On Tuesday, June 27th, the eastbound lanes of Virginia Beach Boulevard were shut down between Rosemont Road and Lynn Shores Drive as officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department responded to the scene of a fatal pedestrian accident.
Who can I turn to for help after my pedestrian accident?
According to local sources, the accident took place at about 4:15 p.m. in the 3700th block of Virginia Beach Boulevard when 82-year-old Maria Villasante was hit by a car.
Police said that the driver stayed at the scene and has cooperated with the investigation so far.
The area was closed to allow police to investigate and was reopened at about 7:00 p.m. It has not been made clear if speeding or intoxication were factors in the accident.
Pedestrian accidents are utterly devastating for the injured victim or their surviving relatives. This devastation is increased exponentially when the accident was preventable. If you were hurt or a member of your family was killed in a pedestrian accident, reach out to a Virginia Beach personal injury attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp so we can get to work investigating your accident before important evidence disappears.
Virginia Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Virginia law states that drivers must share the roadway with pedestrians. Sadly, a lot of drivers choose to do otherwise. Drivers are usually distracted or in a rush and fail to notice someone crossing the street or walking alongside the roadway. When a driver’s negligence causes injuries or fatalities, they need to be held accountable.
According to a report published in 2020 by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:
- 1,242 pedestrian accidents occurred throughout the state representing a drop of 23.6% from the year before
- Pedestrian-involved accidents comprised 1.2% of all Virginia traffic accidents
- 1,186 pedestrians sustained mild to moderate injuries, 373 were seriously injured, and 114 were killed
- 8% of all Virginia pedestrian deaths took place in metropolitan locations, and 20.2% occurred in rural areas
- Only 1% of pedestrian deaths occurred at intersections while 63.9% took place somewhere other than an intersection
- The Governors Highway Safety Association ranked Virginia 18th in the United States in the total number of pedestrian fatalities in 2020.
What Are the Leading Causes of Virginia Pedestrian Accidents?
The three leading causes of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the state of Virginia are:
Distracted Driving
When someone behind the wheel is sending a text, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to what they are doing, they can easily overlook a pedestrian in their path. Since they are focused on something other than driving, distracted motorists often do not have enough time to safely stop or go around a pedestrian. Many distracted drivers do not even realize that a pedestrian is in the way until an accident happens.
Failure to Yield
All vehicles are required to be aware of pedestrians in crosswalks and other specified crossing areas. Regrettably, a lot of people drive as if they expect walkers to yield to them. Drivers need to be especially careful before they make a right or lefthand turn. A pedestrian who is crossing at an intersection with the light has the right of way. They should be able to safely cross the road completely before the driver attempts to turn.
Speeding
Drivers who speed are more concerned about getting to where they are going than they are about anyone’s safety. This makes them extremely likely to not notice someone on foot. A driver who is speeding will most likely not have enough time to slow down and avoid striking a pedestrian they have only just noticed. Speeding through residential neighborhoods and school is even more dangerous because young children could be playing in the area or trying to cross the street.
Talk to a Qualified Attorney About Your Pedestrian Accident
A Virginia personal injury attorney will have access to resources that allow them to fully investigate your accident. They can address any concerns you have about the legal process, ensure that you know your rights, and help you secure fair compensation for your injuries or loss.
Contact a Virginia pedestrian accident or wrongful death attorney at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at (833) 997-1774 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.