Pedestrian Mowed Down on a Hampton Roads Crosswalk is Awarded $100,000

When you step onto a crosswalk, you have a right to expect drivers to stop. However, in a recent case handled by Cooper Hurley Injury Layers, a man was mowed down on a Hampton Roads crosswalk, sustaining serious injuries.
Our client was awarded $100,000 in an arbitration settlement. He was represented by my colleague Griffin O’Hanlon, reported Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
The pedestrian was seriously injured when he was mowed down on a Hampton Roads crosswalk at a busy intersection. After the collision, the driver who hit the pedestrian told a police officer he had a red traffic signal as he approached the intersection.
The driver said he came to a complete stop and proceeded to make a right turn on red after looking to ensure the crossing was clear.
As the driver turned right on red, he hit the pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection. Notes from the investigating police officer suggested the pedestrian crossed the road on a “Do Not Walk” signal.
This would have put our client in violation of Virginia law and he might not be able to claim compensation for serious head and neck injuries sustained in the accident.
The insurance carrier refused to make a settlement, claiming contributory negligence on the behalf of the walker.
The case went to an arbitration hearing. Conflicting evidence was presented as to whether the pedestrian entered the intersection when a “Do Not Walk” signal was flashing or was in a designated crosswalk in the first place.
Given the extent of our client’s injuries, he had no recollection of the collision itself. The pedestrian’s attorneys argued the driver failed to prove negligence on behalf of the pedestrian.
A written arbitration award in favor of our client for the insurance policy limits of $100,000 was entered two days after the hearing.
The pedestrian was represented by Griffin O’Hanlon of Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers and Charles Lustig.
Over the last few weeks, we have seen many instances of pedestrians being injured on crosswalks when drivers failed to pay adequate attention.
Just this week in Virginia Beach, a student was hit and injured on a crosswalk close to Green Run High School.
At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers we represent pedestrians who are hurt and the families of those who are killed on the highways of Virginia. Call us at (757) 333-3333 for a free consultation.