony from accident reconstruction specialists, traffic engineers, doctors, and other reliable experts
  • Cellphone, GPS, and traffic-signal logs
  • Medical treatment records

What Happens If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Establishing fault is one of the biggest hurdles plaintiffs face in personal injury cases, especially in Virginia. Unfortunately, this is one of the few states left in the country that still bars plaintiffs from securing any compensation if they contributed even slightly to the cause of an accident.

Of course, defendants take advantage of this harsh rule by trying to pin even minimal blame on injured plaintiffs for accidents they were not primarily responsible for. This means it is crucial that injury victims work with an experienced attorney who knows how to push back hard against these tactics. Contact one of our Alexandria pedestrian accident lawyers today.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Alexandria?

In Virginia, personal injury victims, including those injured in pedestrian accidents, normally have just two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit seeking compensation from the at-fault party. Two years may sound like more than enough time. However, remember that it can take months to build a solid personal injury claim. Further, the more time that passes after an accident, the more time there is for crucial evidence to disappear or deteriorate, as well as for witnesses’ memories to fade.

Courts enforce the filing deadline very strictly and, in most cases, will simply dismiss cases filed after it passes. There are a few exceptions that may give you more time to file. However, they only apply in very limited cases and should not be relied on before consulting with an attorney. Our free, no-obligation consultations mean there is no downside to having your case reviewed by one of our skilled attorneys sooner than later. Our pedestrian accident attorneys are a phone call away.

How Can an Attorney Help After a Pedestrian Accident?

The road to physical and financial recovery after a pedestrian accident can be long and difficult. It can feel nearly impossible to focus on your medical treatment, time missed at work, and the legal aftermath of an accident all at once. This is where recruiting an experienced personal injury attorney can help.

At Marks & Harrison, our skilled legal team is ready to provide you with sound advice tailored to your situation and fight for your right to full and fair compensation. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, we will work on helping you recover financially and get your life back on track.

To that end, pedestrian accident attorney services include:

  • Making sure you know your legal rights and options
  • Conducting a thorough, independent investigation of the accident
  • Gathering crucial evidence before it is lost, altered, or destroyed
  • Handling correspondence with the at-fault party and their insurers
  • Researching the law and drafting the documents in your case
  • Making sure filing deadlines are not missed
  • Negotiating aggressively for the full and fair compensation you are legally entitled to
  • Advocating for you in court if a fair out-of-court settlement cannot be reached

At Marks & Harrison, we always put our clients first. We understand that each accident is unique and always handle them on a case-by-case basis. Further, we work closely with our clients to make sure we understand their stories, perspectives, and goals. To explore testimonials from our clients, follow this link.

Contact an Alexandria Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident at little to no fault of your own, do not wait to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Chances are you are entitled to significant compensation from the at-fault party, but it is important to have your case reviewed by an attorney early on to make sure no filing deadlines are missed and that no evidence is lost in your case.

Since 1911, Marks & Harrison has been dedicated to defending the rights of injury victims throughout Virginia. Let us put over a century of experience to work for you. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today.

Here are a few organizations and resources that may be able to assist pedestrian accident victims:

  1. Alexandria Police Department: The Alexandria Police Department can provide information on pedestrian safety, accident reporting, and local resources for victims. You can visit their website or contact them directly for assistance: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Police
  2. City of Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services: The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services in Alexandria may have information on pedestrian safety initiatives, traffic laws, and resources for victims. You can find more information on their website: https://www.alexandriava.gov/tes
  3. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT): VDOT offers resources and information on pedestrian safety, traffic laws, and accident reporting in Virginia. Their website provides valuable information that can be useful to victims of pedestrian accidents. Visit their website at: https://www.virginiadot.org/