Seattle Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian Laws in Washington State and How They Affect Accident Claims

Drivers and pedestrians alike share the responsibility of following traffic laws that promote safety for everyone on the road. If pedestrians disregard these safety rules, the consequences could extend beyond physical harm. 

In the state of Washington, pedestrians must:

• Obey traffic signals
• Use sidewalks when they are available
• Walk on the left side of the road (or its shoulder), facing traffic, if no sidewalk is available
• Yield to vehicles when crossing the road anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk
• Not step into traffic without warning, giving a driver little to no time to stop

Notably, almost all intersections in Washington State are considered crosswalks, even if they are unmarked. Exceptions include between adjacent intersections with traffic signals and places where an official sign forbids crossing.

If a pedestrian’s violation of one or more of these traffic laws contributed to a collision with a vehicle, the court may find the pedestrian partially responsible, which will impact how much compensation they can recover. The state of Washington follows a pure comparative negligence system, which assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident, including pedestrian collisions. An injured pedestrian’s total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault they are assigned. For example, if an injured pedestrian’s damages total $100,000 and they are found to be 35% responsible for the accident, they would only recover $65,000.

At Bishop Legal, we can fight to maximize what you recover, even if you think you may have been partially to blame for a pedestrian accident. If you aren’t sure whether you have a strong claim, we encourage you to get in touch with our team. We can answer your questions, evaluate what happened, and advise you of your options for recovering compensation.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries 

Unlike drivers or passengers in vehicles, pedestrians lack the protective barriers of metal frames, airbags, or safety belts. This leaves them completely exposed to the full force of impact during an accident. The consequences of these collisions can be catastrophic, as the human body is simply not equipped to withstand the speed and weight of a moving vehicle.

Our Seattle pedestrian accident lawyers are prepared to represent victims who have suffered many types of serious injuries, including:

• Brain injuries. Head injuries ranging from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often occur due to the sheer force with which a pedestrian’s head collides with hard surfaces during the impact. When a pedestrian strikes the windshield, hood, or ground during a collision, the impact can cause severe trauma to the skull and brain. Symptoms may include dizziness, memory loss, cognitive impairments, and in severe cases, long-term disabilities or comas. 
• Spinal cord injuries. These injuries can occur if a pedestrian is struck in a way that twists, compresses, or fractures the spinal column. Depending on the severity, spinal cord injuries may lead to partial or full paralysis, mobility challenges, or sensory loss. Recovery from these injuries often involves extensive rehabilitation, and many individuals face lifelong effects or limited bodily function as a result.
• Fractures and broken bones. Collisions often cause pedestrians to suffer from broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis. This can happen when the impact forces the body into unnatural positions or as a result of the pedestrian being thrown to the ground. The pain and recovery time associated with fractures can be significant, requiring surgeries or physical therapy in many cases.
• Internal injuries. Internal injuries are not always immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Pedestrian accidents may cause internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs. These injuries often result from the blunt force of a vehicle striking the body or from the pedestrian being thrown against other surfaces. Pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing after such accidents may indicate internal injuries that require urgent medical attention.
• Soft tissue injuries. These injuries often result from the body’s abrupt movement or direct blows during a collision. Sprains, strains, or tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons can severely limit mobility and cause chronic pain if not addressed properly.