Have you suffered severe injuries in a pedestrian accident in Harrisonburg? If so, you may feel overwhelmed and be unsure of the steps you need to take to regain control of your life. You need trusted legal guidance.
Kendall personal injury attorney in Harrisonburg David Kendall is available to review the details of your pedestrian accident and discuss your legal options during a free and confidential consultation. A Virginia native, David has more than 25 years of legal experience. He developed a passion for seeking justice for injured people as a military attorney in the U.S. Marine Corps helping sick and wounded veterans seek compensation for service-related disabilities.
Since founding Kendall Law Firm in 2009, David Kendall has built a successful law practice helping injury victims throughout Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. He has recovered millions of dollars for clients and been recognized with a membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum because of his effective legal representation. If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Harrisonburg, call (866) 590-6409 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team today.
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately commonplace across Virginia and throughout the U.S. A pedestrian is killed every two hours, and one is injured every eight minutes in one 12-month period, according to federal statistics.
Harrisonburg has a lot of pedestrian traffic, especially in the area around James Madison University.
According to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Traffic Records Electronic Data System (TREDS) data, traffic accidents involving pedestrians occurred at the following locations in Harrisonburg in 2019:
There were also pedestrian-involved accidents on Port Republic Road, Bluestone Drive, University Boulevard, Evelyn Byrd Avenue, Bradley Drive, Mosby Court, and Early Road.
To improve safety and prevent pedestrian accidents, the City of Harrisonburg has been making on-street and off-street improvements as part of a Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan to enhance the attractiveness of walking and biking in Harrisonburg. More than 20 pedestrian projects have been completed since the adoption of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan in 2010.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan approved by the Harrisonburg City Council overlaps with the James Madison University Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This campus-wide planning initiative completed in 2014 details an interconnected network of sidewalks, and bicycle paths on campus and in the surrounding area.
In November 2011, WHSV reported that concerns about pedestrian safety increased after a student was struck by a bus while crossing the street. Harrisonburg Police told WHSV that eight pedestrians had been hit by cars in the city that year alone.
James Madison University notes several of the improvements that have been made for pedestrians:
Signage and lighting won’t prevent all accidents, especially when a driver is being careless or reckless behind the wheel. A distracted, intoxicated, aggressive, or otherwise negligent driver could cause a serious accident near campus, and may be held liable for any injuries they cause.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in an accident with a car, truck, or motorcycle, the steps you take afterward can play a large part in your ability to recover compensation later. In general, you should:
Some victims who are seriously injured are unable to follow up on these recommendations. In such instances, you should ask a friend or family member to help out.
Many pedestrian accidents are caused by negligent drivers, and it is often the driver who is responsible for the resulting damages. The insurance company for the negligent driver is unlikely to immediately admit liability and may claim the pedestrian was responsible for being hit by a car while walking.
If you are injured by a hit-and-run driver who flees the scene and cannot be identified, you may need to file a claim against your own auto insurance. The uninsured motorist (UM) provides bodily injury and property damage coverage if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident or an uninsured driver in Harrisonburg. All auto liability policies sold in Virginia must include UM coverage.
It is important to retain an experienced and aggressive Harrisonburg pedestrian injury attorney as soon as possible. You should never give any statements to the other driver’s insurance company without the guidance of a pedestrian accident attorney.
Statements obtained by insurance adjusters are frequently used by insurance companies to try to get victims to unknowingly admit to some degree of fault for their injuries. Such statements are then used to deny compensation.
If you hire a lawyer, you will have a skilled advocate dealing with insurance companies and protecting your interests. A lawyer can also thoroughly gather evidence to support your case, negotiate a full and fair settlement, or file a lawsuit when an insurer refuses to provide an adequate offer.
The first thing that a lawyer is going to do is help you understand whether you have a valid pedestrian accident claim and what your legal options are.
A knowledgeable injury attorney will conduct an independent investigation to determine the cause of the pedestrian accident and identify the at-fault parties. The attorney will try to preserve all of the evidence relevant to your case.
After an investigation is completed, the attorney will estimate your losses related to the accident and submit a demand letter to the negligent party’s insurance company seeking monetary damages. Most insurers will initially refuse to pay what is requested. The lawyer will try to negotiate a just settlement or may seek justice in court if the insurer refuses to agree to a fair settlement.
Compensation may include reimbursement for medical bills for past, present and future treatment and rehab and lost pay. Restitution for pain and suffering and other forms of mental anguish is also possible. Each case is unique, however, so be sure to contact an experienced lawyer to discuss what kinds of compensation you might be owed.
Were you hurt in a pedestrian accident in the Harrisonburg area? You should not be saddled with medical debt as a result of someone else’s carelessness. The dedicated pedestrian attorney at the Kendall Law Firm is here to help you seek just compensation to cover your medical bills and other losses. We are here to help you get back on your feet and put the accident behind you.
Our attorney at the Kendall Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means that we do not charge you a legal fee unless we get compensation for you. Call (866) 590-6409 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Harrisonburg pedestrian accident lawyer today.