When you walk around your neighborhood, you expect to be safe. Crosswalks, stop signs and traffic signals all help to protect you from vehicles in the roadway. Unfortunately, drivers sometimes ignore red lights or fail to stop at crosswalks. In these situations, pedestrians can be hit and may suffer serious injuries, and some may lose their lives due to a driver’s negligence.
The personal injury attorneys at Lightfoot Law, PLLC provide tenacious legal representation to injured pedestrians and their families throughout District of Columbia in pursuing the compensation they deserve when they’re the victims of accidents. Contact us online or call us at (202) 506-3591.
Common Pedestrian Accidents in Washington, D.C.
Pedestrians can be hurt anywhere that people walk. From driveways and parking lots to sidewalks and crosswalks, there is always a possibility of danger from drivers of cars, motorcycles, buses and trucks hitting those on foot.
Some of the most common reasons for these accidents include:
- Distracted drivers — Drivers cannot pay full attention to the road when they are using a cellphone or any other electronic device. They may also be distracted by passengers, food or even the button on a car radio.
- Fatigued drivers — Drowsy driving is nearly as dangerous as drunk driving and results in drivers who aren’t fully focused on the road or the pedestrians in front of them.
- Intoxicated drivers — The use of alcohol or other intoxicants by drivers frequently leads to serious or deadly accidents.
- Negligence — Drivers often speed, disregard traffic laws or otherwise operate their vehicles recklessly. In these cases, they may be found to be negligent under the law.
Our firm will press to hold all drivers accountable for dangerous behavior and help victims of pedestrian accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Understanding the Severity of Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Those injured in hit-and-runs and other pedestrian accidents may suffer a variety of serious injuries. Broken bones are common, as are injuries to the hands, feet, back and neck. Many pedestrians hit their head during accidents. The head may impact a vehicle, the road or other surfaces. Traumatic brain injuries come in many forms and can range from a minor concussion to serious and debilitating forms of brain damage. Some pedestrians who suffer head injuries lapse into a coma and may never recover. Pedestrians may also be killed when they’re struck by vehicles. At Lightfoot Law, PLLC, our injury attorneys will seek justice for that loss by representing families in wrongful death lawsuits involving a pedestrian accident.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Depending on the jurisdiction, pedestrians may be able to recover their medical expenses from their own insurance company or the insurer of a family member or they may seek compensation from the driver who was at fault or that driver’s insurer. In most states, victims who have suffered serious injuries are able to recover damages in a lawsuit. These damages usually cover the cost of medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity. Compensation for mental anguish and physical pain are often awarded in a lawsuit or agreed upon in a settlement. Some states also allow for punitive damages when the driver at fault was intoxicated. The experienced personal injury litigators at our firm will ensure you understand your rights under D.C. law and work tirelessly to get you full, fair compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Contact Our Washington, D.C. Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
At Lightfoot Law, PLLC, we provide relentless representation to injured pedestrians and victims of hit-and-run accidents. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries due to the negligence of a driver, we will seek the full compensation you deserve. Call us at (202) 506-3591 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Washington office.