View Location Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of individuals on foot when colliding with vehicles. Seeking immediate medical attention and legal representation after a pedestrian accident is crucial. Pedestrian accident lawyers can assist in building a strong personal injury case to pursue the compensation you need for your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, consult with our reputable Lake Stevens pedestrian accident lawyer from the Snohomish County Injury Attorney. Get a free consultation with our attorneys by calling (360) 965-8251. The free consultation allows you to discuss the details of your case and explore your legal options without any initial financial commitment. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorney, Kelby J. Derenick, can help you navigate the legal process, determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian Accident Causes
Pedestrian accidents can occur for various reasons, and understanding the common causes is important for promoting pedestrian safety. Some of the most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Impaired Driving
- Left and Right Turns
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
- Poor Visibility
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving
- Jaywalking and Pedestrian Negligence
- Lack of Driver and Pedestrian Awareness
- Inattentive or Impaired Pedestrians
Promoting pedestrian safety and preventing accidents involves a combination of responsible driving and responsible pedestrian behavior. Drivers should always watch for pedestrians, obey traffic laws, and exercise caution, especially in high-traffic areas. Pedestrians should use designated crosswalks, pay attention to traffic, and avoid distractions when walking near roadways.
Compensation After Pedestrian Accident
Compensation for injuries and losses resulting from a pedestrian accident can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, the extent of the injuries, and the applicable laws in your jurisdiction. Pedestrians who are injured in accidents caused by the negligence of others may be entitled to seek various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the accident, including ambulance fees, hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery costs, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Pain and Suffering: These non-economic damages encompass the physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress resulting from the accident and injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working and result in lost income, you can seek compensation for your past and future lost earnings, including bonuses and benefits.
- Property Damage: This covers the repair or replacement of personal property damaged in the accident, such as clothing, electronic devices, or personal belongings.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation may be available for any permanent scarring, disfigurement, or physical deformity resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: You may be entitled to damages for losing the ability to participate in activities or hobbies you enjoyed before the accident.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases involving fatal pedestrian accidents, surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering resulting from the loss of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
To pursue compensation, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney at the Snohomish County Injury Attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents. Our attorney, Kelby J. Derenick, can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights. We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve. Promptly documenting your injuries and losses and seeking legal representation can be critical in protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive fair compensation after a pedestrian accident.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, often more severe due to the vulnerability of individuals on foot when struck by vehicles. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Lacerations and Contusions
- Facial Injuries
- Amputations
- Disfigurement and Scarring
- Burn Injuries
Pedestrians must be vigilant and follow safety rules, such as using crosswalks and obeying traffic signals. Drivers also play a significant role in pedestrian safety by being attentive, obeying traffic laws, and yielding the right of way to pedestrians. In a pedestrian accident, seeking immediate medical attention is essential, even if injuries appear minor, as some injuries may have delayed symptoms. Consulting with our pedestrian accident lawyer in Lake Stevens, who can be crucial in pursuing compensation for injuries and losses resulting from a pedestrian accident.
Washington Pedestrian Accident Laws
Pedestrian accident laws in Washington State are designed to protect the rights and safety of pedestrians and provide a legal framework for handling accidents involving pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Washington, it’s essential to be aware of the relevant laws and regulations:
- Right of Way: Washington law grants pedestrians the right of way in various situations. Drivers are generally required to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks, unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and intersections without traffic signals.
- Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks: In Washington, a crosswalk exists at every intersection, whether marked or unmarked, unless otherwise indicated. Pedestrians have the right of way in these areas, and drivers must stop to allow them to cross safely.
- Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and cross the road only when the signal indicates safety. Drivers must also obey traffic signals, including red lights and pedestrian “walk” and “don’t walk” signals.
- Pedestrian Responsibilities: While pedestrians have the right of way in many situations, they also have responsibilities. They must not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and enter the path of a vehicle so close the driver can’t stop safely.
- Sidewalks and Roadways: Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available. When sidewalks are unavailable, they should walk on the left side of the road or the shoulder, facing traffic.
- Crossing Outside of Crosswalks: Pedestrians crossing the road outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield the right of way to vehicles. However, drivers must still exercise due care and avoid colliding with pedestrians.
- Pedestrian Signals: In areas with pedestrian signals, pedestrians should only cross when the “walk” signal is illuminated and should not enter the road when the “don’t walk” or “flashing don’t walk” signal is displayed.
- Driver Duties: Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. They should be especially cautious when entering crosswalks and intersections where pedestrians may be present.
- Distracted Driving: Using a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal in Washington, and distracted driving can result in accidents involving pedestrians. Drivers should not engage in activities that divert their attention from the road.
- Alcohol and Drug Impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Washington. Impaired driving can lead to accidents involving pedestrians.
- Hit and Run: Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal. Drivers involved in a pedestrian accident must stop and inform the injured pedestrian and law enforcement.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Washington and are seeking legal recourse, it’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, determine liability, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses under Washington State laws and regulations.
Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been involved in a severe pedestrian accident, it’s essential to take prompt action to protect your rights and ensure you meet any deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. Consulting with our pedestrian accident attorney in Lake Stevens at the Snohomish County Injury Attorney, specializing in pedestrian accidents, can be a crucial step in this process. Call (360) 965-8251 to contact our attorneys, who can provide guidance and representation during this challenging time.
