Factors That Impact a Prince William County Pedestrian Accident Claim
Some unique features that distinguish pedestrian accident cases from motor vehicle accident cases involve liability, including how the accident occurred, what the pedestrian and the motor vehicle were doing prior to accident, and whether or not there is contributory negligence on the part of one or more of the parties that may act as a bar to the recovery.
Additionally, it is typical that pedestrian accidents will involve much more serious injuries than a typical motor vehicle accident would, because it is a different type of accident with a motor vehicle striking a person versus a motor vehicle striking another motor vehicle. A pedestrian who has been injured as a result of another person’s carelessness should contact a Prince William County pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss potential damages they may be able to claim. n
Traffic Laws That Impact Pedestrian Accident Liabilities
The main legal issue that can arise in pedestrian liability cases is contributory negligence. Contributory negligence may occur when the pedestrian walks or crosses the street outside of the sidewalk, crosses the street against the traffic control device or crosses the street in a marked place while distracted by a cell phone or other device.
Pedestrians, like motor vehicles, have responsibilities to use appropriate pedestrian practices when crossing the streets. Conversely, there are other theories that may place more liability on the motor vehicle driver. These occur when a motor vehicle driver may break the rules of the road, such as when they make a right turn on red when pedestrians are present in violation of a sign prohibiting such conduct. In addition, motor vehicle drivers may be speeding and failing to adhere to Virginia state laws which require drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, or drivers may be distracted through use of cell phone or other activities.
Difficulties Following a Pedestrian Accident
Some difficulties that a person may face after a pedestrian accident include serious physical injuries and financial considerations while seeking medical care. Physical injuries that are a result of a pedestrian accident in Prince William County would very likely lead to damages. If you have been struck by a motor vehicle, and as a result you have received a bodily injury, that will certainly be a difficulty. These difficulties lead to damages that the Virginia state law allows you to be compensated for the medical bills were incurred as a result of someone else’s negligence.
In addition, you may incur difficulties that will qualify as damages which will be non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Perhaps you are unable to participate in activities that you enjoyed prior to the pedestrian accident, such as running, hiking, jogging or sports. In addition, you may have missed time from work and you will be entitled to claim the lost wages as a result of the difficulty due to the pedestrian accident. These are all things that your lawyer can help you with mentioning in your claim following a pedestrian accident in Prince William County.
How a Prince William Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
If after the initial consultation period both a Prince William County pedestrian accident attorney and a client have decided to enter representation agreement, the next step will be to sit down and have a very in-depth discussion about every step of the date of the accident. This will include everything that the person can remember, anything witnesses may remember and any treatment that was received immediately after.
The client should also be prepared to update the attorney with any treatment they have received after the date of the accident, including names of doctors, addresses and medical bills. The attorney will then begin to do two different things for the case. First, they will investigate liability and second, they will begin to build their file for the damages.
