close
News

Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Accidents in Virginia State

Virginia is known for its tough legal framework deploying fault-based mechanisms to deliver justice to accident victims. The framework essentially works in favour of pedestrians during collisions with motors. For example, a motor driver is expected to look at all sides, and make way for pedestrians on the road. This is even true in odd cases wherein people backup their vehicles without noticing pedestrians. Apart from the legal fault, the motorists is also expected to bear responsibility for taking the pedestrian to a nearby hospital, and provide all assistance to make them feel better. Hence, if you have experienced a collision with a motor, be sure to hire a local injury lawyer to seek appropriate compensation. Below are some ways to safeguard your legal interests in such cases. Feel free to visit tomjacksonlaw.com to read free legal expertise on various issues. 

File a Report 

In cases of accidents with pedestrians, the motorists are expected to file a report with the police immediately. This is an important distinction from other collision cases, wherein both parties are expected to take moral responsibility to inform authorities. If you have been hit with a car, be sure to also photograph the site. If the site is a private property, police, and other authorities often do not write citations as backing up from parking lot is a common menace in many places. However, those filing a report in your case are essential for you to file charges to gain rightful compensation. 

Collect Information 

Collecting information is essential after a collision. After a catastrophic collision, you may not be in a state to do this. However, coming back to the site at a later stage, and speaking to witnesses, collecting their phone numbers, gathering information about insurance of the other party, speaking to their lawyer, and third parties like insurance is essential to build your case. As mentioned earlier, while the legal framework remains sympathetic to pedestrians, it does favour pedestrians when it comes to attributing blame in any way. Hence, you will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the other party was at fault. You can achieve this with photographs of the parking space, if applicable stop signs, witness testimonies, and more. 

Speak to a Local Lawyer

Accident investigations are often a tough nut to crack to gain compensation. One hand, during accidents very few individuals are able to collect good information after the collision. Moreover, the burden lies on the defence to prove that the other party is guilty, and they deserve compensation for their injury. Furthermore, accidents much like other personal injury compensation claims are often dictated by local laws, custom, and ability to navigate the legal process. 

Hiring a local lawyer like Jackson law firm can also help you gain a realistic estimate of your repair, medical, and other costs. The firm is active in most counties in the Virginia state including Floyd, Carroll, Grayson, Bland, and many others. You can visit a website to arrange a free counselling session.