Seattle is one of the most walkable cities in the Pacific Northwest but it is also one of the most dangerous for pedestrians. From crowded crosswalks near Pike Place Market to busy intersections in Capitol Hill and South Lake Union, serious pedestrian accidents happen every year due to speeding, distracted driving, and poor visibility caused by frequent rain and early winter darkness.

If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle, a Seattle pedestrian accident attorney at West Coast Trial Lawyers can help you pursue full financial recovery. Pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic because victims have no protection against a 3,000+ pound vehicle. Our firm understands Washington personal injury law and aggressively advocates for injured pedestrians throughout Seattle and King County.

Call us today at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form for a free case consultation!

Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

According to a 2024 traffic report from the Seattle Department of Transportation, there is an average of 90,000 people walking throughout Seattle and the number of collisions involving people walking is 4.5% higher compared from 2023 to 2022 but the number is lower than rates prior to 2019.

While the rate of pedestrian crashes in Seattle is showing signs of lowering, they can still frequently occur because of driver negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, rideshare apps)
• Failure to yield at marked or unmarked crosswalks
• Speeding in residential neighborhoods
• Driving under the influence
• Poor visibility during heavy rain or fog
• Left-turn collisions at busy intersections
• Failure to stop at traffic signals

In addition, Seattle’s long rainy season creates slick roads and reduced visibility, which ultimately increases the risk of accidents especially during darker winter months when commuters travel before sunrise and after sunset.

Who Is Responsible in a Pedestrian Accident?

Much like any other state, drivers in Washington State must exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians. As outlined in RCW 46.61.235, every driver in the state must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian who is within the crosswalk and within specified proximity.

This statute often becomes a key liability tool when a driver claims “I didn’t see them” or “they weren’t in the crosswalk long enough”. As such, liability will tend to fall on the driver who has caused the accident in question, however, if an accident case has multiple parties with varying degrees of liability, a thorough investigation will help determine responsibility.

Are Pedestrians Ever Responsible?

In some cases, pedestrians can be responsible for causing an accident, but only if they have exhibited negligence and depending on the nature and severity of the action, they may share liability in the event of a pedestrian accident.

For example, if a pedestrian suddenly darts into traffic outside of a crosswalk, they can be held partially liable for their actions, but since Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule (as outlined in RCW 4.22.005), accident victims can recover compensation at a reduced sum. However, it is important to note that should that happen, it is highly recommended to consult with a skilled Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer to help determine degrees of fault.

What If The Driver Drives Off After an Accident?

If a driver drives off after a pedestrian accident, this case will become a hit-and-run case, which is common throughout the country even in Seattle. According to Washington law, a driver is required to stay and comply with specific duties if they are involved in a crash that has caused injury or death. If a driver flees, they will be subjected to a series of fines and penalties that can be magnified depending on the severity of the accident scene.

Even if the driver isn’t found right away, pedestrian accident victims may still have options through insurance (including uninsured/underinsured coverage), and a rapid investigation with the aid of the Seattle Police Department. In fact, local law enforcement can help identify the vehicle through:

• Nearby business cameras
• Doorbell footage
• Transit area surveillance
• Witness canvassing

What You Can Recover in a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding. In such catastrophic cases, long-term care costs will be substantial and accident victims will be able to recover the following:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability damages
• Emotional trauma

Because pedestrian collisions often cause life-altering injuries, it is important to seek medical care from hospitals such as Harborview Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, or any ER center and hire an attorney who builds claims with medical documentation and properly calculate long-term projections so your demand reflects the real lifetime cost of the collision and not just the first round of bills.

What If The Accident Victim Dies in the Accident?

If a pedestrian dies from injuries, then their surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim and pursue damages for practical expenses from the at-fault party. For instance, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, prior medical bills from the deceased, emotional distress, and a loss of enjoyment of life are all things that can be recovered.

The Benefits of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Attorney

To not many people’s surprise, pedestrian accident claims can become very complicated very quickly, and insurance companies tend to move quickly in order to protect their interests. With that in mind, having a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights and represent your best interests such as:

• Conducting an immediate investigation and
• Help preserve evidence
• Negotiate with insurers and opposing counsel
• Provide an accurate claim evaluation
• Protect you from lowball settlement offers
• Give sound legal advice and options
• Represent you in court if necessary

Is There a Deadline to File a Personal Injury Claim?

In Washington, many personal injury claims must be filed within three years under RCW 4.16.080. If no legal claims are filed within that timeframe then in accordance with Washington state law, the accident victim will automatically forfeit their right to file a claim and recover fair compensation for the incurred damages. However, it is important to note that there are exceptions to the deadline depending on the nature of the accident.

Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

When you’re facing an endless stack of medical bills and constant time away from work after a pedestrian accident, you need more than just legal representation, you need a team that understands the local courts, insurance tactics, and the realities of Seattle roadways.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of local attorneys are committed to protecting injured pedestrians throughout Seattle and King County. Our familiarity with Seattle’s roadway patterns, traffic laws, and municipal liability issues allows us to build strong, evidence-based claims accident victims need.

Call us today at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form for a free case consultation!