View Location Pedestrian accidents can indeed occur for various reasons, like driver distraction, such as texting or not paying full attention to the road, which is a significant factor contributing to pedestrian accidents. In busy urban areas, pedestrians are often vulnerable when crossing streets or walking along roadways, and drivers must exercise caution. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, contact our Lynnwood pedestrian accident attorney at the Snohomish County Injury Attorney to understand your legal rights and options. Call our attorneys at (360) 965-8251 to investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and work to hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence.
Some Common Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving various factors. Some common reasons for pedestrian accidents include:
- Driver Negligence: Driver negligence is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. This can include distracted driving (such as texting or using a phone), speeding, running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Pedestrian Negligence: Pedestrians may also contribute to accidents by jaywalking, crossing streets outside of crosswalks, ignoring traffic signals and signs, or failing to exercise caution when walking near roadways.
- Distracted Pedestrians: Just as distracted driving can be dangerous, distracted walking can lead to accidents. Pedestrians focused on their phones, headphones, or other distractions may not be aware of their surroundings or oncoming traffic.
- Poor Visibility: Reduced visibility due to adverse weather conditions, low lighting, or obstructed views can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians, and pedestrians may not see oncoming vehicles.
- Intoxication: Both drivers and pedestrians who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have impaired judgment and coordination, leading to accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors, such as road rage or aggressive passing, can put pedestrians at risk.
- Elderly Pedestrians: Elderly individuals may be more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents due to reduced mobility, slower walking speeds, and impaired hearing or vision.
To reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents, drivers and pedestrians must exercise caution, obey traffic laws, and remain vigilant in various conditions. Safety measures, such as designated crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and education campaigns, can also play a role in preventing these accidents.
Steps to Take After Injured in Pedestrian Accident
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to take specific steps to protect your well-being and your legal rights. Here are the crucial steps to follow:
- Seek Medical Attention
- Contact Law Enforcement
- Gather Information
- Preserve Evidence
- Do Not Admit Fault
- Notify Insurance Companies
- Document Your Injuries
- Follow Medical Advice
- Stay Off Social Media
Remember that consulting with our pedestrian accident attorney in Lynnwood early in the process can be especially beneficial, as we can guide you through the steps necessary to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve after a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian Accident Statute of Limitations in Washington
In Washington state, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including pedestrian accident claims, is generally three years. This means that you typically have three years from the date of the pedestrian accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and losses. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue a claim.
The specific deadlines and rules regarding personal injury claims can vary based on the unique circumstances of your case. Consulting with our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Washington is advisable to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations. Our attorney, Kelby J. Derenick, can provide guidance, assess the details of your case, and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries through Motor Vehicles Crash
Pedestrian accident injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes can vary in severity, depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and whether safety precautions were taken. Common injuries suffered by pedestrians in motor vehicle accidents include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Amputations
- Fatalities
Pedestrians must exercise caution when crossing streets and walking near roadways, and drivers must be attentive and follow traffic laws to reduce the risk of these accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention and consider consulting with a crosswalk accident lawyer to understand your rights and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Prove Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents
Determining who is negligent in a pedestrian accident involves carefully analyzing the incident’s circumstances. Liability in pedestrian accidents is generally based on negligence, and it’s essential to establish who breached their duty of care, leading to the accident. Here are some critical considerations for determining negligence in a pedestrian accident:
- Driver’s Duty of Care: Drivers have a duty of care to exercise reasonable caution while operating their vehicles and to follow traffic laws to protect the safety of pedestrians. This includes obeying speed limits, yielding the right-of-way at crosswalks, and refraining from distractions like texting or phone use.
- Pedestrian’s Duty of Care: Pedestrians also must exercise reasonable care for their safety. They should obey traffic signals and crosswalks, avoid jaywalking, and use sidewalks when available. Failure to do so can impact a pedestrian’s contributory negligence.
- Driver’s Actions: To establish driver negligence, you must demonstrate that the driver breached their duty of care. This can involve showing that the driver was speeding, failed to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, ran a red light, or was distracted at the time of the accident.
- Pedestrian’s Actions: While pedestrians have the right of way in many situations, their actions can also contribute to accidents. If the pedestrian was jaywalking, crossing against the signal, or engaged in other dangerous behavior, it could impact the allocation of fault.
- Causation: You must establish a direct link between the driver’s breach of duty and the pedestrian’s injuries. This involves demonstrating that the driver’s actions directly caused the accident and the resulting harm to the pedestrian.
- Evidence: Collecting evidence such as eyewitness statements, police reports, surveillance footage, medical records, and expert testimony can be essential in determining negligence and proving liability.
It is important to note that negligence is not always clear-cut, and the determination of fault can be influenced by the specific circumstances of the accident and the laws in your jurisdiction. Comparative negligence is also a consideration, where the driver and pedestrian may share some fault. In such cases, the allocation of fault may impact the final compensation awarded.
To navigate the complexities of determining negligence in a pedestrian accident, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced Lynnwood, WA, pedestrian accident attorney who can assess the details of your case, gather evidence, and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Injured As a Pedestrian? Call Our Law Firm For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an accident, seeking the compensation you deserve is essential to help cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Lynnwood at the Snohomish County Injury Attorney, experienced in assisting accident victims, may provide the legal support and guidance you need to pursue your claim. Call the Snohomish County Injury Attorney at (360) 965-8251 for a free consultation to assess the details of your case, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to help you recover the damages you are entitled to.
