Walking across a busy street can be dangerous for almost anyone, but it is especially risky for someone who is disabled and wheelchair-bound. For example, Shirley Sheppard of Newport News, Virginia (VA) is confined to a wheelchair after losing her leg to a circulation problem. She fully understands the dangers of crossing the street since she crosses Saunders Road to get to J. Clyde Morris Boulevard in order to shop for groceries and catch the bus.
Mrs. Sheppard told the Daily Press that her one plea to drivers would be to "slow down."
Unfortunately, this simple request is regularly ignored by drivers. People are in such a rush, especially in the morning and evening during rush hour that pedestrians are at a much greater risk of getting hit and suffering a serious injury. For wheelchair-bound citizens, the risk is higher since it takes them longer to cross the street and some frustrated or distracted drivers don’t take the time to come to a full stop.
For example, a crosswalk accident occurred in Hampton, VA in April that led to the death of a disabled man. The victim was trying to cross Mercury Boulevard when he was hit and killed. A similar crossing accident occurred a year ago in Suffolk, VA when a woman was killed while crossing the street in bad weather.
Our firm fully appreciates the ramifications of a crosswalk accident. We represented two victims who were hit and seriously injured in Virginia Beach, VA while crossing Atlantic Avenue to get to 23rd Street. Fortunately, we were able to recover over half a million in damages so they would have enough funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other bills.
About the Editors: The Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm, which has offices in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC), edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as pro bono services.
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