Helping You Recover Compensation for Your Injuries and Anguish After a Norfolk Pedestrian Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault.
Pedestrians are no match for the average vehicle. That’s why many collisions between pedestrians and cars result in minor damage to the vehicle – yet have deadly consequences for the pedestrian. Pedestrians are at risk of serious, catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, head injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries and even wrongful death.
After being hit by a car, it can be difficult to know who to trust. While you might expect the insurance company to have your best interests at heart, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Insurers are out to turn a profit. If they see any opportunity to deny a claim or minimize a settlement, they’ll take it.
Our Norfolk pedestrian accident lawyers can help you negotiate a fair settlement and ensure you’re not being taken for a ride. And if the insurance won’t offer a fair settlement, we can file a lawsuit and further escalate your case.
NORFOLK PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER RICHARD SERPE
Richard Serpe, a Norfolk pedestrian accident lawyer, 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.
Awards and Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America® (2005 – Present)
- Martindale-Hubbell law directory: AV Preeminent (highest rating)
- “Super Lawyer”: top 5% of lawyers in Virginia (2006 – Present)
- Avvo.com : Rated 10/10 – “Superb”
COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
Depending on the specific details and circumstances of your Norfolk pedestrian accident, victims may be eligible for various types of compensation that address the full scope of their losses and suffering. 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.
TYPES OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CASES
Types of pedestrian personal injury cases we are investigating include:
- Pedestrian accidents caused by distracted drivers
- Pedestrian accidents caused by drunk drivers
- Pedestrian accidents caused by failure to obey the law
- Pedestrian accidents involving buses and light rails
- Pedestrian accidents caused by rideshare vehicles
- Pedestrian accidents caused by motorcyclists
- Pedestrian accidents caused by commercial truck drivers
HOW LONG WILL A 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.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (DEADLINES)
If you’ve been struck by a negligent driver, 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 Norfolk pedestrian accident 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.
For cases involving injured children in Virginia, the statute of limitations works differently. Generally, the two-year period does not begin until the child reaches the age of 18, allowing them to file a lawsuit up until their 20th birthday. This extended timeframe acknowledges the unique circumstances surrounding minors and provides them additional time to seek justice. Nonetheless, it’s still wise to initiate legal proceedings as early as possible to ensure a thorough and effective pursuit of your claim.
NORFOLK PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Norfolk, hiring an experienced lawyer like Richard Serpe can make a significant difference in your case. With over 37 years of dedicated experience in personal injury law, Mr. Serpe is known for his meticulous approach and unwavering commitment to his clients.
His expertise in handling complex injury cases, including those involving pedestrians, ensures that you will receive the comprehensive representation you need to navigate the legal process effectively.
Richard Serpe’s track record of success, combined with his deep understanding of Virginia’s legal landscape, positions him as a formidable advocate for those seeking justice and compensation. By working with Mr. Serpe, you can focus on your recovery while he handles the intricacies of your case, striving to achieve the best possible result.
Contact Richard Serpe today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards addressing the challenges you face and moving forward with confidence.
