Hit by a car while walking in Norfolk? Call 757-233-0009 or message our team. Free consultations. No legal fees unless we win.
Being hit by a car is one of the most traumatic things a person can experience. The injuries are often severe, the recovery is long, and the financial pressure starts almost immediately.
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, our Norfolk pedestrian accident lawyers have spent decades fighting for seriously injured clients in Norfolk and throughout Hampton Roads. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional toll these crashes can take, and we know what it takes to pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle
Our firm represents pedestrians injured in many different types of situations, including:
- Crosswalk and intersection collisions: Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians lawfully crossing the street
- Failure to yield at crosswalks: Virginia law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks
- Distracted driving: Drivers on their phones or otherwise inattentive who strike pedestrians
- Speeding: High-speed impacts dramatically increase the severity of pedestrian injuries
- Drunk and impaired driving: DUI-related pedestrian crashes are among the most devastating
- Backing vehicles: Drivers reversing in parking lots and driveways who fail to check for pedestrians
- Wrongful death: When a pedestrian is killed, we help family members through a wrongful death claim
According to the City of Norfolk’s crash data, pedestrians made up 21% of all fatal and serious injury crashes in 2024. The leading contributing factors were speeding and alcohol impairment. Most pedestrian crashes happen after dark, on high-speed roads, and at locations where drivers routinely fail to yield.
Why Choose Us for Your Norfolk Pedestrian Accident
When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, there is no barrier between the impact and the body, and the injuries are almost always severe. Now you may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, time away from work, and pressure from an insurance adjuster. We understand what that moment feels like, and we are prepared to help.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe is a Virginia personal injury lawyer with more than 40 years of experience representing the seriously injured. He has consistently been recognized by Best Lawyers (2005–Present) and Super Lawyers (2006–Present), and named Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year in Norfolk by Best Lawyers (2020), Mr. Serpe has built his reputation on thorough case preparation and genuine advocacy for his clients.
He also holds the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, which is the highest available for legal ability and ethics. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has also been ranked Tier 1 in Norfolk for Personal Injury Litigation — Plaintiffs by Best Law Firms.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord is known for her meticulous approach to case development, her readiness for trial, and the genuine care she brings to every client she represents. Her clients consistently describe her as someone who listens, communicates directly, and never loses sight of what the case means to the person going through it.
When you work with the Serpe Firm, you receive:
- Decades of combined experience in serious injury cases
- Direct communication and personalized attention
- Thorough case investigation and preparation
- No legal fees unless we win
What Compensation Can You Recover?
The compensation available after a Norfolk pedestrian accident depends on the specific facts of your case, including the severity of your injuries, your financial losses, and available insurance coverage. In Virginia, injured pedestrians may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses: All costs of treatment tied to the accident, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and reasonably anticipated future medical needs.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Income lost during your recovery, as well as any long-term reduction in your ability to work if your injuries are permanent or disabling.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and the loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident
- Wrongful death of a loved one: When a pedestrian is killed, certain family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of the deceased’s companionship and care.
What Happens After You Hire Us
Investigation: We gather police reports, medical records, surveillance and traffic camera footage, witness statements, and any other evidence available. For some cases, we work with accident reconstruction specialists who can establish how the crash occurred and why the driver was at fault.
Dealing with insurance companies: Once you retain us, all communication with adjusters goes through our office. We handle the pressure tactics and lowball offers so you can focus on recovering.
Understanding the full scope of your situation: We will not push for a quick settlement before the full scope of your injuries is understood. For serious cases, that means waiting until you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement before calculating what your case is truly worth.
Negotiation or trial: Most cases settle outside of the courtroom, but if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement we may have to file a lawsuit. Negotiations are typically ongoing, and your case could still settle before trial.
Virginia’s Statute of Limitations (Legal Deadlines)
Virginia law gives injured pedestrians two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims run from the date of death. Missing these deadlines eliminates your right to seek compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.
Some cases, particularly those involving government vehicles or injured minors, may have different deadlines or procedural requirements. Do not wait to consult an attorney. The earlier an attorney is involved, the more time they have to build the strongest possible case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover compensation if I was hit outside a crosswalk? Possibly yes. Virginia law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians even outside of marked crosswalks. However, crossing outside a designated crosswalk may give an insurer grounds to argue you were partially at fault under Virginia’s contributory negligence rule. How that argument plays out depends on the specific facts of your case. This is exactly why having an experienced attorney evaluate your situation early matters.
What if the driver claims I stepped out in front of them? This is one of the most common defenses insurers raise in pedestrian cases. Our job is to investigate the crash thoroughly by gathering physical evidence, surveillance footage, and witness accounts to build an accurate picture of what happened.
What if I was hit in a parking lot? Parking lot accidents are more common than many people realize, and they are fully actionable under Virginia law. Drivers in parking lots have the same duty of care as on public roads. If a driver struck you while backing out, pulling through a space, or failing to yield at a parking lot exit, you may have a valid claim.
How long will my case take? It depends on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of the case. Cases involving clear liability and moderate injuries may resolve within several months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or wrongful death typically take longer. Our focus is always on the best possible outcome.
What does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer? Nothing unless we win. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis meaning there are no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact Our Norfolk Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love was struck by a vehicle in Norfolk or anywhere in Hampton Roads, we are here to help. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
