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 can extend beyond physical harm. 

Key pedestrian rules in Washington that often come up in accident claims include:

• Obeying traffic signals at intersections and crosswalks.
• Using sidewalks when they are available along the roadway.
• Walking on the left side of the road or its shoulder, facing traffic, if there is no sidewalk.
• Yielding to vehicles when crossing the road anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• Avoiding suddenly stepping into traffic and 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 work to maximize what you recover, even if you think you may have been partially to blame for the accident.

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 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What If the Driver Who Hit Me Leaves the Scene?

If you are injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Seattle, your first priority should still be your health and safety. Seek medical care immediately and report the incident to law enforcement. The Seattle Police Department will investigate the hit-and-run, sometimes using its network of city cameras to gather potential clues or track down witnesses.

Even if the driver is never identified, you may still be eligible for compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or other available benefits. Washington law recognizes the rights of victims in these challenging situations, and a pedestrian accident attorney can review all possible recovery options while handling the communication with insurance providers and local authorities on your behalf. Reaching out to a pedestrian accident attorney in Seattle as soon as possible is key to protecting your options.

Do I Have a Claim If I Was Partially at Fault?

Many pedestrians fear they cannot pursue compensation if they believe they contributed to the accident, such as by crossing against a light or outside a marked crosswalk. However, Washington’s pure comparative negligence rules allow injured pedestrians to recover a portion of their damages, even when they are partially at fault. The total compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility as determined during the claims process or in court.

Our attorneys thoroughly analyze accident reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build a strong case and minimize any undue assignment of fault. Contact an attorney who can explain how these rules apply to your circumstances and help you take the right steps to protect your claim.

How Long Will My Pedestrian Accident Claim Take to Resolve?

The length of time it takes to resolve a pedestrian accident claim in Seattle depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, complexity of the facts, and willingness of insurance carriers to negotiate in good faith. Straightforward cases may resolve in a few months, but those requiring extensive investigation, litigation, or dealing with multiple insurance providers often take longer.

Our firm focuses on efficient and thorough case management, keeping clients informed about every step. No matter the timeline, we prioritize transparency, prompt communication, and actionable guidance to help ensure your interests are always front and center during your recovery process. When you work with an experienced Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer, you gain an advocate who stays by your side through every stage of the process.