A woman in a wheelchair and a man riding on the back went to hospitals with injuries after being hit by a car while crossing the street in Newport News, Virginia (VA). The pedestrian accident occurred on the night of Sept. 22, 2012, at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Shields Road.
Police told reporters that the man had to be flown by helicopter to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in critical condition. The woman who was hit suffered more minor injuries and was treated in a local hospital.
The Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers’ Perspective
It is unclear why the car ran into the man and woman on Jefferson Avenue. Police may not file charges, but they will have to determine whether the stoplights gave the driver or the people on foot right of way. Investigators also need to determine whether the pedestrians were crossing at the corner, and whether the driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol, distracted or operating his or her vehicle recklessly. If the investigation turns up evidence that the driver was negligent or reckless, the injured man and woman could have grounds for filing personal injury lawsuits.
Potentially Helpful Info
If you or a member of your family has been hit and hurt by a driver while crossing a street or using a sidewalk, download this free report written by Virginia personal injury attorneys to begin learning about your legal rights and options for receiving compensation.
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