What to Know If You Need a Pedestrian Car Accident Lawyer in Washington
What to Know If You Need a Pedestrian Car Accident Lawyer in Washington
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Washington State, you’re likely facing a whirlwind of medical bills, emotional distress, and unanswered questions. These incidents can leave lasting physical and psychological scars, especially when the injuries are severe or life-threatening. Understanding your legal rights, how to navigate the insurance system, and what role a qualified pedestrian car accident lawyer in Washington can play is essential to getting your life back on track.
At Brumley Law Firm, our legal team has extensive experience helping accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation under Washington law.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Devastating
Pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle, which often results in serious injuries when they’re struck by a car or truck. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), hundreds of pedestrian accidents occur annually across the state, with a disproportionately high number resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Washington
Understanding the common causes of pedestrian crashes can help establish fault and build a strong pedestrian accident claim. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving, including texting or checking text messages while driving
- Drivers ignoring traffic signals or traffic control signals
- Speeding near pedestrian crossings
- Driving under the influence of drugs or drunk driving
- Failing to yield at marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks
- Driver’s negligence in low-visibility conditions
How Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Seattle
The high population density and bustling roadways make pedestrian accidents in Seattle a frequent occurrence. Whether near Seattle pedestrian accident claims hotspots like Capitol Hill or close to landmarks such as Pike Place Market, pedestrians are regularly at risk of being hit by motor vehicles, especially in high-traffic areas with poor pedestrian safety infrastructure.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed.
- Document the accident scene, including the vehicle involved and road conditions.
- Avoid discussing fault with the insurance companies or the at-fault party.
- Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Who Can File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
In Washington, injured pedestrians have the right to file a personal injury claim if another party’s negligence caused their injuries. If the victim dies, wrongful death claims can be filed by surviving family members.
Understanding Washington’s Pedestrian Laws
Under Washington law, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and follow all traffic laws designed to protect pedestrians. Violations of these laws often form the basis for pedestrian injury claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of pedestrian accident cases may be eligible to recover:
- Medical expenses, including current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Costs of physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Legal fees (if working on a contingency basis)
- Property damage (e.g., damaged personal items)
- Wrongful death damages including funeral expenses
Insurance Challenges in Pedestrian Injury Cases
Navigating the insurance claims process can be one of the biggest hurdles for accident victims. Insurance adjusters may:
- Deny liability
- Downplay car accident injuries
- Delay processing the pedestrian accident lawsuit
- Attempt to assign blame to the pedestrian
- Offer lowball settlements that do not reflect the full extent of medical bills, lost wages, or non-economic damages
Pedestrian Rights and Protections Under Washington Law
Pedestrians in Washington have strong legal protections. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) §46.61.235 outlines driver responsibilities at crosswalks. However, proving the driver’s negligence is still essential in a legal claim.
How a Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
An experienced Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into how the accident occurred
- Gather and preserve medical records, police reports, and testimonials
- Work with accident reconstructionists and healthcare experts
- Determine responsible parties
- File the appropriate pedestrian injury claim
- Handle all communication with insurance adjusters
- Negotiate a fair compensation or proceed to trial
Working with Brumley Law Firm
Brumley Law Firm has decades of experience helping pedestrian accident victims across Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, and throughout Washington State. Whether the pedestrian crash happened near your home, while commuting to work, or outside a school zone, we are here to help you seek compensation and navigate the legal process.
Our firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. While there are no upfront attorney fees, you may still be responsible for certain legal costs and expenses, which we will discuss during your consultation. Our legal team provides:
- Free consultation and case evaluation
- Deep knowledge of personal injury law
- Understanding of motor vehicle accidents and pedestrian accident injuries
- Experience taking cases to trial and negotiating settlements on behalf of injured clients.
- Experience handling pedestrian accidents in Seattle and across Washington
FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits
Q: How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Washington?
A: Under the Washington statute of limitations, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim.
Q: What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
A: You may still have access to coverage through personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist policies.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. Washington follows comparative negligence, which allows injured pedestrians to recover damages even if they were partly responsible.
Supporting Injured Pedestrians Through Legal Recovery
Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, and a long road to recovery. Whether you’re dealing with traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, or significant medical attention, our attorneys are ready to help you recover compensation for your suffering.
We proudly represent accident victims throughout Western Washington and offer a no obligation consultation to discuss your options. We know how overwhelming the financial burden can be, and we’re here to provide guidance and skilled legal representation when you need it most.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle while walking, contact Brumley Law Firm at (833) 740-2275 today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.