Fairfax, VA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Dedicated Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Protecting Injured Victims in Fairfax, Virginia

Pedestrians have no protection when they are struck by a vehicle. There are no barriers or other forms of protection between a person on foot and thousands of pounds of moving metal. Even when they take place at relatively low speeds, Pedestrian accidents can cause devastating injuries. A person may suffer catastrophic bodily harm, and they may take months or years to recover. Injuries may be severe enough to cause permanent disabilities, and in the worst cases, pedestrian accidents can be fatal.

In Fairfax, pedestrians may need to share the roads with vehicles in busy commercial districts, on residential streets, or in other locations. When drivers violate traffic laws or engage in other unsafe behaviors in these areas, they can seriously injure pedestrians. At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our lawyer can provide legal representation for victims of pedestrian accidents, helping them take steps to secure financial compensation for their injuries and damages.

How Driver Negligence Can Lead to Pedestrian Accidents

Drivers are required to operate their vehicles safely when pedestrians are crossing the street or walking on the side of the road. They must yield the right of way to pedestrians who are in crosswalks or in other locations. When drivers violate traffic laws or act dangerously in other ways, they may strike pedestrians and inflict severe injuries.

Negligence that can lead to pedestrian collisions includes:

Distracted Driving

A driver who is using their phone, looking up directions through a navigation system, or engaging in other activities may not notice a pedestrian in time to brake. A pedestrian may step off a curb and into a crosswalk while a driver is looking down at their phone or at something other than the road. At the speeds that drivers usually travel, even a moment of distraction can prevent a driver from being able to avoid striking a pedestrian.

Speeding

A vehicle's speed will play a role in whether a driver will be able to stop before striking a pedestrian. When a driver is driving at an unsafe speed, it may be impossible for them to slow down to avoid a pedestrian who steps into the road. They may slam on their brakes, but they may have no way to prevent their vehicle from skidding into a person on foot. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle traveling at a higher speed, they are much more likely to be seriously injured.

Failure to Take Care in Low-Light Conditions

The risks of pedestrian accidents can increase after dark. During the night or in areas that are dark, pedestrians will be harder to see. A driver who does not use their headlights when required or who drives at an unsafe speed in dark areas where pedestrians may be present may be responsible for causing a dangerous pedestrian accident.

Ignoring Traffic Signals and Stop Signs

When drivers ignore red lights or stop signs, they may proceed through an intersection when a person is crossing the road on foot. A pedestrian may believe that the road should be clear because signals indicate that it is safe to walk, and they may be struck by a vehicle with no warning.

Intoxicated Driving

Alcohol and drugs can affect drivers in ways that may prevent them from avoiding pedestrian accidents. Blurred vision can prevent them from seeing pedestrians, and they may not be able to respond in time to avoid a collision due to slower reaction times and reduced coordination. Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous issues affecting pedestrians, and in many cases, it can lead to accidents that result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Backing Vehicles

Drivers who back out of driveways will need to make sure nobody is behind their vehicles. A person may not notice a child behind their car, and they may back up and injure the child. Backup accidents can also occur in parking lots or other areas, and serious injuries can occur when drivers do not make sure the road is clear before moving.

Pedestrian Hit and Run Accidents

In some cases, a driver who strikes a pedestrian may flee the scene rather than stopping to render assistance and exchange information. A driver may commit a hit and run because they are worried about the consequences of injuring a pedestrian or being arrested for drunk driving or another violation. These situations can be difficult for victims, since they may be left injured on the road, and they may have no way to find out who struck and injured them.

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our attorney can help injury victims take steps to identify hit and run drivers. However, even if the driver who hit a pedestrian cannot be found, compensation may still be available. A person may file a claim through their own car insurance policy and receive uninsured motorist coverage. Our lawyer will fight to make sure the proper compensation will be paid in these situations.

Contact Our Fairfax Pedestrian Accident Attorney

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., we understand the physical and emotional impact that a pedestrian accident can have on a victim and their family. Our attorney will investigate a case thoroughly, gathering police reports, security camera or traffic camera footage, witness statements, and medical records to build a clear picture of what happened and the full extent of the harm caused. He will handle communications with insurance companies and fight to secure full and fair compensation for the damages that have occurred. To schedule a free consultation, contact our Fairfax, VA pedestrian accident lawyer at 703-591-0067.