Unlike drivers, pedestrians have zero protection in a collision, which means injuries are often catastrophic and recovery can be long, painful, and expensive.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve been representing injured Virginians for over 50 years. Our pedestrian attorneys understand how quickly evidence disappears in pedestrian cases and how insurers often attempt to shift blame onto victims. We fight to protect your rights, preserve vital evidence, and pursue every dollar you deserve.

How Tronfeld, West & Durrett Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims in Norfolk

Pedestrian injury claims require showing how your injuries will affect you physically, financially, and emotionally for years to come. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our Norfolk pedestrian accident team offers:

  • 50+ years of legal experience handling pedestrian injury cases in Virginia
  • Proven track record of securing high-value settlements and verdicts
  • Personalized legal representation tailored to your injury and recovery
  • Thorough case investigations using video footage, expert testimony, and witness interviews to prove driver negligence
  • No legal fees unless we win your case

“Pedestrian cases often hinge on a few seconds of video or one witness statement,” explains attorney Elizabeth West. “We move quickly to secure security footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras before it’s erased.”

Our Norfolk personal injury lawyers work to preserve evidence, document every loss, and build a strong, well-supported case from day one.

For answers to your questions about a pedestrian accidents in Norfolk, call:
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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Norfolk, VA

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 1,747 pedestrian crashes statewide in 2024, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year. Norfolk, as a high-traffic urban hub, sees a significant share of these incidents. Frequent causes include:

  • Distracted driving: Drivers who use phones, GPS, or in-car systems instead of paying attention to the road.
  • Failure to yield: Motorists who don’t stop for pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections as required by law.
  • Speeding: Driving above the posted limit, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
  • Illegal turns: Making left or right turns without checking for or yielding to pedestrians.
  • Driving under the influence: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both increases risk.
  • Poor visibility: Low light or adverse weather conditions that make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
  • Improper lane use: Vehicles or bicycles entering pedestrian areas like sidewalks or designated crosswalks.

Types of Injuries in Norfolk Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians have no physical protection, even low-speed collisions can cause severe trauma, such as:

“Pedestrian cases often involve hidden injuries like brain bleeds or internal trauma that don’t appear on first scans,” explains attorney David Durrett. “We work with specialists to ensure nothing gets overlooked.”

Many injuries qualify as catastrophic injuries, requiring lifelong medical care and home modifications. Tronfeld West & Durrett prepares every case with both current and future costs in mind, including wage loss, medical devices, and therapy for emotional distress.

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Virginia Laws Protecting Pedestrians

Virginia law clearly establishes a driver’s duty to yield to pedestrians in many situations. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-924:

  • Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

  • Vehicles must stop when pedestrians are crossing on the driver’s side of the road and are within the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling.

  • Drivers must remain stopped until the pedestrian has passed their lane.

At the same time, Virginia Code § 46.2-926 requires pedestrians to:

  • Use crosswalks and sidewalks when available.

  • Obey pedestrian signals.

  • Avoid suddenly stepping into the path of a vehicle.

Virginia’s pure contributory negligence rule makes pedestrian cases high stakes: if a pedestrian is found even 1% at fault, they could be barred from any compensation.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Liability in a pedestrian accident isn’t always limited to just the driver who struck you. Multiple parties can share responsibility depending on how and where the crash occurred. Some of the parties who may be legally responsible include:

  • Negligent drivers: Driver error is the leading cause of pedestrian injuries, and includes motorists who are distracted, speeding, or impaired.
  • Employers: Companies can be held responsible when employees cause accidents while driving within the scope of their job duties.
  • Vehicle manufacturers: Defective brakes, steering issues, or faulty safety systems can contribute to collisions and result in product liability claims.
  • Government entities: Dangerous road conditions, like missing signage or poorly lit intersections, can make agencies partially liable for a crash.
  • Property owners: Unsafe walkways, driveways, or parking areas can lead to injuries and open the door to a premises liability claim.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our pedestrian accident lawyers investigate every possible angle to ensure no responsible party escapes accountability. In past cases, we’ve successfully pursued claims against negligent drivers and property owners. For example, we recently secured a $340,000 settlement for a pedestrian who was struck and dragged by an SUV while walking through a Walgreens parking lot. 

If you’ve been hit while walking in Norfolk, don’t assume only the driver might be at fault—multiple parties could be financially responsible for your recovery. In a free initial consultation, we can help you understand more about how liability works for your case.

What Compensation Can You Claim?

After a pedestrian accident in Norfolk, you’re entitled to seek compensation not just for your immediate medical bills, but for every way the crash has disrupted your life: physically, financially, and emotionally.

Here’s a closer look at the types of compensation Tronfeld West & Durrett can help you pursue:

  • Emergency medical care: Covers ER visits, surgeries, hospitalization, and other necessary treatment.
  • Rehabilitation and therapy: Includes physical therapy, occupational rehab, and assistive devices to support recovery.
  • Lost income and earning potential: Compensation for missed wages and reduced ability to work in the future.
  • Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Property damage: Reimbursement for damaged personal items like clothing, phones, or mobility aids.
  • Punitive damages: Available in cases involving reckless behavior, such as drunk or distracted driving.
  • Wrongful death damages: Financial support for surviving family members when a pedestrian is killed in a crash.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Virginia?

Virginia law gives injured pedestrians two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to Virginia Code § 8.01-243. For wrongful death cases, the two-year clock starts on the date of death, not the date of injury. 

If you miss this deadline, you lose your legal right to pursue compensation, even if your injuries are severe or the other party was clearly at fault. To protect your rights, it’s important to contact a pedestrian lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact Tronfeld, West & Durrett – Your Trusted Norfolk Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

With over 50 years of experience and offices across Virginia, Tronfeld West & Durrett combines local insight with statewide resources to help injured pedestrians in Norfolk pursue full financial recovery. Learn more about us.

Plus, we offer free consultations and only charge a fee if we win your case. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to talk with an experienced pedestrian lawyer from our team.

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.