At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, our Norfolk pedestrian accident lawyers have decades of experience representing individuals injured by negligent drivers. Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable on the road, and when a driver’s carelessness leads to serious injury, we fight for justice on your behalf.
We handle cases involving pedestrian accidents at crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, and other dangerous areas where drivers fail to yield or pay attention. Our Norfolk personal injury law firm also has experience with hit-and-runs, distracted driving, DUI-related injuries, and accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, and more.
Recovering from a pedestrian accident is difficult enough without dealing with insurance companies looking to minimize your settlement. Adjusters are trained to undervalue claims, but we know their tactics and we’re here to protect your rights.
Our Norfolk-based attorneys work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for your future.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car in Norfolk, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.
Pedestrian Accidents Often Result in Serious Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries due to the lack of protection between the victim and the vehicle. Even accidents at relatively low speeds can cause lasting harm. Some of the most common injuries sustained by pedestrians include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and skull fractures can occur when a pedestrian is thrown to the ground or strikes the windshield.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the back or neck can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding or damage to vital organs, which may not be immediately apparent after the accident.
- Cuts, Bruises, and Road Rash: While often less severe, these injuries can still lead to infections, scarring, and other complications.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments are common and may limit mobility or require physical therapy.
- Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents can result in fatal injuries. Families can pursue a wrongful death claim.
If you’ve been injured in a Norfolk pedestrian accident, it’s important to see a medical professional, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Some injuries may worsen over time or remain hidden without proper evaluation.
Norfolk Pedestrian Accident Settlements
Depending on the specific details and circumstances of your Norfolk pedestrian accident, victims may be eligible for various types of compensation. These forms of compensation are designed to cover a wide range of impacts resulting from the accident, including immediate financial burdens, long-term effects, and the pain and suffering of the victim.
- Medical Bills: Recovering from a Norfolk pedestrian accident can result in substantial medical expenses, often running into thousands of dollars. As a victim, you should not bear these costs alone. Our Norfolk pedestrian accident attorneys will work to secure compensation not only for the immediate medical bills but also for ongoing physical therapy and any future medical expenses related to your injury.
- Lost Income: An injury from a Norfolk pedestrian accident often necessitates missing work to facilitate a full recovery. You are entitled to seek compensation for the wages you have lost during your recovery period. In addition to current lost income, your settlement can also include compensation for the loss of future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term. Pedestrian accidents frequently result in prolonged periods of disability, impacting your financial stability.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by being struck by a vehicle can be profound. Compensation for pain and suffering reflects the physical discomfort and psychological impact you have endured due to the accident. This aspect of compensation is intended to acknowledge and address the significant personal toll the injury has taken on your life.
- Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where a pedestrian dies as a result of the accident, the surviving family members are left with numerous burdens. These can include medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of the deceased’s future income. Additionally, the emotional grief and loss of companionship can be immense. In Virginia, certain family members are entitled to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for these profound losses, addressing both the financial and emotional impacts of the tragedy.
How Long Will My Pedestrian Accident Case Take?
There are many factors that go into determining how long it will take to settle a pedestrian accident claim. Here are the most important:
- Initial consultation: When a client schedules their initial meeting with our personal injury team, they share their story and learn of their legal options. A discussion of the person’s rights leads to a decision of whether to work together or not. If the person wishes to hire our law firm, they’ll be required to sign an agreement allowing us to represent them.
- Investigation: Our injury team will work to investigate the accident that caused your injuries. We’ll be looking into the statements of witnesses, the police accident reports and photographs taken at the scene. In some cases, we may even hire experts to better understand what led to the incident.
- Documentation: Your attorney will work with your healthcare providers to assemble as much information about your injuries as possible. Your medical history, hospital bills and medical records will be compiled to establish your injuries were in fact sustained in the accident.
- Settlement negotiations: In order to receive a fair settlement from your insurance company, we compile a demand package that contains pertinent results from the investigation and documentation steps. Most cases are resolved at this point, but negotiations with the insurance company can continue for a lengthy period of time. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed.
- Filing a lawsuit: When a lawsuit is filed, the personal injury lawsuit process begins. Although this does kick-start preparations for a jury trial, your attorney will continue to negotiate and attempt to settle out of court.
These steps can vary in length depending on the case, so there is no cut and dried answer to questions about how long the personal injury claims process takes.
Virginia Statute of Limitations (Legal Deadlines)
If you’ve been hit by a negligent driver in Norfolk, it’s essential to take action promptly. In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the specific details of the accident and the parties involved, so it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
While two years might initially appear to be ample time, the reality is that recovery, investigation, and negotiation processes can be lengthy. Delaying action can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation, as missing the deadline means you lose the right to pursue damages for injuries sustained in the accident.
Norfolk Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Attorney Richard Serpe has built a notable career distinguished by his success in achieving favorable jury verdicts and settlements for his clients. With over 37 years of experience, Mr. Serpe has become a trusted advocate, known for his dedication and expertise in personal injury law.
Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Serpe has specialized in representing individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. His long-standing commitment to securing justice for his clients, including cases involving pedestrian accidents, underscores his reputation as a leading figure in Virginia’s legal community.
