Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

When you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident, it can be a harrowing and life-changing event. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and trauma can feel overwhelming. During these times, you need the best legal representation to get you through this ordeal. This is where Bungay Law comes in. A negligent driver can lead to multiple pedestrian fatalities and injuries, and we have seen countless fatal pedestrian accidents over the years.

If you have suffered a serious injury, see a doctor first. Then, reach out to us to schedule a consultation to determine if you are eligible to seek compensation.

Why Choose Bungay Law’s Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

At Bungay Law, we provide the utmost care and professional legal services to our clients. Our pedestrian accident attorneys are skilled, experienced, and dedicated to advocating for your rights.

Legal Advice and Guidance Throughout the Claims Process

Our attorneys will provide you with comprehensive legal advice and guide you through the often complicated claims process. They will help you understand your rights and the best possible avenues to secure maximum compensation.

Investigation and Evidence Collection To Support the Case

Our firm undertakes rigorous investigation processes and evidence collection to support your case. We collaborate with experts and use advanced tools to establish fault and quantify damages, such as lost income or expenses for pedestrian injuries.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies for Fair Compensation

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. Our lawyers have vast experience in negotiating with insurance companies and will advocate to ensure you will be awarded fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Representation in Court if the Case Goes to Trial

If your case goes to trial, we will represent you vigorously in court. Our attorneys are skilled litigators and will work tirelessly to present a compelling case on your behalf.

Pedestrian Accidents Statistics in Washington

Pedestrian accidents in Washington are, unfortunately, quite common. According to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation, there were over 76,000 pedestrians injured in accidents. These alarming statistics underscore the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for competent legal representation for victims.

Washington State & Seattle City Pedestrians Laws

In Washington, both pedestrians and drivers have responsibilities under the law. As per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.61.235), drivers are required to stop and yield to people who are crossing in a marked crosswalk.

Characteristics of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can be particularly severe as pedestrians have limited protection against motor vehicles. These accidents can happen anywhere but are most common in urban areas and busy streets. The injuries suffered can vary from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries like fractures, brain injuries, and in the worst cases, can result in death.

Common Causes of Washington Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen due to an array of factors. Some of the most common causes are as follows:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, including texting or using a mobile device while driving, is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are not fully attentive to the road pose a significant risk to pedestrians. Distracted driving can involve anything from using a GPS to adjusting the radio, eating, or conversing with passengers. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a life-altering accident for an unsuspecting pedestrian.

Efforts to curtail this dangerous behavior include strict laws and regulations, but the responsibility ultimately lies with drivers to ensure they maintain focus on the road at all times. As such, when a pedestrian accident occurs due to distracted driving, the distracted driver can be held legally liable for the damages they cause.

Speeding

Speeding reduces a driver’s control over their vehicle and the time they have to react to pedestrians. It is a major contributor to pedestrian accidents, often leading to more serious injuries or fatalities. The greater the velocity, the stronger the collision and, consequently, the more severe the potential injuries.

Speeding near schools, parks, residential neighborhoods, and other areas with high pedestrian traffic is particularly dangerous and irresponsible. Importantly, drivers who speed and cause accidents may face both criminal and civil consequences.

In a civil claim for a pedestrian accident, evidence of speeding can be crucial in proving the driver’s negligence and liability for the victim’s injuries.

Failure To Yield

Drivers who do not give right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections can cause severe accidents. Under Washington law, drivers are required to stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. These laws are designed to protect pedestrians, who are significantly more vulnerable than motorists. Despite these laws, failure to yield remains a pervasive problem.

Drivers may fail to yield because they’re in a hurry, distracted, or simply disregard traffic laws. When this happens, pedestrians are put at serious risk. If an accident occurs due to a driver’s failure to yield, they can be held legally responsible for the pedestrian’s injuries and other damages.

Types of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can take various forms, each with its unique circumstances and implications. The details surrounding these accidents often dictate the course of the subsequent legal proceedings and play a significant role in formulating a solid pedestrian accident claim. A few of the most common types of pedestrian accidents include:

• Hit and Run Accidents: These are incidents in which the driver departs the scene without stopping to help the injured pedestrian or report the accident. Hit-and-run accidents present additional legal complexities as efforts are made to identify and locate the offending driver.
• Crosswalk Accidents: Crosswalk accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, as required by law. Often, liability in these cases is relatively clear-cut, as crosswalks are designated zones for pedestrian crossing.
• Intersection Accidents: These accidents happen when drivers neglect to observe or respect traffic signals or fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at intersections. Such cases often involve determining whether the pedestrian or motorist had the right of way.
• Backing-Up Accidents: Accidents caused by vehicles backing up often occur in parking lots or driveways. Here, the primary legal question often centers on whether the driver was negligent in failing to observe their surroundings while backing up.
• Turning Vehicle Accidents: These accidents usually occur when a vehicle is making a turn at an intersection and strikes a pedestrian crossing the street. These cases often hinge on whether the driver had sufficient opportunity to observe the pedestrian and react appropriately.
• Distracted Driving Accidents: This category includes accidents caused by drivers who are texting, eating, using a GPS, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road. Establishing the driver’s distraction often becomes a key point in proving negligence in these situations.

Every pedestrian accident is unique, and understanding the specific details is crucial for the legal approach taken by a pedestrian accident lawyer. Regardless of the type of accident, it is vital to consult with a qualified legal professional to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are taking the right steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries in Washington Pedestrian Accident Claims

The nature of pedestrian accidents often leads to severe injuries due to the considerable size and weight disparity between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. The kind of injury can significantly impact the victim’s life, the cost of medical care, and ultimately the amount of potential compensation in a personal injury claim. A few common injuries that occur in pedestrian accidents include:

• Broken Bones: Pedestrians can suffer broken bones in various parts of the body, especially in high-speed accidents. Fractured limbs, ribs, or pelvic bones are frequent and can lead to extended hospital stays, surgeries, and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs can occur when the pedestrian’s head hits the vehicle or the pavement. These can vary from mild concussions to serious brain damage, potentially causing cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and other long-term or permanent disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injury to the spinal cord can result from the force of the impact in a pedestrian accident. These are among the most serious injuries, as they may lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care and assistance.
• Internal Bleeding: The force exerted on the pedestrian’s body during an accident can lead to internal injuries and bleeding. Such injuries can be life-threatening if not promptly treated and may require emergency surgical intervention.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. While they may seem less severe than other injuries, they can result in persistent pain and mobility issues and may require physical therapy and other treatments.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can lead to significant psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Each injury has its unique set of challenges and requires a thorough understanding of the medical implications and the impact on the victim’s life. This comprehensive knowledge helps to ensure the compensation sought accurately reflects the full extent of the victim’s injuries and the impact on their life.

What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Washington

If you suffer a pedestrian accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the accident to law enforcement, collect contact and insurance information from the driver, and gather evidence from the scene, such as photos or videos.

Contacting a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible is important to protect your rights.

Washington’s Contributory Negligence Law

Washington uses a standard called comparative negligence, as per RCW 4.22.005. You can still recover damages if you are found partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be diminished proportionately by the percentage of your fault.

Common Parties With Legal Liability for Pedestrian Accidents

Depending on the circumstances, legal liability for pedestrian accidents can fall on various parties. This can include drivers and pedestrians if they were negligent, the entity responsible for maintaining the roadway or crosswalk, or the manufacturer of a faulty vehicle or vehicle part.

Statute of Limitations on a Long Beach Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim

In Washington, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is three years from the date of the accident as per RCW 4.16.080. Therefore, acting promptly and consulting with a lawyer is essential to preserve your right to compensation.

Damages You Can Recover From Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Victims of pedestrian accidents in Washington may be entitled to various types of damages:

Economic Damages

These are the quantifiable losses resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses, missed income, and loss of earning capacity. If you have a receipt for something pertaining to the accident, save it, as it could be used to justify your settlement.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages pertain to compensation for non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering, emotional torment, and loss of enjoyment of life. While these expenses may be harder to calculate, they are still very important, and we can help you pursue your claim.

Start Working With Our Washington Pedestrian Accident Attorney at Bungay Law Today

At Bungay Law, we believe no one should suffer due to someone else’s negligence. Our pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to helping you get through this difficult time and securing the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian accidents occur when people least expect them, and we have helped countless pedestrian accident victims pursue pedestrian accident lawsuits. Now, we can review your pedestrian accident case to see if we can file a claim on your behalf. 

Contact us today to start working on your case. We are here to help you when you need it the most.