Spokane Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Spokane Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A pedestrian accident can upend life in a moment. Physical pain, time away from work, and growing medical bills can leave you and your family stressed and uncertain. Emotional distress often follows, especially when serious injuries require ongoing medical treatment.
Brumley Law Firm is here to help Spokane residents understand their rights under Washington law, build a clear plan, and seek compensation that reflects the full impact of the crash. Our team of Spokane personal injury lawyers combines compassionate advocacy with meticulous case work so you can focus on healing while we focus on your claim.
Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your Pedestrian Accident Case in Spokane
Deep experience in personal injury cases. Our legal team has handled numerous personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents in Spokane, involving complex facts and insurance issues.
Former insurance attorney insights. Founding attorney Joshua Brumley previously worked for the insurance industry. That background helps us anticipate how an insurance company may evaluate liability, argue comparative negligence, or push a low offer, which positions us to press for a fair settlement based on the facts and the law.
Proven results and client-centered support. We prioritize communication, timely updates, and thorough preparation. From initial investigation through litigation if needed, your case receives hands-on attention from a Spokane pedestrian accident attorney who understands local roads, traffic patterns, and common crash scenarios.
Community minded. As a Washington law firm serving Spokane and nearby communities like Spokane Valley, we regularly work with local medical providers, understand local road design concerns, and keep current with Spokane’s pedestrian safety initiatives.
Client Testimonials
“The firm handled my pedestrian accident claim with care and persistence. They coordinated with my medical providers and explained every step.”
“Clear communication, strong negotiations, and no pressure. I always knew what to expect.”
“They gathered police reports, witness statements, and medical records quickly. The outcome covered my medical expenses and lost wages.”
How a Spokane Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case
A strong pedestrian accident claim begins with careful groundwork and ends with clear, well-supported damages. Here is what our legal team does for you:
- Immediate case evaluation and guidance
We review your injuries, the accident scene, and initial documentation. We also help you prioritize medical attention and preserve crucial evidence. - Investigation and liability analysis
We collect police reports, traffic camera footage if available, 911 audio, photographs, and witness statements. We identify all involved parties and investigate speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield at a crosswalk, and other conduct that constitutes negligence. - Handling communications
We manage calls and emails with the insurance company, involved parties, and medical providers. This helps you avoid misstatements and ensures consistent documentation. - Expert support
When needed, we consult accident reconstruction specialists, life care planners, and economists to support a clear understanding of fault, future care needs, and lost earning capacity. - Damages development
We quantify medical bills, projected medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage such as broken phones or eyewear, and non economic damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress. - Negotiation and litigation
We negotiate for a fair settlement and, if litigation becomes necessary, we’re ready to discuss your options for filing a lawsuit.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle
- Crosswalk collisions in marked or unmarked crosswalks on Division Street, North Monroe Street, Sprague Avenue, and other high-traffic corridors
- Turning driver impacts where a driver turns right on red or left across a crosswalk without paying attention to pedestrians
- Distracted driving crashes involving mobile device use or other in-vehicle distractions
- Speed limit violations and failure to slow for conditions in residential areas and school zones
- Parking lot and driveway incidents where visibility and right of way are misunderstood
- Transit and bus stop zone incidents near Spokane Transit Authority stops
- Nighttime and low-visibility events where lighting, reflective gear, and conspicuity become issues
- Impairment cases involving a drunk driver or drug-impaired motorist
Each pedestrian accident case is unique. Our job is to gather the facts, apply Washington law, and build a persuasive claim for recovery.
Compensation You Can Obtain in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Depending on the facts, a pedestrian accident claim may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses already incurred and reasonably expected in the future, including surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work
- Non economic damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage such as damaged clothing, mobility aids, or personal items
- Out-of-pocket costs including travel for treatment and necessary home modifications
- Wrongful death claim damages for eligible family members in fatal cases, including funeral costs and loss of support
We work to identify every available coverage source, including the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, your own Personal Injury Protection or MedPay, and health insurance coordination.
What is the Process for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim
- Immediate medical attention
Prioritize safety and health. Seek medical treatment right away, even for minor injuries, since symptoms of traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries may be delayed. - Report and document
Call 911, obtain a police report, and gather contact details for involved parties and witnesses. Photograph the accident scene, traffic signals, signage, and your injuries. - Contact a Spokane pedestrian accident lawyer
Early legal assistance helps protect your claim, manage deadlines, and preserve evidence. - Investigation and claim notice
Your attorney investigates, notifies the insurance company, and assembles medical records, bills, proof of lost wages, and other crucial evidence. - Damages development and negotiations
Your legal team calculates medical expenses, lost wages, and non economic damages and negotiates with the insurance company for a fair settlement. - Filing suit if needed
If the carrier will not offer fair compensation, we file a personal injury claim in court. Discovery and, if necessary, trial follow. - Resolution and distribution
Upon settlement or verdict, funds are disbursed, medical liens are addressed, and you receive your net recovery.
Pedestrian Safety and Washington Law
Washington law sets duties for both drivers and pedestrians. Drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. See RCW 46.61.235 for crosswalk rules and WSDOT’s pedestrian laws and safety guidance for a helpful overview. Pedestrians must obey traffic signals, and drivers as well as bicyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.
Local and statewide data underscore continued safety concerns. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports persistent fatalities in pedestrian crashes statewide, and a WTSC Spokane data summary notes 72 pedestrian fatalities across Spokane and Spokane Valley from 2014 to 2023. The Spokane Regional Safety Action Plan details regional strategies to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.
For additional context and public data resources, the WSDOT crash data portal provides statewide crash summaries and information about how traffic records are collected.
Elements of Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
To recover compensation in Washington state, a plaintiff generally must prove:
- Duty
The driver owed a duty to use reasonable care, including following traffic laws and yielding at an unmarked crosswalk or marked crosswalk. - Breach
The driver did not meet that duty, for example by distracted driving, speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, or not stopping for a pedestrian. - Causation
The breach caused the pedestrian injuries. - Damages
The pedestrian suffered damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and non economic damages.
Our legal team ties these elements to the facts using police reports, witness statements, scene photos, medical records, and expert analysis where appropriate.
Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws
Washington follows pure comparative negligence. Even if a pedestrian is found partially at fault, they may still recover compensation, reduced by their percentage of fault. This rule is set out in RCW 4.22.005. For example, if a jury awards damages but finds the pedestrian 20 percent at fault for not paying attention to traffic signals, the award could be reduced by 20 percent.
Because comparative negligence laws can affect recovery, it is important to gather and preserve evidence that clarifies driver conduct, pedestrian actions, and visibility at the time of the incident.
Statute of Limitations in a Spokane Pedestrian Accident Claim
In most Washington pedestrian accident cases, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. This time limit comes from RCW 4.16.080. There are exceptions, including special notice requirements for claims against government entities. Do not wait to seek legal assistance, since evidence can fade and deadlines are firm under Washington law.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Spokane
- Call 911 and request both police and medical response. Ask how to obtain the incident number for police reports.
- Get the driver’s information including name, license plate, and insurance company.
- Seek immediate medical attention even if you believe you have only minor injuries. Some life threatening injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal injuries, are not obvious at the scene.
- Document the accident scene with photos of the crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk, traffic signals, sight lines, debris, and your injuries.
- Collect witness statements and contact information.
- Contact a Spokane pedestrian accident attorney before giving a recorded statement to the insurance company.
- Follow your medical treatment plan and keep all bills, receipts, and medical records.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian injuries can range from minor injuries to severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Ligament and soft tissue injuries
- Permanent disability and long-term mobility limitations
- Psychological harm, including anxiety and PTSD
With your permission, we work with your medical providers to help document your injuries and support your claim.
Determining Liability and Building Your Pedestrian Accident Case
We assess all potential contributing factors and involved parties:
- Driver conduct such as speeding, distracted driving, and failure to obey traffic laws
- Right of way at an unmarked crosswalk or marked crosswalk
- Visibility, lighting, and weather conditions
- Vehicle condition and potential defects
- Road design elements, signage, and sight obstructions
- Whether a drunk driver or drug-impaired driver was involved
We then develop a strategy aimed at maximum compensation given the facts and comparative negligence considerations.
Insurance and Medical Billing Considerations
After a serious accident, bills arrive quickly. We help you navigate:
- The at-fault driver’s liability coverage
- Your policy benefits, including Personal Injury Protection or MedPay
- Health insurance and coordination of benefits
- Medical billing documentation, to make sure it is complete and can be submitted appropriately for your claim.
- Preserving claims for out-of-pocket medical expenses and related costs
If an insurance company refuses to recognize the full scope of your losses, we prepare the case for litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I say to the insurer?
Keep it brief. Provide basic contact information and refer substantive questions to your attorney. Do not speculate about fault or injuries.
Can I recover if I crossed outside a crosswalk?
Possibly. Washington’s comparative negligence laws do not automatically bar recovery if you were outside a crosswalk. Your recovery may be reduced according to your share of fault.
What if I was hit by a driver who left the scene?
Report the hit and run immediately. You may still pursue compensation through your own coverage, including Uninsured Motorist benefits, while police investigate.
How long will my case take?
Timelines vary based on injury recovery, claim complexity, and whether litigation becomes necessary.
Spokane and Eastern Washington Context
Spokane continues to invest in pedestrian safety, including updated local initiatives and infrastructure planning. Regional efforts are described in the Spokane Regional Safety Action Plan, while statewide data and guidance are available through the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and WSDOT. These resources are useful for understanding pedestrian fatalities, pedestrian deaths trends, and ongoing pedestrian safety strategies.
The Claim Process With Brumley Law Firm
- Free consultation to discuss your accident claim, injuries, and goals
- Contingency fee representation, you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Costs may apply.
- Evidence gathering to secure crucial evidence and build liability
- Claim submission to the insurance company with a clear damages package
- Negotiation focused on fair compensation that reflects medical treatment, lost wages, and non economic damages
- Litigation when needed to pursue compensation in court
Contact a Spokane Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Brumley Law Firm is ready to help you understand your legal options, organize your pedestrian accident claim, and seek compensation for your losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Spokane pedestrian accident, reach out for a free legal consultation with a Spokane pedestrian accident attorney. There are no upfront costs to get started, and we are here to offer clear guidance from the first call.
Call (833) 740-2275 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns and discuss how we may be able to help, with no obligation.