The shock and surprise that you may experience when you are struck by a vehicle while crossing a street or walking down the street can easily be overshadowed by the injuries you can suffer. When thousands of pounds of steel hit a human body, catastrophic injuries are almost guaranteed. The forces exerted on the body when you are hit by a car or truck are incredible and rarely result in minor injuries.
If you have been injured by a vehicle while walking, you need a Richmond pedestrian accident lawyer on your side to fight for the compensation you deserve. With a Richmond personal injury lawyer from MartinWren, P.C. working on your claim, you can be confident that your best interests are our priority, as we are available 24/7 to meet your individual needs. Call our law firm today to schedule your free consultation now to see how you can maximize your payout and who could be liable for your injuries.
Pedestrians Often Suffer Catastrophic Injuries When Struck by Vehicles
Your body has very little chance of little or no injuries when struck by a vehicle, even if the car or truck is not traveling very fast. The size and weight of a car or truck dwarf the capacity of your body to withstand significant trauma. Many of our pedestrian accident clients report catastrophic injuries, including:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Amputations
- Facial and dental trauma
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
The medical bills that come with the devastating injuries you have suffered require the skills and experience of a dedicated Richmond traumatic brain injury lawyer if you have experienced severe head trauma. Other injuries when you are struck by a vehicle while on foot can also demand considerable financial resources to treat. Your reliable and knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney in Richmond will fight tirelessly to maximize the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
You Can Demand Compensation for Every Way Your Life Has Been Affected
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries when they are hit by a motor vehicle. The injuries you sustain when struck by a moving vehicle could ruin your life and affect every aspect of it. Proving how these injuries have impacted your life is critical when demanding the compensation you need to move on with your life.
For example, if you were struck from behind and suffered a severe back injury, the assistance of a dedicated Richmond spinal cord injury lawyer may be your best opportunity to demand compensation. If you are left paralyzed because the driver that hit you was distracted by their cell phone or was driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, our investigation can uncover their negligent actions. This is particularly important if your injuries will require around-the-clock care because you may no longer be able to complete daily living tasks.
To hold the liable party accountable for their actions, we will need to prove that they violated the elements of negligence as described by Virginia Model Jury Instructions. These elements include proving that the defendant owed you a duty of care and that they breached that duty, which caused your injuries and damages. When we can show a judge and jury that this chain of events led to your injuries, your Richmond pedestrian accident lawyer can prove that the liable party is responsible for every way your life has been impacted by your accident.
Richmond Pedestrian Accident FAQ
Having been struck by a moving vehicle, you are likely feeling terrified and confused. To help you understand how this process will unfold, we have listed some of our clients’ most frequent questions below. Connect with our legal team for a free consultation to ask any question unique to your case that may not be addressed here.
How Long Do I Have to File My Lawsuit in Richmond?
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, you only have two years to pursue legal action against the liable party in your case. While some unique situations can pause or “toll” the statute of limitations in your personal injury case, check with your pedestrian accident lawyer in Richmond to see if they apply to you. If you do not file your lawsuit before this time limit expires, you could be barred from having your case heard in court.
In addition, some claims are subject to a notice period that requires you to notify certain parties shortly after the crash. Failing to provide this notice can prevent you from pursuing a claim against those parties.
Could I Be Awarded Punitive Damages in My Pedestrian Accident Case?
While punitive damages could be possible in very specific circumstances, they are rare and certainly not guaranteed in every personal injury claim. According to Virginia Code § 8.01-38.1, only when the liable party’s actions are deemed intentionally malicious, egregious, or grossly negligent can the court award punitive damages. You should never expect punitive damages to be awarded unless your pedestrian accident attorney in Richmond advises you that they may be possible in your particular case.
What Happens if I Am Partially to Blame for My Pedestrian Accident in Richmond?
Virginia is one of only four states that follows a doctrine of pure contributory negligence. This means that if you share any of the fault for your injuries, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. With MartinWren, P.C. on your side, you can be confident that we will do everything in our power to prove that the driver who struck you was completely at fault for the injuries you suffered. Even if the facts demonstrate that you were at least partly responsible for your injuries, there are exceptions to the contributory negligence doctrine that our experienced injury attorneys may be able to use.
How Much Can I Expect a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Richmond to Cost?
Many personal injury survivors hesitate to pursue legal action because they are concerned about the cost. However, following Virginia Model Jury Instructions, we can take on your case with a contingency agreement. This means you do not have to pay anything upfront, and we only get paid when we recover compensation for you. Then, an agreed percentage will cover our attorney’s fees.
Richmond Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
Find the Help You Need for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim Today
The road to recovery after being hit by any kind of vehicle can be a long and difficult one without help. Healing from your devastating injuries should be your focus while we handle the legal process for you. From negotiating with insurance companies that only care about their bottom line to advocating for your rights in court, you can be confident that we will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Your highly skilled and experienced Richmond pedestrian accident attorney with MartinWren, P.C., has the knowledge of the judicial process you want in your corner. Do not hesitate to pursue the justice you deserve. Connect with our legal team by completing our convenient contact form now or call our office to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
