5.22.2022

Norfolk, VA – Sharon Shields Killed in Pedestrian Accident on N. Military Hwy

Written by: Virginia Beach Injury Law

Norfolk, VA (May 21, 2022) – Police were called to the scene of a fatal collision involving a pedestrian on Sunday, May 15th in Norfolk.

According to officers from the Norfolk Police Department, the crash took place at about 9:00 p.m. in the 500th block of North Military Highway at the intersection of poplar Hall Drive, near Military Circle Mall. 

The pedestrian, who has since been identified as 58-year-old Sharon Shields, died at the scene. 

Officers said that the driver, who was unharmed during the impact, remained at the scene until they arrived. 

Investigators are not considering speed or impairment as factors in this crash. 

As of Wednesday, the Norfolk Police Department’s Traffic Fatality Unit was still investigating the cause of the incident.

We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim, Ms. Sharon Shields, at this time.

Filing a Claim on Behalf of the Deceased in Virginia

There are two kinds of claims that can be brought forth after a person dies due to a pedestrian collision in Virginia. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney after this kind of tragedy can help you better understand the differences between these claims, and who is permitted to file them.  

  • Survival Actions: The first kind of claim you may be able to file on behalf of the deceased is a survival action. Generally speaking, a survival action is basically the claim the victim would have been able to make had they survived their injuries. With these, the cause of action outlasts the victim’s death, so compensation is still awarded for the pain and suffering they endured, as well as the medical expenses they incurred prior to their death.
  • Wrongful Death Claims: The second kind of claim is a wrongful death claim. This is where certain surviving family members can bring a claim for their damages resulting from the victim’s demise. What you can recover varies from state to state, with each one having specific eligibilities and limitations that are put in place by case law or statute. 

In the Commonwealth, damages available in wrongful death claims include solace, mental anguish, and sorrow which can incorporate post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, along with the loss of companionship, guidance, comfort, advice, and kindly offer. 

Additionally, damages will most likely include any medical bills relating to the deceased’s hospitalization or treatment that were acquired for their fatal injury, and reasonable funeral and burial or cremation costs. It is also possible that punitive damages could be awarded if the respondent displayed gross negligence or willful misconduct that showed a conscious disregard for the well-being of others.

Given that the law changes depending on the state the death occurred in, it is essential to speak with an attorney who is licensed to practice in the appropriate jurisdiction to find out more about survival actions and wrongful death claims.  

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian collision in the Virginia Beach area, contact our Norfolk wrongful death lawyers at (757) 802-4662. Schedule a free review of your potential claim at your earliest convenience to explore legal options available for you.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources when gathering information for these posts. This includes, but is not limited to local news stories, police accident reports, and eyewitness accounts of injury accidents in the Hampton Roads area. Our staff does not independently verify the information in our posts. As a result, if you find any information that is not correct or if you would prefer that we remove the post, please contact our firm right away so that we can make the appropriate changes to reflect the most accurate information available or remove the post.

Disclaimer: Virginia Beach Injury Law has worked hard throughout the years to become valued members of the local Virginia Beach business community. Our goal in writing these posts is to inform and educate Virginia residents about the dangers of driving and boating in hopes that everyone will use caution when operating any type of vehicle or watercraft and avoid being involved in a serious accident. This post should not be misconstrued as a solicitation for business. These posts are not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photos depicted in this post are not from the actual accident scene.

Share This Story

Interested in Virginia Beach injury law and found this article helpful? Share on your socials to help others find local, reliable information!

Do You Have a Case?

Whether you're local or a vacationer, If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in the Virginia Beach area or Hampton Roads, contact us today to discuss your case:

I Want To...
uploadmagnifiercrossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram