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Standing Up for Injured Pedestrians Across Washington State
Everyone is a pedestrian at some point in the day — walking to work or school, crossing a parking lot, or simply going for an evening stroll. When a driver fails to watch for people on foot, the consequences are rarely minor. A pedestrian has no seatbelt, no airbag, and no steel frame for protection, which is why vehicle-versus-pedestrian collisions so often result in severe or fatal injuries, even at low speeds.
If you or someone you love was struck by a vehicle anywhere in Washington State, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. A pedestrian accident lawyer can determine exactly what happened, hold the negligent driver accountable, and pursue the full compensation your family needs to move forward — medical care, lost income, and beyond.
What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Washington?
Most pedestrian collisions in Washington happen because a driver was not paying attention when it mattered most. Frequent causes include distracted driving, failing to yield at crosswalks — despite Washington law requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crossings — speeding through intersections and school zones, impaired driving, and backing up without checking for people behind the vehicle. Poor lighting and bad weather add to the danger, particularly during our long, dark winter months. Whatever the circumstances, a careful investigation can establish the driver’s negligence and support your claim.
What Damages Can I Claim from a Pedestrian Accident?
Injured pedestrians in Washington can pursue compensation for emergency and ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation and future care needs, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, and pain, suffering, and emotional distress. When a pedestrian is killed, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim. Washington’s pure comparative negligence rule means that even if an insurer argues you stepped out unexpectedly or were outside a crosswalk, you can still recover damages reduced only by your share of fault. Most claims must be filed within three years of the accident, so it is important to act promptly.
What Responsibilities Do Pedestrians Have Under Washington Law?
While drivers carry the greater duty of care, pedestrians in Washington also have responsibilities: obeying traffic signals, using sidewalks where they are provided, crossing at crosswalks when available, and never darting suddenly into the path of a vehicle. Insurance companies often seize on these rules to shift blame onto the injured person. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can push back with evidence — surveillance video, witness statements, and accident reconstruction — to show what really happened and keep the focus where it belongs: on the driver’s negligence.
What Should I Do if I Was Hit by a Driver While Walking in Washington?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel able to walk away — some serious injuries take hours or days to fully appear. Report the collision to police, gather the driver’s information, and photograph the scene if you can. Then talk with a lawyer before giving any statement to the driver’s insurance company.
We help injured pedestrians throughout Washington State, including Spokane, Yakima, Kennewick, and Wenatchee. Your consultation is free, and we handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency-fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to protect your rights.