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Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

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Hit While Walking? A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help.

If you are hit by a car while on foot, your priority should be to obtain medical care. Then, you should speak with one of our pedestrian accident attorneys to discuss your rights. Emerald City Law Group and our Seattle injury lawyers can guide you through a personal injury claim so you get all the financial compensation you need to move forward in life.

From helping you get medical treatment to holding the negligent motorist accountable, contact Emerald City Law Group if you are an injured pedestrian.

Based in Seattle, We Assist People Across Washington and Offer Virtual Consultations. Initial Consults are Free, Confidential, and We’re Available 24/7 to Answer Your Questions.

Seattle Pedestrian Accidents

You may be one of the many individuals who walk to work or simply enjoy taking a stroll. While walking is a healthy way to get around, is not without risks. In traffic-heavy Seattle you are at risk of being hit and significantly injured by a vehicle.

Pedestrian accidents can involve bikes, cars, and commercial trucks. There are even some cases where someone walking or jogging causes an incident. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have successfully handled numerous cases in which a negligent driver collides with a pedestrian.

We have seen pedestrians injured in car accidents in Seattle caused by:

Vehicles failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks
Vehicles failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks at intersections
Vehicles speeding
Vehicles making left or right turns and striking crossing pedestrians
Distracted drivers
Drowsy/fatigued drivers
Drunk drivers

Other factors contributing to vehicle-pedestrian accidents are using unmarked crosswalks, jaywalking, wearing dark clothing at night, and using electronics while walking. These are all factors that can come up during your claim.

Pedestrian Injuries

Pedestrian injuries range from minor to fatal. These injuries and deaths result from various factors like driver and pedestrian behavior, environmental conditions, and urban design. These incidents can lead to death or long-term disability and psychological trauma, imposing economic burdens.

Here are the most common pedestrian injuries:

Broken Bones
Sprains and Strains
Head Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Soft Tissue Damage
Wrongful Death

If you or a loved one are hit by a car, it’s vital to seek medical attention right away. Even if you think your injuries are minor, have them evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not be immediately apparent.

Pedestrian Accidents in WA: What to Know

If you were a pedestrian hit by a car in Washington, you likely have significant injuries. You need to know your rights and work with a Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve after a serious crash.

Washington Pedestrian Laws

If you walk around Seattle often, it is essential to understand the Washington traffic laws that apply to you.

Pedestrians Should Use Sidewalks

Based on the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.61. 235 and 261, you must use the sidewalk when it is available. If there are no sidewalks, you can walk on the left side of the road or the shoulder facing traffic. When you are on the sidewalk and in crosswalks as a pedestrian, drivers and bicyclists must yield to you.

Pedestrians Must Follow Traffic Signals

Under RCW 46.61.050, pedestrians are required to follow traffic control signals. If you come upon an intersection with a stop light or other traffic control signals or devices, you must do what they say. Most importantly, if the sign says, “Do Not Walk,” you must give vehicles the right of way. Only cross a controlled intersection when you have a “Walk” signal.

Vehicles Must Yield Right of Way in Marked Areas

Vehicles should stop for you at an uncontrolled intersection, with or without a crosswalk, or at a marked crosswalk, based on RCW 46.61.235. The law says vehicles should stop and remain stopped until they can cross the road in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

This does not mean you can cross the road anywhere. This is specifically in areas, mostly intersections, where there are crosswalks. Under RCW 46.61.240, vehicles have the right of way if they are crossing a road at any point other than a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. If you cross the road outside of a crosswalk, this is called “jaywalking,” Seattle police are well known for handing out jaywalking tickets.

If you were injured in a marked area for pedestrians, you should immediately contact a Seattle crosswalk accident attorney. It’s important to work with someone familiar with pedestrian laws who can use the information to support your case.

Pedestrian Accident Compensation in WA

When there is evidence that another party’s careless or reckless behavior caused the accident, you have support for a personal injury claim. This enables you, under the law, to pursue compensation for your:

Property Damage
Lost Wages
Loss of Earning Capacity
Past and Future Medical Bills
Permanent Disability
Disfigurement
Pain and Suffering
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Emotional Distress
Loss of Consortium

The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the type and extent of your injuries. If you were directly hit by a vehicle moving at a significant speed, you might be suffering serious injuries or coming to terms with a permanent disability. In these situations, your claim would be typically worth more than if you suffered minor-to-moderate injuries.

Contributory Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents

In pedestrian accident claims, the at-fault party might allege the injured pedestrian was also negligent to reduce their liability. A pedestrian injury lawyer can challenge such claims to secure compensation.

According to RCW 4.22.005, the court will assess each party’s negligence. If the pedestrian is found to be less than 50% at fault, they can still receive compensation, though it will be adjusted based on their fault percentage. If deemed 50% or more responsible, the pedestrian cannot claim compensation from the other party.

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Washington

If your loved one was killed in a vehicle-pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to contact us. Our fatal pedestrian accident lawyers will carefully review the situation and advise you on whether your family may benefit from a wrongful death claim.

Under RCW 4.20.010, when a person’s death is caused by another individual’s wrongful act, negligence, or failure to act, then a representative of the person’s estate may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members.

Through a wrongful death claim, your family may obtain compensation for:

Medical expenses associated with the accident
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of the decedent’s income
Loss of decedent’s employment benefits
Loss of decedent’s retirement benefits
Loss of your loved one’s companionship and society
Family members’ emotional distress
A spouse’s loss of an intimate relationship

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Washington Pedestrian Accident Info & Resources

Our Seattle pedestrian accident lawyers can help you navigate an insurance claim to get compensation for your losses. We have information that you may need in your case. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Emerald City Law Group for immediate help.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Washington?

After a pedestrian accident, ensure safety first, then contact emergency services. Document the scene with photos and gather witness information.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as some may not be immediately apparent. Then, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer about your rights and options.

Can You Recover Compensation if a Pedestrian Was Partially At Fault?

Under Washington’s comparative negligence rule, you can receive compensation even if you are partially at fault. Still, it will be reduced by your percentage of fault unless you are 50% or more responsible.

What If an Uninsured Driver hits a Pedestrian?

You may need to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage, or you might pursue a lawsuit directly against the driver.

What if the Pedestrian Accident was a Hit-and-Run?

Report the accident to the police immediately. You can file a claim with your insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage, which typically includes hit-and-run accidents.

Is There a Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?

Yes, there is a deadline called a “statute of limitations” within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit involving a pedestrian accident. In Washington, that deadline is three years from the day of the accident.

However, there are some exceptions to that rule. Consult with a pedestrian accident attorney to determine how Washington’s statute of limitations applies to your case.

Don’t Wait. Contact a Seattle Pedestrian Injury Lawyer

The pedestrian accident lawyers at Emerald City Law Group know you are facing a lot of stress after an accident. We are here to aggressively address the legal issues so you can focus on healing.

You should <a href="http://call Emerald City right away. If you cannot, you can have a friend or family member reach out on your behalf.

Emerald City Law Group Will:

Obtain the police report, interview witnesses, and take photographs of the scene.
Talk to other parties and insurance companies on your behalf.
Negotiate a fair settlement offer with the insurance company.
Draft legal documents and file a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
Keep you informed throughout the legal process.
Help you get the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Serving Washington – Free Consults 24/7

Emerald City Law Group provides Seattle and the greater Washington area with high-caliber legal representation for those who were injured in pedestrian accidents.

Seattle – Local Areas Served
- King County – Bellevue, Auburn, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Issaquah, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Seattle, & Woodinville
- Snohomish County – Everett, Lynnwood, and Marysville.
- Pierce County – Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and Lakewood

Contact Emerald City Law Group

Learn more about how we can help you.

When you entrust your legal issue to Emerald City Law Group, you can be confident you are receiving top-notch legal counsel. We are recognized for our achievements and client satisfaction. Contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation, with virtual Zoom consultations available upon request.