Seattle is one of the most walkable cities in the Pacific Northwest, with busy pedestrian areas in Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square, South Lake Union, and around the University of Washington. But with dense traffic on arterials like Aurora Avenue North and Rainier Avenue South, pedestrian accidents are an all-too-common reality.

If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian in Washington, it’s important to know your rights — and how the law protects you.

The Scope of the Problem in Washington

• According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), pedestrians account for nearly 23% of all traffic fatalities statewide【turn0search2†source】.
• In 2022, Washington recorded its highest number of pedestrian deaths in decades, with King County (Seattle) among the hardest-hit regions【turn0search3†source】.
• In Seattle, intersections along Aurora Avenue, Rainier Avenue, and MLK Jr. Way consistently rank among the most dangerous for pedestrians【turn0search4†source】.

Washington Laws Protecting Pedestrians

• Crosswalks (RCW 46.61.235): Drivers must stop for pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Right-of-Way: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections unless traffic signals indicate otherwise.
• Due Care Rule (RCW 46.61.245): Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and must use their horn when necessary【turn0search5†source】.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

1. Distracted Driving – Phone use and inattention are leading causes of crashes statewide.
2. Failure to Yield – Drivers ignoring crosswalk laws in busy Seattle intersections.
3. Speeding – Higher vehicle speed increases both crash likelihood and injury severity.
4. Poor Visibility – Nighttime or rainy Seattle conditions make pedestrians harder to see.
5. Impaired Driving – Alcohol or drug use remains a major factor in fatal pedestrian crashes.

What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car in Seattle

1. Call 911 Immediately – Get medical help and ensure SPD or WSP file a police report.
2. Seek Medical Care – Even if injuries seem minor, head and internal injuries may not show symptoms right away.
3. Collect Evidence – Take photos of the scene, traffic signals, and your injuries. Gather witness contact information.
4. Request the Collision Report – This document will be critical when filing a claim.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney – Pedestrian cases often involve serious injuries and disputed liability.

Your Legal Rights as a Victim

• Compensation Available: Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and in wrongful death cases, compensation for surviving family members (RCW 4.20.010).
• Comparative Negligence: Even if you were partially at fault (e.g., crossing outside a crosswalk), Washington’s pure comparative negligence law (RCW 4.22.005) allows recovery, reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Insurance Coverage: If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) policy may provide coverage.

Seattle-Specific Considerations

• Aurora Avenue North: Known as one of Seattle’s deadliest roads for pedestrians due to speed and poor crosswalk spacing.
• Rainier Avenue South: Among the highest crash corridors in the city, prompting repeated SDOT safety projects.
• Urban Development: More pedestrians in high-density areas like South Lake Union increase exposure risk.

Key Takeaways

• Pedestrian accidents in Washington are rising, with Seattle among the hardest-hit regions.
• State laws give pedestrians strong rights, but drivers often fail to yield or drive with due care.
• Victims may recover damages even if partially at fault under Washington’s comparative negligence law.
• Gathering evidence and acting quickly are key to a successful claim.

At Brumley Law Firm, we represent pedestrian accident victims across Seattle and Tacoma. Our Alpha Law system tracks police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build strong cases — ensuring negligent drivers and insurers are held accountable.

Citations

• WTSC – Pedestrian fatalities make up nearly 23% of all traffic deaths in Washington【turn0search2†source】
• WTSC – Record high pedestrian deaths in 2022【turn0search3†source】
• SDOT – Aurora Avenue and Rainier Avenue among Seattle’s most dangerous roads【turn0search4†source】
• RCW 46.61.235 & RCW 46.61.245 – Washington crosswalk and due care laws【turn0search5†source】
• RCW 4.22.005 – Comparative negligence statute in Washington【turn0search6†source】
• RCW 4.20.010 – Wrongful death statute【turn0search7†source】