Roanoke Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Man crossing the pedestrian lane.

When a motor vehicle like a car, truck, or motorcycle strikes a pedestrian, it can lead to devastating, life-changing injuries. In many cases, pedestrians are left with injuries that require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and a prolonged period away from work.

At Marks & Harrison, we understand the catastrophic impact of pedestrian accident injuries. We also know that, in many cases, the harm could have been avoided if the motor vehicle driver had simply exercised proper care.

If you recently suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Roanoke, we want to help you. With over 100 years of experience, a legal team of 32 attorneys, and more than 130 support personnel, we have the knowledge and resources to help you pursue full and fair compensation. To learn more, contact us today and receive a free consultation through our Roanoke office.

What Are Some Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Roanoke?

Pedestrian accidents can occur at intersections, along streets and roads, in parking lots, and anywhere else where motorists and pedestrians meet and must exercise reasonable care to avoid collisions. According to Roanoke County officials, “hotspots” for pedestrian accidents in the region include:

  • Brambleton Avenue (near Cave Spring Middle and Elementary schools)
  • Peters Creek Road (near Burlington Elementary School)
  • Williamson Road.

As our personal injury attorneys have observed over the years at Marks & Harrison, driver negligence commonly causes these tragic accidents. Motorists often strike and injure pedestrians due to:

  • Distracted driving — Drivers who text, talk on phones, adjust navigation systems, or engage in other distracting activities may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks, intersections, or along roadways.
  • Failure to yield the right of way — Virginia law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Still, some motorists ignore these requirements due to impatience, inattention, or simple disregard for traffic laws.
  • Speeding — Excessive speed reduces drivers’ ability to stop quickly when pedestrians enter their path and increases the severity of injuries in collisions.
  • Impaired driving — Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining vehicle control, making them dangerous to everyone sharing the road.
  • Poor visibility conditions — During dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians in dark clothing or walking in areas with inadequate lighting and/or a lack of a sidewalk.
  • Careless turning — These crashes often occur when drivers focus on oncoming vehicle traffic while making left or right turns and fail to check for pedestrians crossing at intersections.

What Are Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrians have no protection against the force of motor vehicles. So, they are highly vulnerable to severe injuries even in low-speed collisions. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder.

What Are Virginia’s Laws for Pedestrians?

Virginia law establishes rights and responsibilities for pedestrians and drivers to promote road safety. Understanding the following rules can help determine liability when accidents occur:

  • Right of way in crosswalks — In Virginia, pedestrians can cross streets in marked crosswalks or at intersections. Drivers must stop and remain stopped until pedestrians have completely crossed their travel lane.
  • Intersection crossing rules — Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and cross only when they have the appropriate signal. However, drivers must still exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians, even when pedestrians may be crossing against signals.
  • Highway crossing regulations — Pedestrians must generally yield to vehicle traffic outside designated crosswalks. However, this rule does not absolve drivers of their responsibility to watch for pedestrians and avoid accidents when possible.
  • Sidewalk requirements — Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available rather than walking in roadways. When sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians should walk facing traffic when it is practical and safe.

Who Could Be Held Liable for a Roanoke Pedestrian Accident?

Multiple parties may bear responsibility for pedestrian accidents, including:

  • Motor vehicle drivers who speed, drive while distracted or impaired, fail to yield the right of way, or otherwise violate traffic laws
  • Vehicle owners who allow incompetent, unlicensed, or impaired individuals to operate their vehicles
  • Employers, when crashes are caused by employees driving company vehicles or performing work-related duties
  • Government entities, when dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, or poor roadway design contribute to pedestrian accidents
  • Property owners, when pedestrian accidents occur due to dangerous conditions on their property.

What Is Necessary to Prove Fault in a Pedestrian Accident in Roanoke?

At Marks & Harrison, our Roanoke personal injury attorneys know how to conduct thorough investigations and gather compelling evidence. In a pedestrian accident case, the evidence that could establish another party’s fault could include all or some of the following items:

  • Police reports
  • Witness testimony
  • Traffic camera footage
  • Medical records
  • Accident reconstruction analysis
  • Cell phone records.

Could I Be Found Partly to Blame for the Accident?

Virginia follows a legal doctrine called contributory negligence, which completely bars injured parties from recovering compensation if they contributed minimally to causing their accidents. Insurance companies often try to shift blame from their insured driver to the pedestrian when pedestrian accidents occur. Working with a personal injury law firm with the knowledge and resources to counter those tactics is essential.

What Compensation Could I Receive for a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?

Pedestrian accident victims in Roanoke may pursue compensation for the losses they suffer because of their accident. Our team can help you seek compensation for losses such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Virginia?

Virginia’s statute of limitations imposes a two-year deadline from the date of injury for filing personal injury lawsuits arising from pedestrian accidents. Missing the filing deadline can result in permanent loss of the right to seek compensation through the legal system. While two years may seem like plenty of time, building strong cases requires extensive investigation, analysis, research, and careful preparation. For this reason, you should seek legal assistance as soon as possible if you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Roanoke.

What Should You Do If You Have Been Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?

Taking the following steps after a pedestrian accident can protect your health, preserve your rights, and strengthen your claim:

  • Seek immediate medical attention even if injuries seem minor initially.
  • Report the accident to law enforcement if no officers are at the scene.
  • Gather information about the driver, vehicle, and accident circumstances if you can do so.
  • Document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage, roadway conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries.
  • Avoid discussing who is at fault with drivers, insurance representatives, or anyone else until you speak with an experienced attorney first.

Contact a Roanoke Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Since 1911, Marks & Harrison has fought tirelessly for people harmed by the negligence of others, including pedestrians hit and injured by motorists. Learn more about our record of success, including more than $1 billion recovered on behalf of injured Virginians, and see what clients have to say about working with our legal team. If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident in Roanoke, contact us today and receive a free consultation.