What to Know If You’re Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Virginia
Understand Your Rights, Responsibilities, and Legal Options After a Pedestrian Injury
We’re all pedestrians at some point – whether we’re walking across a street, navigating a parking lot, standing on a sidewalk, or heading to a nearby store. But any of these routine activities can quickly turn dangerous when a vehicle is involved.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Virginia, it’s important to understand your rights and what to do next. At Overbey, Hawkins, Wright & Vance, PLLC, we’ve helped many injured pedestrians navigate their legal options, and this blog will walk you through key points to consider.
Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise in Virginia
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there were 1,747 pedestrian-involved crashes in 2024, with 126 resulting in fatalities. Unfortunately, these numbers have been trending upward over the years.
Most of these accidents occur in urban areas, but a significant number happen on rural roads as well. Parking lots and high-traffic timeframes, especially around lunch hour, are also common locations and times for pedestrian injuries.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Even when pedestrians are following the rules—such as using marked crosswalks—drivers often fail to yield the right-of-way. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
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Distracted driving, particularly cell phone use
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Failing to check mirrors or blind spots before backing up or turning
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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Passing stopped or parked cars that block visibility of pedestrians
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Running stop signs or red lights
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Failure to use headlights in low-light conditions
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Drowsy or fatigued driving
These dangerous behaviors put pedestrians at high risk, even during short or routine walks.
Injuries Tend to Be Severe
Unlike passengers in a car, pedestrians don’t have the protection of airbags or reinforced vehicle frames. Even at low speeds, a pedestrian hit by a vehicle can suffer:
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Broken bones
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Spinal cord damage
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Internal injuries
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Permanent disability
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Wrongful death
The weight and speed of a vehicle – even a small one – can have devastating consequences for someone on foot.
Understanding Pedestrian Rights & Responsibilities in Virginia
Virginia law outlines clear rules for both drivers and pedestrians. Here’s what you need to know:
Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way:
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Marked Crosswalks: Vehicles must yield to pedestrians using crosswalks appropriately.
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Unmarked Crosswalks at Intersections: Even if not visibly marked, the law treats many intersection crossings as crosswalks, especially where speed limits are 35 mph or less.
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Sidewalks Present: Pedestrians must use them and not walk in the roadway.
Pedestrians Also Have Responsibilities:
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Avoid Darting into Traffic: Pedestrians must not suddenly leave the curb and enter traffic unsafely.
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Use Available Crosswalks: If a crosswalk is nearby, pedestrians may have a legal duty to use it.
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No Sidewalk? Walk Facing Traffic: If sidewalks aren’t available, pedestrians must walk facing oncoming traffic for safety.
If a pedestrian acts recklessly or ignores these responsibilities, they could be considered at fault—potentially limiting their ability to recover compensation.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Overbey, Hawkins, Wright & Vance, PLLC, we have decades of experience handling pedestrian injury claims across Central Virginia, including Lynchburg, Rustburg and surrounding areas. If you or someone you love was injured as a pedestrian, we can help:
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Determine whether you have a valid claim
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Investigate the accident and gather evidence
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Deal with insurance companies on your behalf
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Fight for the compensation you deserve
We offer free, no-obligation consultations – you don’t pay unless we recover for you.
Contact Us Today
Don’t wait to protect your rights. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, call Overbey, Hawkins, Wright & Vance at (800) 201-9987 schedule your free consultation today.
