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(253) 272-5226Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere—even when you’re crossing legally at a crosswalk. The injuries from these accidents are often severe and sometimes fatal. If you or a family member has been a victim, understanding your legal rights is an important first step. How can you hold the driver responsible?
As personal injury lawyers, we want to provide you with some general information about pedestrian accidents and the laws that protect you. Remember, you can reach out to our team anytime for a free, no-obligation consultation to see if we can help.
Drivers and pedestrians alike are responsible for following Washington State laws when using the roads. When everyone adheres to these rules, it creates predictability—and predictability reduces the likelihood of collisions.
Here’s what Washington State law says:
These laws recognize that pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users and aim to ensure their safety.
When you or a loved one is struck at a crosswalk, one of the first questions is: Who’s at fault? While it’s often the driver, other parties could also share responsibility. Determining who’s to blame is critical because they’re the ones who may be financially responsible for your damages.
Let’s break it down:
Drivers are frequently at fault in pedestrian accidents, especially when the pedestrian was crossing at a crosswalk. A driver might fail to pay attention, ignore the right-of-way, or be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any of these actions can lead to a collision.
In some cases, the pedestrian may share some responsibility. For example, a pedestrian might not use an available crosswalk. Or perhaps they dart into the street unexpectedly while intoxicated. These behaviors can make it nearly impossible for a driver to react in time to avoid an accident.
Sometimes, a property owner—such as a city or municipality—may be partly to blame. For example, a poorly maintained or hazardous crosswalk might prevent a pedestrian from crossing safely. However, cases against property owners can be challenging and often require the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
A pedestrian accident could be solely the fault of a reckless driver, or it could involve shared blame—perhaps between the driver and the pedestrian. The good news for victims in Washington State is that even if you’re partially at fault, you may still be eligible to seek compensation.
No one ever expects to be injured in an accident, but when it happens, the effects can be devastating. Pedestrian accidents often result in especially severe injuries because pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a vehicle.
The costs associated with these accidents can add up quickly, including:
But the expenses don’t stop there. Beyond medical bills and missed work, a pedestrian accident can disrupt your life in countless ways. While we often hear about “pain and suffering,” the impact goes much deeper. An accident can completely upend your daily routine, your goals, and even your sense of fairness.
If you’ve been hit as a pedestrian, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. A settlement from this claim can help cover:
It’s common to feel tempted to accept the first offer the insurance company gives you—especially if bills are piling up and you just want to move on. But it’s important to understand that once you cash that check, you can’t ask for more later.
That’s why, in cases involving serious injuries, we strongly recommend working with an experienced injury lawyer. They can negotiate on your behalf to ensure the settlement is fair and covers everything you need. Here are some key factors they’ll consider:
Remember, there’s no risk in reaching out to our office. Even if you’ve already received a settlement offer, give us a call. We’ll review it and let you know if we think it’s fair.
Hit-and-run accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. If you’ve been struck by a driver who fled the scene, you might wonder what your options are.
First, check if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. This type of coverage can allow you to file a claim with your own insurance company to help cover your expenses. UM coverage is especially valuable if the police later identify the driver and discover they don’t have insurance.
For more details on how uninsured motorist coverage works—and why we recommend every driver carry it—be sure to check out our dedicated post on this topic.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference. At Ladenburg Law, we’ve helped victims secure the compensation they deserve while navigating the complexities of the legal process. Your consultation is always free, so don’t hesitate—contact us today to see how we can assist you.