Winchester Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Trusted Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for Clients in Winchester, Virginia

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road. Unlike drivers and passengers in vehicles, they have no protection when a crash occurs, making them far more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries. Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, from busy intersections to residential neighborhoods, and they are often caused by negligent drivers who fail to watch for people walking or crossing the road.

Pedestrians who are injured by negligent drivers can take steps to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we help injured pedestrians hold negligent drivers accountable. With more than 120 years of combined experience in personal injury cases, our attorneys have the skills and resources to help our clients make sure they will receive the financial compensation they need.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?

Collisions between vehicles and pedestrians can happen in many different locations, but certain areas pose a higher risk due to heavy traffic and poor driver awareness. Some of the most common locations for pedestrian accidents include:

• Intersections: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way or run red lights at intersections.
• Crosswalks: Marked crosswalks are meant to provide a safe place for pedestrians to cross the street, but negligent drivers who do not stop for pedestrians can cause serious injuries.
• Parking Lots: Drivers who back out of parking spaces without checking for pedestrians can strike people walking behind their vehicles.
• Sidewalks and Shoulders: Distracted or reckless drivers may veer onto sidewalks or road shoulders, striking pedestrians who are walking along the roadway.
• School Zones: Children walking to and from school are at risk when drivers speed through school zones or fail to obey crossing guards.
• Highways and Rural Roads: In some cases, pedestrians may be hit while crossing highways, or they may be struck by vehicles while walking along rural roads that do not have sidewalks.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Driver negligence is the reason behind most pedestrian accidents. Some of the most common forms of negligence that may lead drivers to hit people on foot include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS devices, or engaging in other distractions may fail to see pedestrians crossing the road.
• Speeding: Drivers who travel at excessive speeds have less time to react to pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections. High speeds will increase the severity of injuries in a crash.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but some drivers ignore this rule and fail to stop.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment will reduce a driver's reaction time while also affecting their coordination and awareness, making it more likely that they will hit a pedestrian.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Drivers who do not obey traffic signals or stop signs may strike pedestrians who are crossing the road.
• Backing Up Without Checking: Drivers in parking lots or driveways who do not check their surroundings before reversing can strike pedestrians behind their vehicles.
• Poor Weather or Low Visibility: Rain, snow, fog, or darkness can reduce visibility, but drivers still have a responsibility to be cautious and watch for pedestrians.

Pedestrian Injuries in Car Accidents

When a car or truck collides with a pedestrian, the injuries are often severe. Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no seat belts, airbags, or metal frames to absorb the force of an impact. As a result, they may suffer life-threatening injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: A pedestrian's head may strike the vehicle, the pavement, or other objects, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or permanent brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact collisions can cause damage to the spine, and if the spinal cord is damaged or severed, a person may experience paralysis or lifelong impairments affecting their mobility.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Pedestrians often suffer broken arms, legs, hips, or ribs due to the force of impact.
• Internal Injuries: A traumatic impact with a vehicle can cause internal bleeding or damage to multiple organs, and these injuries may be life-threatening if a person does not receive immediate medical attention.
• Severe Lacerations and Road Rash: Pedestrians may suffer serious cuts and abrasions after being thrown to the pavement.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Torn ligaments, muscle injuries, and dislocated joints are common in pedestrian accidents.
• Fatal Injuries: Tragically, many pedestrian accidents result in death, leaving families to cope with the emotional and financial consequences of losing a loved one.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Claims

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or flees the scene (hit-and-run), an injured pedestrian may recover compensation through their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage can help pay for medical bills and lost wages when the responsible driver cannot be identified or does not have sufficient insurance.

Contact Our Winchester, Virginia Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

After you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you do not have to face this situation alone. Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC is here to help you achieve justice and make sure the driver who struck you will be held responsible. We will fight to maximize your financial recovery so that you will be able to receive treatment, address the income you have lost, and put your life back together. Call 540-662-4222 today or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation with our team.