The 1,704 pedestrian-involved accidents in Virginia in 2015 caused 78 fatalities and 1,718 injuries. Accidents involving pedestrians comprise 1.4 percent of all crashes in Virginia, but 2.6 percent of all traffic injuries and 10.4 percent of all traffic fatalities.

• 102 (or 5.7%) of the pedestrians involved in these accidents were children under the age of 10.
• 130 (or 7.2%) of the pedestrians involved were older adults aged 65 and over.
• In every age group except persons over the age of 70, more than half of the victims were men.

Pedestrians are more likely to be seriously injured or killed due to the lack of a protective surrounding than are passengers in cars. The greater the speed at which a vehicle is traveling when it strikes a pedestrian, the greater the risk of death or more serious injuries. Even at comparatively slow speeds, pedestrians typically suffer serious injuries as a result of car crashes.

Pedestrian-Involved Accident Statistics

What were pedestrians doing when they were struck by a vehicle in 2015?

What were vehicles doing when they struck a pedestrian?

In what environment did these accidents occur?

All data taken from 2015 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts, Department of Motor Vehicles, Virginia Highway Safety Office.

What to do After a Pedestrian-Involved Accident

Most drivers are quite upset after a pedestrian-involved accident. This is especially true if the pedestrian appears to be seriously injured. If you are the injured pedestrian, your focus should be on your needs and not the needs of the driver, unless there is indication of a serious illness (heart attack, stroke) or injury.

1. Do not move or allow anyone to move you until you have been checked by paramedics.
2. Call 911 or ask a bystander to do so. Request that police and rescue personnel be sent to the accident site.
3. If you believe you did not contribute to the accident (or if you are uncertain), call Altizer Law, P.C.
4. Get a copy of the driver’s contact and insurance information and a copy of the police report.
5. Try to get the names and contact information from all witnesses. But do not discuss the accident with them.
6. Request a copy of the driver’s insurance company findings.
7. Have someone take pictures of the scene and your injuries for you.
8. Get medical attention.

What Kind of Injuries Result from Pedestrian-Involved Accidents?

Most of the serious injuries sustained by pedestrians are the result of hitting the bumper, hood or windshield of the vehicle. The most common serious injuries are to the head, pelvis and legs. However, injuries to the spine are not uncommon in these crashes.

If you have been injured as a pedestrian, get medical attention and then call Altizer Law, P.C. We will stand with you to see that you obtain justice under the law and we will fight for you in negotiations or in court to win for you the maximum financial compensation to which you are entitled under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Call Altizer Law, P.C.

If you, or a loved one, are injured in a crash as a pedestrian, call the experienced attorneys of Altizer Law, P.C. Bettina will meet with you, listen to your account of the accident, and assess whether you have a personal injury case against the driver of the vehicle that struck you. Criminal prosecution of the driver will be determined by the police and the criminal court. A personal injury case is a different matter.

An important factor in Virginia personal injury cases is the question of contributory negligence. Under Virginia law, if you contributed in any way to the accident that resulted in your injuries, you are not entitled to a financial settlement. This factor will be evaluated by our experienced attorneys in our first meeting with you. We encourage every pedestrian injured in an accident to speak with us before evaluating this question on your own. We do not charge you for your initial consultation with our attorneys so you can talk with us without financial risk.