Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians are often exposed to dangerous conditions, like reckless drivers or hazardous roads, with minimal protection. This can put them at risk of sustaining minor to fatal bodily harm depending on the severity of the impact. Either outcome will require medical attention to ensure the injured area is treated properly. In certain cases, these services may put injured victims in a financial burden, especially if they are expected to receive long-term care. But, if the incident was caused by another individual or entity, legal action can be taken against them to recover damages.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Washington pedestrian accident lawyers are available 24/7 to offer assistance. We will assess the situation and develop a strategic, personalized approach to ensure we meet your legal needs. Our team has a proven track record of delivering client satisfaction and are confident that we will get you maximum compensation for your losses.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until we settle your case. To schedule a free consultation, you can connect with us by calling 206-222-8860 or completing our convenient online contact form.

Washington Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to data collected by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), a total of 148 pedestrian fatalities were reported in 2023. Most of the deaths were caused by passenger cars and SUVs. The WTSC further went on to share the following information:

• 467 fatalities happened at night whereas 275 were in daylight
• 68 percent of deaths were males
• 31 to 35 year olds were the most common age group involved in a fatal pedestrian accident
• 63 percent of cases took place on the road and 13 percent happened on marked crosswalks

What Can Cause a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian accidents can occur due to various factors, often involving some of the causes listed below.

Driver Negligence

A negligent driver is someone who fails to fulfill a duty of care to others, which can lead to potential harm. Examples of reckless behavior include the following:

• Distracted driving
• Fatigue driving
• Impaired driving
• Speeding

Pedestrians who are involved in a collision with a negligent driver are entitled to sue to recover compensation. The legal process can be complex. But, our Washington pedestrian accident lawyers are readily available to step in and guide you through the entire process to ensure you are well-taken care of and are given a favorable outcome.

Road Hazards

Road hazards, like inadequate lighting, broken traffic signals, and faded crosswalks, can make it difficult for a pedestrian to properly navigate their way around the city. Such conditions can put them at risk of getting into an accident. If one does occur, the property owner or government entity in charge of facilitating the area may be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. Given the circumstances, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can provide legal support to help you get full and fair compensation.

Defective Vehicle

A defective vehicle can trigger a pedestrian accident due to mechanical issues or design flaws. These particular factors can impair a driver’s ability to keep control over a vehicle or respond promptly to road hazards. This, in turn, can make it nearly impossible for a driver to avoid striking a nearby pedestrian. 

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrians are prone to sustain severe injuries as they have no protection surrounding them from intense contact. Common types of bodily harm that is expected to occur in such a case include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

Other than physical pain, emotional trauma, like anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are likely to occur soon after a pedestrian accident. It is suggested for affected victims to seek medical or rehabilitation services soon after the collision to prevent further damage.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

It can be challenging to remain calm after a pedestrian accident. But, if possible, try to focus on fulfilling the actions provided below to better your chances of submitting a well-constructed claim.

Contact Law Enforcement

If you see any injuries or damages, you should contact law enforcement. They will arrive at the accident scene and conduct a police report. Paramedics will also be present to provide medical attention to those who may need it.

Exchange Information

Contact, insurance, and/or vehicle information should be shared with all parties involved in the pedestrian accident.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if you think you sustained minor injuries, you should still get yourself examined by a medical professional. They will assess the affected site(s) and determine what form of treatment you may need to improve your condition. All doctor visits, prescriptions, and surgical procedures will be documented and saved on file.

Gather Evidence

Be sure to collect the following evidence:

• Photos of your injuries, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Written documentation of your perspective on the incident
• Witness information
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Hire a Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accident claims can be stressful, especially if you are in the process of recovering from injuries. To lessen your workload, you can reach out to a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers, for guidance and support. Our expert Washington pedestrian accident lawyers will step in to take on the difficult tasks while giving you time to focus on your health.

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death

If a wrongful death occurs in a pedestrian accident, the personal representative, also known as the executor, of the deceased person’s estate can file a claim against the liable party. If there is no specific indication of who is fulfilling this role, the court will appoint someone to act. Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit typically include the follow:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of consortium

A wrongful death claim must be filed within three years from the date of the person’s death. If legal obligations have not been completed prior to the deadline, the opportunity to sue will no longer be available.

What Car Insurance Coverage Applies in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

In Washington, a vehicle owner is required to own bodily injury liability insurance. This coverage will become effective once a driver is involved in an accident and injures or kills someone as a result. The insurance will then cover certain losses, like:

• Treatment costs for accident-related injuries
• Lost income and future lost earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral charges

Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accidents

To establish liability, you will be required to gather evidence to support your pedestrian accident claim. Remember, what you obtain should help prove the following:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant breached their duty of care
• The defendant’s negligence caused you to sustain injuries or damages

Once you have gathered the information needed, you can reach out to one of our expert Washington pedestrian accident lawyers to get your case evaluated. After we detect the liable party, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure we get you the compensation you deserve for your losses. Potential guilty parties in a pedestrian accident lawsuit typically include:

• Negligent drivers
• Government entities
• Property owners
• Vehicle manufacturers

When Is the Pedestrian At Fault?

A pedestrian can be found at fault for causing a car accident or contributing to a premises liability-related incident. Below, we will explain what actions can lead to such outcomes.

Car Accident

Pedestrians who do either of the following actions will increase the likelihood of a collision:

• Jaywalking on popular roads
• Making sudden or abrupt movements
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Walking while distracted

In each case, fault will be identified based on the circumstances of the incident. The courts will consider actions contributed by both the pedestrian and the driver involved in the crash before making the decision to calculate and distribute compensation accordingly.

Premises Liability

When it comes to premises liability, a pedestrian can hold accountability for injuries or damages on someone else’s territory if they:

• Dismiss warning signs
• Exhibit reckless behavior
• Trespass onto private property

Specific factors will be considered when identifying liability, like the property’s condition and how the property owner and visitor were behaving moments before the incident occurred.

What Damages Are Available in a Washington Pedestrian Accident Case?

Each pedestrian accident case will involve unique factors that will determine what the settlement will be. Some specific elements that will be considered when calculating and distributing compensation include the following:

• The extent of bodily harm
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity
• The amount of negligence contributed by all parties

Usually, economic damages and non-economic damages are granted in a pedestrian accident lawsuit. Under rare conditions, punitive damages could also be awarded.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible costs you incurred as a result of the pedestrian accident, like:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are non-monetary, subjective losses, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are included on top of compensatory damages. This is given as a way to punish the wrongdoer for their egregious conduct and to prevent similar behavior from happening again. To prove punitive damages, you will need to show how the defendant was malicious or had the intent to harm you.

Our Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you or someone you know have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is recommended to seek legal representation to ensure that all medical costs are covered. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are devoted to getting pedestrian accident victims recovered and back on track. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and our team of attorneys are highly skilled in proving damages to insurance adjusters so that you can get a full and fair settlement.

As a result of our dedication, we have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty and watch out for our clients best interest. No matter what kind of injury you have suffered, our legal team will be there every step of the way, answering any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.

To get started on the filing process, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys by calling 206-222-8860 or filling out our easy online contact form.