Pedestrian accidents occur far too frequently, and a great many of them are due to the negligence of another party. Whether that is another driver, a governmental entity, or a business, the party who caused your injury should be held responsible. You could be facing high medical costs and lost time from work, but you may also be entitled to money damages.

Rather than pursuing compensation alone, you should retain a skilled injury attorney to be on your side. A qualified Louisa County pedestrian accident lawyer could provide an assessment of the strength of your case and help you through the process while you recover.

Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Every case’s unique circumstances require investigation into who is liable for the accident. The negligent party may be one individual, a company, or a combination of multiple defendants. Discovering who was at fault and who may be financially responsible is a crucial part of a successful claim. Parties commonly responsible for pedestrian accidents include:

  • The driver of a motor vehicle
  • The employer of a driver
  • The manufacturer of a defective automobile part
  • A governmental entity
  • A corporate entity

These potential defendants and more may be responsible for your injuries, either directly or vicariously. Fortunately, a Louisa County lawyer could conduct an extensive investigation to determine who may be at fault for your harm following a pedestrian accident.

Distracted Driving and Pedestrians: A Dangerous Mix

While distracted driving is a problem in any situation involving a motor vehicle, it is especially dangerous for pedestrians. A pedestrian at a crosswalk with a signal indicating they can go likely assumes traffic will follow the indicators requiring it to stop. Others may assume they can trust their “right of way” as a pedestrian in the right location.

Distracted drivers, however, may not notice, putting many people at risk. Distracted driving can include:

  • Listening to music and changing selections
  • Talking or texting on a cell phone
  • Watching videos while driving
  • Looking at distractions rather than the road, such as police lights
  • Dealing with children in the back seat
  • Eating or drinking

These distractions and more can cause serious or even fatal harm to a pedestrian. After this kind of injury, a pedestrian accident attorney in Louisa County could help seek compensation owed to you.

Implications of Contributory Negligence Doctrine

Virginia maintains a pure contributory negligence standard in injury cases. This means that if the pedestrian is in any way at fault for his or her accident, even one percent, he or she is not permitted to recover for the sustained injuries. This harsh rule can make it difficult to recover for pedestrians who failed to follow proper laws or obey traffic signals.

However, you should never assume you are unable to recover. Instead, reach out to knowledgeable lawyers to discover your rights.

Consult a Louisa County Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

Pedestrian accidents require thorough investigations into the facts. You have the right to consult with an attorney and discover what your potential recovery may be. Never assume you are unable to collect for your injuries.

An experienced Louisa County pedestrian accident lawyer could handle your claim and help you seek compensation. Contact The Warren Firm today to get started.