Pedestrians in Chesapeake expect drivers to follow traffic laws and pay attention, whether they’re crossing at intersections or walking along busy streets. Unfortunately, drivers act recklessly, and accidents still happen. However, if you’re facing injuries and financial strain, you have the right to pursue legal action.

For over five decades, the attorneys at Tronfeld West & Durrett have stood by individuals and families throughout Virginia, fighting for accountability and fair compensation. We’re committed to helping you build a strong claim that wins your case, whether during settlement negotiations or in court.

How Our Chesapeake Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help

Our Chesapeake personal injury lawyers have handled countless pedestrian accident cases and know the strategies necessary to secure results for injured individuals and their families.

Protecting Your Rights From the Start

Here’s how our team works to protect your best interests:

  1. Collect and preserve crucial evidence, including accident reports, video footage, and physical evidence from the scene.
  2. Interview eyewitnesses and gather expert testimony to strengthen your case and clarify fault.
  3. Negotiate aggressively with insurers to pursue a fair settlement rather than accepting low offers that fall short of your losses.
  4. Represent you in court if necessary, preparing your claim for trial from the outset to increase your bargaining power.

We Build a Strong Case on Your Behalf

Our attorneys dig deep to build a compelling case. We analyze police reports and traffic camera footage, scrutinizing every detail for evidence of driver negligence. Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule makes it crucial to prove you played no role in the crash (more on this later).

We work closely with medical professionals to document your injuries, long-term prognosis, and the impact on your daily life. Through meticulous calculations, we determine the full extent of your damages, including both economic losses like medical bills and non-economic harm such as pain and suffering.

For answers to your questions about a pedestrian accidents in Chesapeake, call:
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What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chesapeake

Most pedestrian accident victims think proving they were hit by a car should be enough to win compensation. Unfortunately, that’s rarely true.

Under Virginia’s pure contributory negligence law, the insurance company only has to show you were 1% at fault to deny your entire claim. This means seemingly small details like crossing slightly outside a crosswalk can become ammunition for insurers to avoid paying your bills.

That’s why our team at Tronfeld West & Durrett starts every case with one critical goal: eliminate any claim that you contributed to your own injuries. We do this by

Steps to Take Immediately

  1. Call 911 and report the accident, ensuring the police files an official report.
  2. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries appear minor at first.
  3. Avoid making statements to insurers until you speak with a lawyer.
  4. Document the scene if possible, capturing photos of the crosswalk, vehicle damage, and surrounding conditions.
  5. Contact a car accident lawyer before discussing settlements with any insurance company.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 1,747 pedestrian crashes in Virginia in 2024, representing a 2.8% increase from the prior year. We know that in pedestrian cases, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to how fast and how thoroughly your legal team moves. That’s why we treat every accident like it could go to trial, even if it settles outside of court.

Virginia Pedestrian Accident Laws

Pedestrian accident cases in Virginia involve diverse legal standards that can affect your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what your lawyer will consider:

Right-of-Way Laws in Crosswalks

Under Virginia Code § 46.2-924, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. However, pedestrians also share responsibility for exercising caution. 

There are circumstances in which a pedestrian can be at fault for a car accident. These scenarios complicate claims because Virginia’s contributory negligence law can bar recovery if the pedestrian is found even slightly at fault. Having an experienced attorney is crucial to protect your right to compensation when dealing with these complex situations.

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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Chesapeake

Aggressive driving behaviors (such as speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield) frequently cause pedestrian accidents, making the driver at fault for ignoring traffic laws designed to protect those on foot.

Distractions like phone use or driving under the influence also create dangerous situations, leaving drivers legally responsible when they fail to see and yield to pedestrians. Some drivers even flee the scene, leading to hit-and-run accidents and making it even harder for victims to secure compensation.

Road Design and Visibility Issues

Poor street lighting makes it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians at night, but drivers still must exercise caution in low-visibility conditions and can be held partially responsible if they hit someone they should have seen. 

Also, malfunctioning traffic signals and faded crosswalks create confusion for both motorists and pedestrians, and local government entities may be liable if poor maintenance or inadequate traffic control leads to an accident.

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Serious Injuries We Commonly See in Pedestrian Cases

Even at low speeds, a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian can cause catastrophic harm, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we know how crucial it is to connect these injuries to your legal claim and to ensure every hidden cost and future need is accounted for. We work closely with:

  • Specialist physicians who document how your injuries affect your life and future.
  • Vocational experts who can explain how your work capacity has changed.
  • Economic experts who calculate the lifelong costs of care, home modifications, and lost earnings.

We see insurance companies argue that some pedestrian injuries, especially concussions or soft-tissue damage, ‘should heal quickly’ and don’t justify significant compensation. But in many of our cases, clients develop chronic pain, PTSD, or cognitive issues months later. We gather evidence from neurologists, therapists, and family members to show how an injury affects real daily life, not just what’s written in an ER report.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chesapeake Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

After a pedestrian accident in Chesapeake, we can help by investigating the circumstances of your case, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Let Tronfeld West & Durrett fight for the justice you deserve while you focus on recovery: we offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we win your case. Contact us now to speak with an experienced attorney.

Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims?

Automobile accidents are, by far, the most common type of personal injury claim. There are more than 17,250 car accidents every day in the United States, and many of those accidents are the direct result of negligence or carelessness on the part of a driver. Auto accidents can cause injuries that result in lifelong medical issues and pain. Therefore, holding the careless driver responsible is extremely important.