What Happened
The accident happened near the intersection of Hull Street and Warwick Road when a 50-year-old man was struck. According to police records there has been four pedestrian hit and runs on Hull Street in the past year, three of which were fatal. Neighbors of Hull Street told reporters it is a very dangerous road to cross, and in most cases they run across rather than walk.
Police have launched an investigation into the accident and are actively searching for the at fault vehicle.
The Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers’ Perspective
With accidents becoming more frequent on this busy street it seems very obvious the city needs to look into making safer crossings. New statistics released by NHTSA today show 4,280 pedestrians died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2010. Most people become a pedestrian at some point during their day, and even though the presence of danger may be minimal it should never be forgotten. To prevent from being a statistic a pedestrian should walk on sidewalk or paths at all times, and walk facing traffic. Keep alert at all times, don’t let yourself become distracted by electronic devices, cell phones and other devices that take your eyes and ears off the road. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross. Lastly the most important thing to keep in mind, never assume a driver sees you.
Pedestrian death cases are not cut and dry, it takes an attorney with a vast knowledge of pedestrian and crosswalk laws. Virginia and many other states follow these or similar legal rules: a pedestrian has the right-of-way when crossing a highway or street within any clearly marked crosswalk or at any regular pedestrian crossing at the end of a block; by the most direct route, at any intersection where the maximum speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour. The pedestrian’s right-of-way begins on one side of the street and continues until he has completed his crossing in the crosswalk or at the regular pedestrian crossing. When a pedestrian has the right-of-way, the driver of the vehicle has a duty to change course, or slow down, or come to a complete stop, if necessary, to permit the pedestrian to cross safely and expeditiously. A pedestrian has a duty to use ordinary care to keep a lookout for motor vehicles. If a loved one has been killed or injured you may be eligible for compensation for your loss. Contact our firm for a private consultation with an experienced Virginia (VA) wrongful death lawyer to discuss your legal options.
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