Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Key Takeaways:

• Recent statistics indicate pedestrian fatalities in Washington are on the rise, with the number of deaths more than doubling from a decade ago.
• Pedestrians injured due to a negligent driver are entitled to pursue compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses they endure.
• Many pedestrian accident victims find hiring a knowledgeable and experienced attorney to advocate for them helps in the aftermath of an accident when dealing with injury and insurance companies.
• Asking key questions can help you determine the best course of action to take after a pedestrian accident occurs.
• Working with an attorney, such as McPartland Law Offices, can assist you with building a strong case against a negligent driver to obtain compensation to cover your injuries.

You are shopping downtown when suddenly the unexpected happens. A car suddenly lunges forward, striking you and causing you to suffer a personal injury. The collision might be due to inattention, or perhaps the motorist was speeding, using their phone, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Any of these — or other dangerous actions — suggests negligence, recklessness, or carelessness. Or a combination of all three.

Pedestrians are at risk every day. Washington legislation RCW 46.61.529 categorizes pedestrians as vulnerable users of public ways. Even though walkers often have the right of way, distracted and reckless driving leads to serious injuries, changing the course of your life. An accident doesn’t just impact you but also your entire family.

Why Clients Choose McPartland Law Offices For Pedestrian Injuries

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to make decisions or know the right steps to take. Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer can help relieve some of the burden, helping you to get compensation to pay for your bills and representing you when speaking to insurance companies.

Clients turn to McPartland Law Offices because our office prides itself on delivering quality representation and customer service. Our attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf and support you through this difficult time. Since our founding in 2012, our law firm has numerous success stories, recovering more than $50 million for our clients.

Testimonials

“Excellent all the way around! I am very appreciative of what Bryce did for me and my family.” — Scott S.

“McPartland Law Office is great! Everyone will work tirelessly to help you & accomplish whatever needs to be done! I highly recommend using McPartland Law.” — Margaret S.

“Excellent service. Best attorney in town.” — Kyle S.

Can I File a Claim if I Was Hit by a Car While Jaywalking?

You can still file a claim, even if you were jaywalking. Even if the pedestrian is outside of the crosswalk at the time of the crash, the driver may still be liable. Motorists are not allowed to endanger pedestrians, even if they are not within the crosswalk. There are times when pedestrians must cross a street outside the confines of a crosswalk, especially since not all intersections have them. Unmarked crosswalks offer pedestrians protection, just like marked crosswalks do.

Washington is a pure comparative fault state. Regardless of the degree of fault, so long as the pedestrian’s share of the accident’s fault isn’t 100%, the injured person may have a case.

How is a Pedestrian Accident Claim Handled Differently Than a Car Accident Claim?

Pedestrian accidents tend to be challenged harder by insurance companies. This is because there is usually a bigger dispute over what each party was doing at the time of the incident. It’s common to hear allegations that the pedestrian did something a driver was not anticipating or that the pedestrian wasn’t where they were supposed to be when they were hit.

Also, important to remember is that pedestrians have far less protection than persons injured in motor vehicle crashes, so the injuries tend to be far more severe. This can make the entire process more difficult for the victim and create complications in proving what happened if witnesses are unavailable or unwilling to assist.

Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents in Washington State

Pedestrian accidents are often traumatic because they lead to serious injury. Walking alongside or crossing a road does not provide a person with the same protective elements as motorists. Fatality statistics in Washington State are generally on the rise, suggesting a frightening trend.

• Traffic accidents increased in Washington State during 2020 and continued to worsen in 2021 and 2022.
• Pedestrian deaths have been at historic highs in recent years, according to the Washington Safety Commission in February 2024.
• Ten years ago, in 2013, there were 50 pedestrian deaths in Washington State.
• Pedestrian fatalities in Washington jumped from 110 in 2020 to 145 in 2021.
• The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that 136 pedestrians died in 2022.
• Almost half of pedestrians (and bicyclists) are killed or seriously injured when it’s dark outside.

As accidents increase, so does the number of injuries, many of which are serious and life-altering. Additionally, each year, thousands of pedestrians suffer permanent or debilitating injuries.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Pedestrian Accident in Washington State

Pedestrians suffering injury or family members experiencing the wrongful death of a loved one are usually left dealing with indescribable pain and suffering. Accident victims don’t have to absorb the high costs of their injuries. They can file to obtain compensation to help pay for expenses and other losses, including:

• Current medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Lost income
• Loss of future wages/reduction of earning capacity
• Lower quality of life
• Loss of consortium

This list of damages isn’t comprehensive but provides examples of compensation victims can receive. Legal representation can help you protect your right to compensation for any accident-related losses to your life and livelihood.

Determining Liability With a Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents can cause long-term severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, deep lacerations, and disfigurement. To prove that you deserve compensation due to the driver’s negligence, your attorney will seek to prove that the driver who caused the accident was negligent and that their negligence led to your injuries, you can be compensated for your losses.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Failing to stop before turning red is one of the most common causes of pedestrian collisions. This simple mistake can leave you with a head or spinal cord injury and broken bones. Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Making an illegal traffic move
• Driving distracted
• Failing to yield to pedestrians
• Driving over the speed limit
• Running through traffic signals

These actions on the driver’s part constitute negligence. If the driver who caused your accident was negligent in any way, your personal injury lawyer will present evidence to prove this negligence and how much you are owed as a result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Washington

Clients often ask their personal injury lawyers common questions regarding pedestrian accidents. In this section, we’ll provide answers to these frequently asked questions.

What is It Like to Be Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian?

Being hit by a car when in a crosswalk, parking lot, intersection, or anywhere else is a terrifying experience. An accident victim answering a Quora question writes:

“When I was 14, I was rushing to catch a connecting bus to school on the other side of a main road. I stepped out on the road and then I was lying on the road some distance away feeling stunned and sore with cars slowing down around me. I got up and staggered into the central nature strip and lay down. Then there were people around me and there was an extreme pain in my right leg that was far, far worse than anything I’d ever felt before. I started screaming and crying and then an ambulance arrived.”

Even if you don’t feel any pain, it’s always vital to visit the ER to obtain medical attention immediately. If you don’t go to the ER, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible for an evaluation and, if necessary, treatment.

Many common injuries are “hidden” yet serious. They may not show symptoms until days, weeks, or even months after the accident.

How Can a Lawyer Help After Someone Has Been Hit as a Pedestrian?

An attorney can help a pedestrian accident victim in many ways, including but not limited to:

• Investigating the causes of pedestrian accidents
• Identifying the negligent party
• Gathering evidence, including police reports, medical reports, and eye-witness accounts
• Assembling a case to present to the insurance company
• Advocating for the victim and working in their best interests
• Handling the heavy lifting of a claim so you can focus on getting medical care and healing

Most personal injury attorneys provide an initial free consultation. Injury lawyers also typically work on contingency, meaning you don’t have to pay any fees until you receive a settlement. If you work with McPartland Law Offices, if you don’t get paid, we won’t either.

What is the Statute Of Limitations On A Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit In Washington State?

According to Washington State law, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for an injury. In some cases, the law allows exceptions and this deadline is extended. Speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can determine if an extension is applicable to your specific claim.

Should I Hire a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Near Me?

Yes, injured pedestrians should hire a lawyer in their local area. They are familiar with the court system, judges, and local laws. McPartland Law Offices conveniently has locations in Spokane and Moses Lake, Washington. Call our law firm to discuss the pedestrian laws in your area and your legal options moving forward.

Start Building Your Pedestrian Accident Case With McPartland Law Offices

Suffering a pedestrian accident is a terrifying event. It’s not a situation most people want to handle on their own. McPartland Law Offices is highly experienced in pedestrian accidents and other personal injury claims.

Talk to our Washington personal injury attorneys to learn more about the laws governing pedestrian accidents. We’ll work closely with you to determine your options, help build a case, and help you receive the compensation you need.

We’ll take on the overwhelming tasks, such as dealing with insurance companies, negotiating the claims process, and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit. Your experienced pedestrian accident attorney will fight to get you the maximum compensation.

Our firm is dedicated to helping injury victims in Moses Lake, Spokane, and the surrounding areas receive the compensation they deserve. Call us today to schedule a free case review at 509-495-1247. If you prefer, fill out our online contact form, and our law firm will call you.