View Location Pedestrian accidents can be particularly devastating, as pedestrians are vulnerable to severe injuries when involved in collisions with motor vehicles. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in a car accident, seeking the assistance of an experienced Bothell pedestrian accident lawyer is essential to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need for your recovery.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance from our pedestrian accident lawyer in Bothell at the Snohomish County Injury Attorney. Promptly contacting our pedestrian accident lawyer will help you protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and work towards securing the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Washington
Pedestrian accidents in Washington, like in many other places, can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Washington and other urban areas include:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, using a smartphone, adjusting the radio, or engaged in other distractions may not see pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians, particularly at crosswalks and intersections, can lead to accidents. Pedestrians typically have the right of way in marked crosswalks and at intersections, but not all drivers adhere to this rule.
- Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of pedestrian accidents. Excessive speed can make it difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment can impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it more likely for them to be involved in accidents with pedestrians.
- Poor Visibility: Low visibility conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or darkness, can make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see each other. This increases the risk of accidents.
- Running Red Lights: Drivers who run red lights and enter intersections while pedestrians have the right of way can cause collisions with pedestrians who are crossing.
- Alley and Parking Lot Accidents: Pedestrian accidents can occur in alleys and parking lots when drivers are not attentive to pedestrians walking in these areas.
- Construction Zones: Construction zones may alter pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns, increasing the risk of accidents.
To reduce pedestrian accidents, drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution, follow traffic laws, and remain attentive to their surroundings. Promoting pedestrian safety and awareness is essential to prevent these types of accidents and protect the well-being of individuals on foot.Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Safety should be a top priority for pedestrians, especially when navigating streets and roadways alongside motor vehicles. Here are some essential safety tips for pedestrians to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries:
- Use Designated Crosswalks
- Obey Traffic Signals and Signs
- Look Both Ways
- Make Eye Contact
- Stay Visible
- Walk Facing Traffic
- Avoid Distractions
- Stay on the Sidewalk
- Watch for Turning Vehicles
- Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
- Follow Local Laws
Remember that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers. By following these safety tips, pedestrians can reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to safer roadways. However, it’s also essential for drivers to remain vigilant and respect the rights of pedestrians to ensure everyone’s safety.
Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. The most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Facial Injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful Death
The severity of these injuries can vary widely, with some pedestrians experiencing minor injuries while others may face lifelong disabilities or chronic pain. Pedestrian accident victims must seek immediate medical attention to assess and treat their injuries. Additionally, consulting with our Bothell personal injury attorney at the Snohomish County Injury Attorney can help victims pursue compensation to cover medical expenses and other losses resulting from the accident.
Pedestrian Accident Compensation
Pedestrian accident compensation typically covers economic and non-economic damages, which aim to provide financial relief for the various losses and suffering experienced by the victim. Here’s an explanation of economic and non-economic damages in the context of pedestrian accidents:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Economic damages include the cost of medical treatment related to the accident. This can encompass expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, doctor’s visits, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income is a crucial part of economic damages. If the accident prevents the pedestrian from working, the compensation covers the wages they would have earned, including any sick leave or vacation days used during recovery.
- Future Earnings: In severe injuries that lead to a permanent disability or affect the victim’s earning capacity, compensation may include estimated future lost earnings.
- Property Damage: Economic damages encompass the cost of repairing or replacing personal property, such as clothing, electronics, or any belongings damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages address the physical and emotional pain and suffering of the accident. This category may include compensation for physical discomfort, mental anguish, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life.
- Permanent Disability: If the accident leads to a permanent disability, compensation may account for the long-term challenges and impacts on the victim’s daily life, such as mobility issues or the need for ongoing care.
- Loss of Consortium: This category covers the effect of the pedestrian’s injuries on their relationships with loved ones, such as a spouse’s loss of companionship, care, and support.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation may be awarded for any visible scars or disfigurement resulting from the accident or related surgeries, which can impact self-esteem and psychological well-being.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Non-economic damages can encompass the loss of the ability to enjoy hobbies, recreational activities, or other aspects of life that the victim once cherished.
- Post-Traumatic Stress: In cases involving emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the accident, compensation may be available to address these psychological effects.
The specific amount of compensation for economic and non-economic damages in a pedestrian accident case depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and the laws in the jurisdiction. Our experienced personal injury attorney in Bothell at the Snohomish County Injury Attorney can help assess the case’s value and work to secure the maximum compensation available to address the full extent of the victim’s injuries, losses, and suffering.
Proving Liability in Pedestrian Accident
Liability in a pedestrian accident refers to the legal responsibility of one or more parties for the accident and the resulting injuries and damages. Determining liability in a pedestrian accident is essential for pursuing compensation for the injured pedestrian. Liability may be attributed to one or more of the following parties:
- Driver of the Motor Vehicle: In many pedestrian accidents involving vehicles, the driver of the motor vehicle is the at-fault party. Liability may be established if the driver was negligent or reckless, such as by failing to yield the right of way, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or being distracted by a cell phone.
- Pedestrian: In some cases, the pedestrian may bear some responsibility for the accident. For example, if the pedestrian ignored traffic signals or jaywalked in a manner that contributed to the accident, their actions may be considered negligent.
- Third Parties: Liability can also extend to other parties in some cases. For example, if a vehicle’s brakes fail due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may share liability for the accident.
- Government Entities: If the accident was caused by a hazardous road condition or a malfunctioning traffic signal, the government agency responsible for road maintenance and traffic control may be liable for their negligence in maintaining safe road conditions.
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex, and it often requires a thorough investigation, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and sometimes consulting accident reconstruction experts. In many cases, liability is shared among multiple parties, which can affect the allocation of responsibility and compensation.
The injured pedestrian needs to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney from the Snohomish County Injury Attorney who can assess the facts of the case, identify the at-fault parties, and help pursue a legal claim to seek compensation for the injuries and damages resulting from the accident. Legal representation can ensure that the victim’s rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their losses.
Statute of Limitations on Pedestrian Accidents in Washington
In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including cases related to pedestrian accidents, is generally three years from the accident date. This means that you have three years from the date of the pedestrian accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your legal right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
It’s essential to be aware of the statute of limitations and to take prompt action if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Washington. Initiating legal proceedings within the specified time frame allows you to protect your rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Remember that there may be exceptions or variations in the statute of limitations based on the specific circumstances of your case, so it’s advisable to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Washington who provides guidance and helps ensure that your case is filed within the appropriate time limits, allowing you to seek the compensation you deserve for your pedestrian accident injuries.
Get a FREE CONSULTATION Today If You Got Injured in Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Bothell or anywhere else in Washington, it’s crucial to schedule a free initial consultation and discuss the specifics of your pedestrian accident case. Contact the Snohomish County Injury Attorney at (360) 965-8251 for a free consultation with one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Bothell. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand your legal options and work toward obtaining the compensation you need for your injuries and losses.
