Manassas, VA Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

When walking on sidewalks, crossing roads, traveling through a parking lot, or walking in other locations where cars are present, pedestrians can be exposed to real dangers. Many drivers overlook the risks that pedestrians face, and they may not realize the ways they can put others in danger. Pedestrians have no protection when a vehicle strikes them, and even if a car is moving a few miles per hour, it can cause damage to a person's body in an impact, it can throw a pedestrian to the ground and cause additional injuries, or it may cause a person to be run over and suffer devastating harm.

When a person has been hit by a vehicle while walking, they will need to determine what steps they can take to address the harm they have suffered. A driver who acted negligently and injured a pedestrian may be held liable for the damages suffered in the collision. At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, our attorneys have the experience needed to help pedestrians who have been struck by drivers secure financial compensation for the damages they have suffered. We can gather the evidence needed to show that a driver was negligent, and we will work to ensure that the compensation a person receives will fully address their injuries and damages.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Occur in Manassas

Pedestrian accidents can happen almost anywhere people walk near traffic. Negligent drivers may be responsible for causing collisions in areas such as:

• Intersections: Many collisions occur when pedestrians are crossing the road. A driver may proceed through an intersection without stopping for pedestrians, and they may strike a person who is in a crosswalk.
• Parking Lots: Drivers may back out of parking spaces without looking for pedestrians who are walking through a parking area. When drivers are in a hurry and do not take the time to check behind their vehicles, or when they have limited visibility and do not take additional care to look for pedestrians, they can back into people and cause injuries. Other accidents can also occur when drivers travel through parking lots at unsafe speeds or do not stop for pedestrians who are entering or exiting a store.
• School Zones: When children are walking to and from school, they may be at risk of being injured by drivers who violate speed limits, do not stop for school buses, or engage in other unsafe behaviors.
• Roadways Without Sidewalks: In areas where pedestrians do not have areas where they can walk to the side of a road, they may be forced to walk closer to traffic. Drivers who fail to notice people on the side of a road, do not move to avoid people on foot, or lose control because of speeding or other forms of unsafe driving may strike pedestrians and cause serious injuries.
• Residential Areas: In many neighborhoods, low speed limits are meant to ensure that vehicles travel at safe speeds to avoid accidents involving people walking near the road or children who may enter the road unexpectedly. Drivers may cause pedestrian accidents by speeding through residential areas or committing other traffic violations. They may also injure pedestrians when backing out of driveways without checking behind their vehicles.
• Bus Stops: When boarding or leaving buses, people may be struck by vehicles that pass too closely or do not stop when required.

Why Drivers May Be Responsible for Causing Pedestrian Accidents

In most cases, pedestrian accidents are caused by drivers who act unsafely and do not take the proper steps to avoid collisions. Drivers may engage in negligence that can lead to pedestrian accidents, including:

• Distracted Driving: It can be easy for a driver to miss a pedestrian when they are looking at their phone instead of the road. Other distractions can also put pedestrians at risk, including looking up directions on navigation systems, adjusting a car's radio, or holding a beverage.
• Speeding: When drivers violate speed limits, they may not have enough time and distance to stop when a pedestrian enters the road.
• Ignoring Traffic Signals: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers do not stop for stop signs or speed through intersections after a traffic light has changed. Drivers who make turns at intersections without checking for pedestrians may strike a person in a crosswalk.
• Drunk Driving: A driver who has been drinking alcohol or using drugs can lose control of their vehicle, run off the road, and strike pedestrians walking on sidewalks. Vision impairments may prevent a drunk driver from seeing pedestrians, or they may engage in risky behavior like speeding that can increase the risks of collisions with people on foot.
• Poor Visibility Conditions: When driving at night, in heavy rain, or at other times when it may be more difficult to see pedestrians, drivers will need to take extra care to ensure that they are avoiding collisions. When they fail to do so, they may not see a pedestrian in time to stop or swerve, and they may strike a person and cause serious injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases

Contact Our Manassas Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Recovering from a pedestrian accident can take a long time. Victims may suffer multiple types of severe injuries, and they could be hospitalized and require surgery, physical rehabilitation, medications, and other forms of ongoing care. In many cases, victims will experience ongoing health issues and disabilities that will continue to affect their lives for years to come.

At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we can help ensure that a negligent driver will be held responsible for a pedestrian accident and that the compensation a person receives will fully address the harm they have suffered. To get legal help with your case, contact our Manassas, VA pedestrian accident injury lawyers at Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC and arrange a free.