If you were a pedestrian hit by a car near VCU, you’re likely facing a whirlwind of uncertainty. In an instant, a normal day walking to class or work can turn into a medical emergency, leaving you with injuries, missed time from school, and questions about what comes next.
These incidents are, unfortunately, common near busy campus areas, such as Virginia Commonwealth University, where crosswalks, traffic, and distracted drivers pose real risks to pedestrians.
At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we help injured pedestrians regain control over their lives. After 25 years defending insurance companies in serious injury cases, we now stand up for individuals.
If you have questions after being struck by a car near VCU, we’re here to help you find answers and pursue justice.
What Should You Do If You’re Hit by a Car While Walking Near VCU?
College campuses bring together thousands of people on foot, by bike, on scooters, and in cars, all navigating tight streets and heavy traffic. VCU’s urban setting means students, staff, and visitors regularly cross busy intersections.
With distracted drivers, heavy traffic, and poor nighttime visibility, serious accidents can occur quickly. If you’re struck on or near campus, take these important steps to protect your health and legal rights.
Call 911 and Get Medical Help Immediately
Your health comes first. Even minor injuries can become serious problems like concussions or internal injuries.
Call 911 so emergency responders can document the VCU pedestrian accident and initiate immediate care, creating an essential record for insurance purposes. Inform paramedics about the areas that hurt and follow up at a hospital or urgent care for a comprehensive evaluation.
Report the Crash to Police
File an official police report. Officers will document the scene, interview witnesses, and often assign fault, which can help support your legal claim. Be honest and clear, but avoid speculating or taking blame.
Ask how to get a copy of the report. VCU has dedicated police officers constantly patrolling campus who can respond quickly. However, if police don’t arrive, report the crash at the nearest precinct as soon as possible.
Gather Contact and Insurance Information from the Driver
If possible, obtain the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Note the license plate, car make and model, and ask for a driver’s license. Take a photo with your phone to preserve this information.
If the driver flees the scene, try to remember as many details about their vehicle as you can. Ask someone to help you if needed. All evidence and identifying information can help you pursue compensation from the insurer.
Take Photos and Videos of the Scene
Photos after the crash capture key evidence. Document the intersection, signs, skid marks, injuries, vehicle damage, and your injuries. These visuals help reconstruct events and support your claim if the driver disputes your account.
If you can’t take photos, ask a witness or friend to take them instead. Time-stamped images can aid settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
Look around and take note of any surveillance cameras on the exterior of buildings or at intersections, so that someone can follow up to find out if the cameras captured the incident on video.
Get Witness Contact Information
Witnesses can confirm what happened, especially if the driver denies fault. Request witnesses’ names and contact info.
If you are injured, check if the police have gathered this information and obtain a copy of the report later. Don’t rely on bystanders to come forward. Get their info at the scene.
Contact a Richmond Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Once you’re medically stable, speak with a lawyer who has experience handling cases involving pedestrian traffic incidents on college campuses. Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or blame the pedestrian.
A lawyer can investigate, gather evidence, and communicate with insurers on your behalf. At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we’ve handled serious pedestrian injury cases and know how to fight back against unfair tactics.
How Do I Know If I Have a Claim?
If you were a pedestrian hit by a car near VCU, you may wonder if you have a case for compensation. In Virginia, pedestrian accident claims are based on negligence.
In the case of a pedestrian-vehicle collision, you must prove that the driver failed to use reasonable care and that failure caused your injuries.
The following are the four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of care. The driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of duty. The driver violated that duty through an action or failure to act, such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield to a pedestrian.
- Causation. The driver’s breach directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages. You suffered physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result.
You must gather evidence, such as police reports, scene photos or videos, surveillance footage, medical records, and witness statements, to prove your claim.
Each case is unique. The strength of your claim depends on the facts of the case, the evidence available, and how it links the driver’s conduct to your injuries.
Importantly, Virginia follows a contributory negligence system, meaning that if an insurer can claim you were even slightly at fault, they may try to deny your claim entirely. Because insurers often argue pedestrians were partially responsible, even unfairly, early legal guidance is especially important.
A Richmond pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the cause of the accident, preserve evidence of fault, and build a claim that reflects your losses.
What Types of Compensation Are Recoverable in a VCU Pedestrian Accident?
If someone’s negligence caused your accident, Virginia law lets you seek compensation for many losses, including:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
While no amount of money can undo the trauma of being hit by a car, fair compensation can help you rebuild your life by covering treatment bills, counseling, or rent missed after the accident. Virginia law typically gives you two years to file a claim, so acting quickly is important.
Contacting a Richmond pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident is the best way to evaluate your situation and preserve your legal rights.
Speak with a Richmond Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
Being hit by a car while walking near VCU can leave you with long-lasting injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and unanswered questions about your legal rights. In a situation like this, having experienced legal guidance matters.
With over two decades of experience in handling personal injury cases, Merrick Brock, PLLC, is here for VCU students and Richmond pedestrians.
As a Richmond-based firm, we are familiar with the VCU area and know how to advocate when insurers minimize your experience.
When you work with Merrick Brock, PLLC, you get:
- Local lawyers who understand Richmond streets and courts,
- A team that prepares every case with trial-level attention,
- Direct access to the attorneys handling your case, and
- No fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today to discuss your next steps with a firm known for insight, strategy, and commitment in every case.