Most drivers know when to yield to oncoming traffic and how to look for other cars before making a turn or proceeding through an intersection. Unfortunately, many drivers do not pay the same amount of attention to people walking across or near public roadways.

Getting hit by a car while in a crosswalk or on a sidewalk often results in severe physical injuries and financial losses, which is why retaining a seasoned personal Suffolk injury attorney from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers could be crucial if you want to file suit after such an accident. A Suffolk, VA pedestrian accident lawyer could work tirelessly on your behalf to prove what damages you suffered.

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Proving Fault and Seeking Compensation after a Pedestrian Accident

The moment they start up their vehicles, every licensed driver in the state assumes a duty of care to drive carefully and safely so as to avoid causing harm to others. This duty of care applies to pedestrians as much as it does to other drivers, so if a motorist acts recklessly and hits a pedestrian as a result, he or she could be held responsible to pay for any and all damages that person suffers.

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages in these cases may include both economic and non-economic losses. Damages that a Suffolk attorney could claim in a pedestrian accident case include but are not strictly limited to the following:

  • All expenses for past and future medical treatment, including outpatient rehabilitative services;
  • Loss of past work wages, as well as loss of future income and earning capacity;
  • Repair or replacement costs for personal property damaged in the accident;
  • Loss of enjoyment of life;
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering; and
  • The lifelong impact of any permanent disability caused by the crash.

What If a Pedestrian Is Partially at Fault?

Just as various traffic laws apply to motor vehicle operators, there are numerous state laws governing how pedestrians should conduct themselves when walking near roadways. For example, Code of Virginia §46.2-923 requires pedestrians to only cross the street using marked crosswalks or whenever possible.

Unfortunately, any finding by a court that a claimant was in any way negligent himself or herself will generally result in that person being denied any compensation for his or her injuries. Beyond just proving fault by the defendant in a claim, a dedicated lawyer in Suffolk could also work to ensure an injured pedestrian is not found partially responsible for the accident and denied civil recovery as a result.

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Get in Touch with a Suffolk, VA Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, you may find yourself dealing with significant physical pain, steep financial expenditures, and potentially severe emotional distress as well. While you may be able to recover for all these forms of harm through civil litigation, doing so without a professional is not a good idea.

The skill and tenacity of a Suffolk, VA pedestrian accident lawyer could prove essential to achieving a positive outcome in your claim. Learn more about the help Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers could provide by calling today and scheduling a free consultation.

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