As a pedestrian, you have the right to navigate Virginia Beach's and Norfolk's roads safely and expect motorists to adhere to the laws that protect your well-being. However, when drivers violate these rules, pedestrians can suffer devastating injuries.
If you were the victim of a pedestrian accident, you should retain an experienced Norfolk car accident lawyer immediately. They can help determine if the driver's negligence caused your collision and negotiate a fair settlement with their insurance company on your behalf.
Understanding Who is Considered a Pedestrian Under Virginia's Right of Way Laws
In Virginia, the term "pedestrian" refers to individuals traveling on foot. This includes people walking, jogging, and running. In addition, a person using a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or utilizing other non-motorized means of transportation like skateboards or scooters would be considered a pedestrian.
Virginia's pedestrian right of way laws are designed to ensure the safety and protection of pedestrians. Both drivers and pedestrians have duties under these rules. Pedestrians should obey traffic signals and pedestrian control devices, such as walk signals and pedestrian crossing signals. They should also walk on sidewalks rather than the road whenever possible.
Motorists have a duty to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in many situations. Their failure to obey this law leads to many avoidable pedestrian accidents. Here are a motorist's duties under Virginia Code §46.2-924 that are frequently breached in a pedestrian collision:
Crosswalks
Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the road within a marked crosswalk. Drivers must yield to pedestrians within or approaching a crosswalk, whether it is midblock or at the end of a street.
Pedestrian Crossings
Drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians at regular pedestrian crossings included in the extension of the lateral boundary lines of an adjacent sidewalk at the end of the road.
Intersection
Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing a highway when a driver is approaching and the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Highways are broadly defined to include most streets and roads in Virginia.