When a vehicle strikes a person walking or jogging near Charlottesville’s busy streets, the consequences can be devastating. At Lichtenstein Law Group PLC, we understand the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll these pedestrian accidents have on victims and their families. Our experienced pedestrian accident trial lawyers have spent decades building persuasive cases and fighting for maximum compensation for those suffering from catastrophic injuries.

With almost 100 years of combined legal experience, our lawyers concentrate on serious injury cases that demand extensive investigation, detailed research, and expert testimony. We’ve dedicated our practice to handling complex litigation since 1992, giving us the depth of knowledge needed to build robust pedestrian accident cases.

If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Discover how a Charlottesville pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights.

Where Do Most Charlottesville Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Pedestrian accidents in Charlottesville frequently occur in high-traffic areas around the University of Virginia campus, the Downtown Mall, and busy commercial districts.

Common pedestrian accident locations include:

• Intersections Near the Corner District – Heavy foot traffic from students and visitors creates increased risk for pedestrian-vehicle conflicts.
• West Main Street Corridor – The mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists makes this area particularly dangerous.
• Downtown Mall Access Points – Areas where pedestrian zones transition to vehicle traffic pose special hazards.
• Preston Avenue and Rose Hill Drive – These major arteries see significant pedestrian activity around shopping areas.
• University Avenue – High pedestrian volume from campus foot traffic increases accident risk.

However, it is worth noting that a pedestrian accident can occur anywhere in the presence of people traveling both on foot and in vehicles. As such, road users must always be cautious to prevent tragic outcomes.

What Are the Pedestrian Laws in Charlottesville, Virginia?

Virginia law establishes clear rights and responsibilities for both pedestrians and drivers in Charlottesville. Understanding these laws proves essential for determining liability in accident cases.

Pedestrian laws include the following:

• Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and at any regular pedestrian crossing at the end of a block.
• Drivers must stop for pedestrians crossing the street at any marked crosswalk or unmarked intersection.
• Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and use sidewalks when available.
• If no sidewalk exists, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Both drivers and pedestrians must exercise proper care to avoid accidents, regardless of right-of-way.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Charlottesville?

Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in our community. Understanding these causes helps establish liability, proves negligence, and can prevent future incidents:

• Distracted Driving – Drivers using phones, adjusting controls, or engaging in other distracting behaviors may fail to notice pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
• Failure to Yield – Many accidents occur when drivers don’t give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks and intersections.
• Speeding – Going too fast reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries when a collision occurs.
• Limited Visibility – Poor lighting, adverse weather conditions, and visual obstructions can make it difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians.
• Traffic Violations – Running red lights, making illegal turns, or disregarding traffic signs puts pedestrians at risk.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident?

When vehicles strike pedestrians, the resulting injuries often prove severe due to the lack of protection. Contact our Charlottesville pedestrian accident lawyer today.

Common pedestrian accident injuries include the following:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries – Even with proper medical care, these can lead to long-term cognitive and physical challenges.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – SCIs may result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and assistance.
• Multiple Fractures – Breaking multiple bones often requires extensive surgery and rehabilitation.
• Internal Organ Damage – The force of impact can cause serious harm to vital organs.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons may require prolonged recovery periods.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Charlottesville Pedestrian Accident?

Multiple parties might be liable for a pedestrian accident, including the following:

• Drivers – When motorists violate traffic laws or drive carelessly
• Government Entities – If poor road design or maintenance contributed to the accident
• Property Owners – When inadequate lighting or unsafe premises conditions lead to accidents
• Construction Companies – If work zones lack proper pedestrian safety measures
• Vehicle Manufacturers – In cases where defective vehicle parts played a role in the accident

What Compensation Can You Receive for Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

A successful pedestrian accident injury claim can help recover various types of compensation. Depending on the nature of the accident and your injuries, you may be eligible to claim the following:

• Medical Expenses – From emergency care and hospitalization to ongoing rehabilitation and future medical needs
• Lost Income – Including wages lost during recovery and reduced future earning capacity
• Physical Therapy – Costs associated with restoring function and mobility after serious injuries
• Personal Care – Expenses for assistance with daily activities during recovery
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Virginia?

Virginia law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. You generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, certain circumstances may affect this timeline. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation.

Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation for your injuries. Additionally, important evidence may become more challenging to obtain as time passes. We recommend contacting an experienced Charlottesville pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Contact a Charlottesville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At Lichtenstein Law Group PLC, we’ve concentrated on severe injury cases since 1992. Our trial lawyers bring nearly 100 years of combined legal experience to every case we handle. We understand that building a strong compensation claim for a pedestrian accident requires extensive investigation, detailed research, and expert testimony.

Our broad legal experience and commitment to personalized service help us understand how to effectively meet your goals. We focus on complex cases that demand sophisticated preparation and dedicated resources. When you work with our firm, you gain advocates who will fight tirelessly for your rights.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, let us put our experience to work for you. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Charlottesville pedestrian accident lawyer.