Virginia Crosswalk Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Crosswalk Accident Victims in Alexandria & Throughout Virginia

Nearly 18% of fatal pedestrian accidents happen in intersections with marked or unmarked crosswalks. When one of the top pedestrian safety tips is “always use a crosswalk,” you may be wondering if there is anything you can actually do to keep yourself safe.

Ultimately, we are in control of our own actions. We can and should do everything in our power to prevent accidents. At the end of the day, however, we cannot control the actions of others, and we cannot fully eradicate accidents and other wrongdoings. Law enforcement and legal professionals exist to hold people responsible when they act maliciously or carelessly towards others.

If you have been harmed while crossing a street in a crosswalk, The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC is here to help. Call (571) 290-2390 today to discuss your case with our cross accident lawyer in Virginia.

What Factors Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents?

According to the “Dangerous By Design 2019” report by Smart Growth America, the infrastructure of our cities and streets favors the movement of vehicles at high speeds over pedestrian traffic. The organization attributes the unchanging design of our transportation system to high numbers of pedestrian deaths, which have been steadily increasing since 2008 and are the highest they have been since 1990.

Other factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding and other reckless driving behaviors
• Aggressive driving or road rage
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Right of way errors
• Traffic violations
• Weather conditions
• Compromised visibility (especially while backing up)

While infrastructure must be revised on an institutional level, many of the factors above correlate directly with human behavior.

If someone hit you with their vehicle while they were drunk, distracted, or otherwise irresponsible, get in touch with our attorneys today.

Common Injuries in Crosswalk Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: A victim may suffer a concussion or more severe brain damage if they are struck by a vehicle or if they fall and hit their head. These injuries could result in an lead to long-term physical and cognitive impairments, needing extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries could result in permanent paralysis and loss of motor function. A victim who is hit by a car in a crosswalk may sustain damage to their spine, which can have lifelong consequences. Treatment for spinal cord injuries is often costly and can require a lifetime of care.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a vehicle striking a pedestrian can cause broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and pelvis. Fractures may require surgery, physical therapy, and a long recovery process. In some instances, victims could suffer permanent disability or loss of mobility.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and tissues are common in crosswalk accidents. While these injuries may not be as visibly severe as broken bones, they can cause significant pain and long-term complications that affect a victim’s capability to work and carry out daily activities.
• Internal Injuries: In some cases, crosswalk accident victims may suffer internal injuries, like organ damage, bleeding, or damage to the lungs, liver, or kidneys. These injuries are often difficult to diagnose immediately, so prompt medical attention is critical.
• Psychological Injuries: Beyond the physical harm caused by crosswalk accidents, victims often experience emotional and psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression are very common among accident survivors, particularly those who have experienced life-threatening injuries or the loss of a loved one.

What Are Considered Crosswalks?

Crosswalks are defined in two ways:

First, as “that part of a roadway at an intersection measured from the edges [or curbs/sidewalks] of the traversable roadway [on each side].” This is known as an unmarked crosswalk.

Second, as “any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing.” This is known as a marked crosswalk.

In the state of Virginia, drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians on all marked and unmarked crosswalks, and on highways.

If a driver failed to yield to you while you were crossing the street, you may be entitled to compensation.

Are Marked Crosswalks Really Safe?

Experts have been pursuing this question since at least 1972, and the Federal Highway Administration released a study on the issue in 2005. Across the board, results have been inconclusive. On one hand, marked crosswalks alert drivers to the possibility of pedestrians. On the other, marked crosswalks can give pedestrians a false sense of security.

Many pedestrians assume drivers can see markings on the street as clearly as those crossing. In many cases, this is simply not true. In fact, many locations around the world have tested overhead crosswalk signs and other regulatory markings in an effort to increase driver awareness.

In every test and study, there was one constant:

If a driver is already driving slowly, they are less likely to hit a pedestrian – regardless of markings on and around the street.

A driver who is not traveling quickly is not only less likely to hit a pedestrian, but also less likely to cause an accident that severely injures or kills a pedestrian.

If you were injured in a crosswalk, we will need to discuss speed. Start building your case today with a free consultation*.

What Can The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC Do For Me?

As an established personal injury firm, The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC can provide you with one of our skilled attorneys. Collectively, we have over 75 years of experience and have recovered over $75 million on behalf of our clients.

Our legal team will investigate your accident, make sure it is meticulously documented, and build a case on your behalf to help you recover damages.

A financial award can help you with:

• Medical bills,
• Rehabilitative costs,
• Missed wages,
• Pain and suffering,
• And other losses.

Contact Our Crosswalk Accident Lawyers in Virginia Today

If you or someone you love has been involved in a crosswalk accident, it’s essential to seek legal help as soon as possible. The sooner you contact our crosswalk accident attorneys in Virginia, the sooner we can investigate your case and gather evidence.

We are here to answer all of your questions, address your concerns, and ensure that you understand your legal rights. If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk accident, don’t wait—contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.

To get started, all we need to do is meet with you for a free consultation. Call our crosswalk accident attorney in Virginia 24/7 at (571) 290-2390 to schedule one today.