Every year, more than 1,500 pedestrian accidents occur across Virginia, and Richmond consistently ranks among the most dangerous areas for walkers. If you or a loved one was struck by a motor vehicle while on foot, you need a Richmond pedestrian accident lawyer who understands Virginia’s strict legal rules — including the contributory negligence doctrine that can eliminate your right to compensation if not handled properly.
At River Run Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys have recovered millions for injury victims in Richmond and the surrounding areas. Led by founding partners Casey Ariail and Brooke Alexander — who brings over 17 years of experience including work as a former trial litigator for Allstate Insurance — we know how insurance companies evaluate pedestrian claims, and we use that insight to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Give us a call at (804) 889-0500 or fill out our online form for help.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Car in Richmond
If you or someone you are with is struck by a vehicle while walking, the steps you take immediately after the accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here is what you should do:
• Call 911 and request medical assistance. Even if your injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask pain from serious conditions like internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage.
• Stay at the scene if you are able. Do not leave until police arrive and complete an accident report. Virginia Code § 46.2-894 requires all parties to remain at the scene of an accident involving injury.
• Document everything. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, the vehicle involved, traffic signals, crosswalks, and any skid marks. Get contact information from witnesses.
• Do not admit fault or apologize. Under Virginia’s contributory negligence rule, even a small admission of fault could be used against you to bar your entire claim.
• Seek medical treatment within 24-48 hours. Follow-up medical records create a documented link between the accident and your injuries — essential evidence for your claim.
• Contact a Richmond pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company. The at-fault driver’s insurer will look for ways to deny or minimize your claim.
Virginia Pedestrian Laws You Need to Know
Virginia law establishes specific rules governing pedestrian rights and responsibilities. Understanding these laws is critical to building a strong pedestrian accident claim.
Right-of-Way Rules
Under Virginia Code § 46.2-924, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing at marked crosswalks and at intersections with traffic signals. However, pedestrians also have obligations: you must obey traffic signals and, where available, use marked crosswalks. When crossing outside of a crosswalk, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Virginia is one of only four states (plus Washington D.C.) that follows a pure contributory negligence rule. Under this doctrine, if you as the pedestrian are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you could be completely barred from recovering any compensation.
This makes Virginia one of the most difficult states for pedestrian accident victims. Common actions that insurance companies use to argue contributory negligence include:
• Jaywalking or crossing outside a marked crosswalk
• Crossing against a traffic signal
• Walking while distracted by a phone
• Wearing dark clothing at night
• Walking under the influence of alcohol
However, contributory negligence is not always a complete defense. An experienced Richmond pedestrian accident lawyer can argue the last clear chance doctrine — which holds that even if the pedestrian was partially at fault, the driver may still be liable if they had the last clear opportunity to avoid the collision and failed to do so.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Richmond and Virginia
Throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, pedestrian accidents pose a growing threat to residents and visitors alike. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), more than 1,500 pedestrian accidents occur annually.
Richmond and the surrounding Henrico County area are particularly dangerous for pedestrians. High-traffic corridors such as Broad Street, Hull Street, Midlothian Turnpike, and the Fan District see a disproportionate number of pedestrian incidents, especially after dark. The Virginia DMV’s data indicates that approximately half of all pedestrian accidents occur while the victim is crossing the road — and the majority happen at night, regardless of whether the roadway is lighted.
While walking, you have virtually no protection from injuries if you are struck by a motor vehicle. The larger and heavier the vehicle, the more serious the injuries tend to be. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian struck at 40 mph has an 85% chance of being killed, compared to a 10% fatality rate at 20 mph.
Common Causes of Richmond, Virginia Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents in Richmond, Virginia occur due to the actions of a motor vehicle operator.
Some common factors that can cause a driver to strike a pedestrian include the following:
- Speeding,
- Distracted driving(texting, phone use, GPS),
- Aggressive driving,
- Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections,
- Failure to stop at red lights or stop signs,
- Alcohol or drug impairment,
- Illegal turns, and
- Illegal lane changes.
Some accidents occur when a motorist loses control due to the actions of another party or if a faulty component of their vehicle fails. You could be struck if a motorist swerves to avoid a road obstruction or if a particular roadway is not appropriately marked or lighted.
Even if you believe the accident may have been partially your fault, do not assume you have no case. Virginia’s contributory negligence rule is complex, and there are exceptions — such as the last clear chance doctrine — that could preserve your right to compensation. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the facts and determine your legal options.
Common Types of Richmond, VA Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Although some pedestrian accident victims are fortunate enough to walk away without any serious harm, many more experience severe and potentially life-threatening injuries.
Some of the most common types of injuries that result from pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Broken bones,
- Dislocations,
- Internal organ injuries,
- Neck, back or spine damage,
- Nerve damage,
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions,
- Severed digits or limbs,
- Road rash and soft tissue damage, and
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Seeking medical attention after any accident is critical. If you or a loved one is struck by a vehicle, seek treatment immediately. You could have severe injuries that are not immediately apparent — such as internal bleeding or a slow brain bleed, that pose a serious threat without treatment.
Seeking medical attention also ensures that your injuries are documented by a qualified medical treatment professional. These records will be invaluable as the basis for documenting your pedestrian accident claim.
What Is Your Richmond Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
Every pedestrian accident is different, and every victim suffers a unique set of injuries. There is no single “average” settlement amount. The value of your claim depends on factors including the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, the impact on your ability to work, and the strength of the evidence establishing fault.
The best way to determine what your claim value might be is to contact the pedestrian accident attorneys at River Run Law and schedule a free case evaluation.
You could be entitled to recover compensation for some or all of the following:
- Medical costs to date (emergency room, surgery, hospital stays, medication),
- Lost wages and benefits to date,
- Future medical treatment and care costs,
- Future lost income and lost earning capacity,
- Lost earning capacity,
- Diminished quality of life,
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Punitive damages (in cases involving drunk or reckless drivers).
If you lost a loved one due to injuries they sustained in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. Virginia Code § 8.01-50 allows the personal representative of the deceased to file a wrongful death action to recover funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma.
What You Should Know About Pursuing a Virginia Pedestrian Accident Claim
Act Quickly — Virginia’s Statute of Limitations
Under Virginia statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you permanently lose your right to pursue compensation. Even though you have two years to file, it is critical to begin building your case immediately — evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets overwritten.
You May Be Able to Avoid a Lawsuit
In many cases, the Richmond pedestrian injury lawyers at River Run Law can negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company without filing a lawsuit. This saves you from having to go to court. However, if we cannot negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Be Careful When Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a pedestrian accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may contact you quickly — sometimes within hours. Do not provide any recorded statement or discuss any potential settlement offer before you speak with a lawyer.
Insurance adjusters are trained to look for ways to deny your claim or minimize its value. Common tactics include:
• Offering a quick lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries,
• Asking leading questions designed to get you to admit partial fault (triggering contributory negligence),
• Requesting broad medical record releases to find pre-existing conditions, and
• Delaying the claims process hoping you will accept less out of financial pressure.
As a former Allstate trial litigator, founding partner Brooke Alexander understands these tactics from the inside. This gives River Run Law clients a significant advantage in negotiations.
How a Richmond, VA Pedestrian Accident Attorney from River Run Law Can Help You
You are not required to have an attorney to file a pedestrian accident claim. However, the Insurance Research Council has found that injury victims who hire an attorney recover approximately 40% more than those who handle their claims alone, even after attorney fees.
When you have a River Run Law pedestrian accident lawyer on your side, we will:
• Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, including obtaining police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements,
• Document your injuries and calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity,
• Handle all communication with insurance companies, opposing attorneys, and other parties,
• Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement, and
• Take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
Your initial consultation with us is free, and you will not owe any legal fees until we recover compensation for you. We work on a contingency fee basis — if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Richmond
Can a pedestrian be at fault for an accident in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, which means that if a pedestrian is found even 1% at fault — for example, by jaywalking or crossing against a signal — they could be barred from recovering any compensation. However, exceptions like the last clear chance doctrine may still allow recovery. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can evaluate whether contributory negligence applies to your case.
What is the statute of limitations for pedestrian accidents in Virginia?
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims arising from a pedestrian accident, the statute of limitations is also two years from the date of death under Virginia Code § 8.01-244.
How much is a pedestrian accident settlement worth in Virginia?
There is no fixed average because every case is different. Settlement values depend on the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the strength of evidence proving the driver’s fault. In Virginia, pedestrian accident settlements can range from tens of thousands to over a million dollars for cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
What should I do if I was hit by a car while walking in Richmond?
Call 911 immediately, seek medical treatment (even if you feel fine), document the scene with photos, collect witness contact information, file a police report, and contact a Richmond pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company. Do not admit fault or provide recorded statements.
Do I have to pay upfront fees to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
No. At River Run Law, we handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Additional Practice Areas We Handle
In addition to pedestrian accident cases, our experienced team also handles other personal injury cases in Richmond. If you’ve been injured and need legal guidance, explore our other services:
- Truck Accident Attorneys in Richmond
- Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Richmond
- Car Accident Attorneys in Richmond
- T-Bone Accident Attorneys in Richmond
- Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Richmond
- Wrongful Death Attorneys in Richmond
- Slip and Fall Attorneys in Richmond
- Premises Liability Attorneys in Richmond
- Dog Bite Lawyers in Richmond
- Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Richmond
Contact a Richmond, VA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Now
Casey Ariail and Brooke Alexander, founding partners at River Run Law, and our entire legal team are ready to fight for you. Whether you prefer to visit our office at 8010 Ridge Rd, Suite B in Richmond, handle your case via phone or video conference, or have us come to your location — we will make it work.
You don’t have to face this challenge alone. You deserve justice and fair financial compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. We will do everything in our power to help you get the justice you deserve.
Call us at (804) 889-0500 or contact us online now to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation or to speak with one of our experienced Richmond pedestrian accident attorneys today.
Where You Can Find Our Richmond Office