When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the consequences are rarely minor. Without the protection of a metal frame or airbags, people on foot absorb the full force of a collision, and the injuries can be catastrophic.
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, we represent seriously injured pedestrians across Virginia helping them recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, long-term impact, pain and suffering.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and they often reach out to accident victims before they have a clear understanding of their injuries or long-term prognosis. Accepting a settlement too early can leave you covering years of medical costs on your own.
Our Virginia pedestrian accident attorneys handle these cases statewide, from the mountains of Southwest Virginia to the coast of Hampton Roads and everywhere in between.
Consultations are free, and there are no legal fees unless we.
Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle Statewide
Our legal team handles a wide range of cases across Virginia, including:
- Pedestrians struck while using a crosswalk
- Accidents caused by distracted, texting, or inattentive drivers
- Drunk or impaired driving pedestrian accidents
- Collisions involving speeding drivers in residential areas or school zones
- Accidents in parking lots or parking garages
- Crashes involving commercial vehicles, delivery trucks, or tractor-trailers
- Wrongful death cases where a pedestrian was killed
No matter where in Virginia your accident occurred, we are here to help.
Why Accident Victims Choose the Serpe Firm
Choosing legal representation after a serious pedestrian accident is an important decision. Our Norfolk-based law firm has spent decades earning the trust of injured Virginians.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has practiced personal injury law for nearly 40 years. He is recognized repeatedly by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, and is known across the legal community for his detailed case preparation and client advocacy.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord brings the same level of commitment and care to every pedestrian case she handles. Known for thorough preparation and direct, compassionate communication with clients, Ashley ensures that every injured person she represents is informed and supported from the first call through final resolution.
We intentionally limit the number of cases we accept so that each client receives the time, resources, and personalized attention their case deserves. This is a very different approach from high-volume firms that treat cases like numbers.
When you work with us, you can count on:
- Decades of personal injury experience in Virginia
- Personalized attention & responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation to maximize recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
What a Virginia Pedestrian Accident Case Involves
Every case is different, but most pedestrian accident claims move through a similar set of stages:
- Free Case Evaluation: We review the facts of your accident at no cost or obligation to you. If we believe we can help you, we’ll explain how and what to expect going forward.
- Investigation and Evidence Preservation: Strong cases are built on strong evidence. We gather crash reports, medical records and bills, witness accounts, and any other documentation that supports your claim.
- Taking Over Insurance Communications: Once we’re involved, you don’t have to deal with adjusters directly. We handle all communications and protect you from pressure tactics designed to get you to settle for less.
- Full Case Assessment: We work to understand the complete picture of your losses including current and future medical costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and any lasting disability, before entering settlement negotiations. We do not rush this process.
- Negotiation and, If Necessary, Trial: Most cases resolve through settlement. When insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, we may have to take your case to court.
Statute of Limitations (Legal Deadlines)
Under Virginia law, most pedestrian accident victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Missing this deadline typically means permanently losing your right to pursue compensation no matter how serious your injuries are.
Some situations may carry shorter deadlines, like crashes involving government vehicles. That’s why speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later is always in your best interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will My Virginia pedestrian accident case take?
Case timelines vary depending on injury severity, the number of parties involved, and the insurer’s willingness to negotiate. Some cases resolve within a few months.
Others, particularly those involving serious, long-term, or permanent injuries, require more time to fully develop and resolve. Our goal is always the best possible outcome, not simply the fastest one.
What compensation can I recover after being hit by a car?
You may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent impairment or disfigurement, and other accident-related losses.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
Case value depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, your medical costs and future treatment needs, the impact on your ability to work, and the available insurance coverage. Pedestrian injuries are often serious enough that claims involve substantial compensation.
Virginia Law and Pedestrian Rights
Virginia law establishes specific legal duties that drivers owe to people on foot. Some of the most important protections Virginia law provides to pedestrians include:
- Right of way at crosswalks: Under Virginia Code § 46.2-924, drivers must stop and remain stopped when a pedestrian is crossing within their lane or an adjacent lane at a marked crosswalk, at the end of a block, or at any intersection where the speed limit is 35 mph or less.
- Turning vehicles must yield: A driver making a turn into a roadway must give the right of way to pedestrians already crossing that road, regardless of the direction of the turn.
- Walk signal protection: When a pedestrian Walk signal is displayed, Virginia law requires all drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing in that direction. A pedestrian who began crossing legally before the signal changed has the right to continue to safety.
- Driveway and parking lot exits: Drivers leaving a driveway, alley, private road, or building entrance must come to a full stop before crossing any sidewalk and must yield to pedestrians already using that sidewalk per Virginia Code § 46.2-826.
- The Vulnerable Road User law: This Virginia statute creates enhanced criminal penalties for drivers whose careless or distracted operation causes serious injury or death to a pedestrian lawfully present on the roadway.
When a driver violates any of these duties, Virginia’s civil liability system provides injured pedestrians with a path to compensation.
Pedestrian Accident Dangers Across Virginia
Pedestrian accidents occur on busy urban corridors, suburban commercial strips, and rural two-lane roads throughout the Commonwealth.
In Hampton Roads, heavily traveled roads including Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, Mercury and Warwick Boulevards in Hampton, Independence Boulevard in Virginia Beach, and Shore Drive between Norfolk and Virginia Beach have long histories of serious pedestrian crashes.
Beyond Hampton Roads, pedestrian dangers are present wherever foot traffic meets high-speed vehicle traffic. Downtown Richmond, Northern Virginia’s densely populated corridors, Roanoke’s urban core, and Charlottesville’s pedestrian-heavy neighborhoods all see pedestrian accidents that result in serious or fatal injuries.
Resort areas and college towns, where foot traffic is high and driver attention is often divided, present ongoing risks as well.
What Our Clients Say
We measure our success by the outcomes we achieve and the trust our clients place in us. Here’s what some of them have shared:
“Mr. Serpe is a kind, considerate professional I would recommend to anyone who needs legal help recovering from an auto accident or other personal injury. I really enjoyed working with him and felt he had my best interest at heart.” – Google Review
“It was a pleasure to hire Richard as our attorney to help with my mom’s case. Richard was incredibly kind and patient throughout the whole process. He and his team kept us updated every step of the way to ensure we understood everything and were well-prepared. The result is very satisfied and more than we expected. My family highly recommends Richard’s firm if you need any assistance.” – Google Review
Virginia Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love was struck by a vehicle anywhere in Virginia, the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC is ready to help.
We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations and never charge legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Call 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to get started.
