Seattle Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles often suffer devastating injuries. The resulting medical bills and time away from work can be a significant financial burden on the victim and their family. Depending upon who had the right of way at the time of the collision, financial compensation may be available for the injured victim by filing a Seattle personal injury claim against a negligent driver.
Washington State Pedestrian Laws
Injured victims of Washington pedestrian accidents will have to prove that the motorist was at fault for the collision. Here are a few laws that may affect whether or not a pedestrian is able to pursue financial compensation following an accident:
- Right-of-way at intersections (46.61.235): Vehicles must stop at intersections for pedestrians crossing the road in a marked crosswalk or at an unmarked intersection.
- Obeying traffic signals (46.61.050): Pedestrians do not automatically have the right-of-way at intersections. All pedestrians must obey traffic signal devices and walk only when it is safe to do so.
- Right-of-way on sidewalks (46.61.261): Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on sidewalks when entering or exiting private driveways.
- Walking on roadways (46.61.250): Pedestrians must use sidewalks when there is one available. When there is no sidewalk, pedestrians must walk facing traffic on the far left side of the shoulder.
- Running into traffic (46.61.235): Drivers won’t be held liable for accidents involving a pedestrian running into traffic who does not give the driver a reasonable amount of time to avoid a collision.
- Crossing the road where there is no crosswalk (46.61.240): Pedestrians attempting to cross the roadway where there is no crosswalk or intersection must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming vehicles.
- Due care (46.61.245): Drivers must "exercise due care" to avoid a collision with a pedestrian.
Rights of Pedestrians
If the pedestrian is able to prove that they were not violating the law at the time of the accident and that the driver should have been able to reasonably avoid the collision, compensation may be available through civil litigation. A personal injury claim is a civil lawsuit that can be used to hold a negligent driver accountable for:
- Emergency room fees
- Future hospital expenses
- Cost of rehabilitative treatment and care
- Medical devices and medication
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
It is important while seeking damages to ask for the right amount of compensation. Accepting an inadequate settlement will negate all future opportunities to pursue financial compensation for the crash. It is important that you consult an experienced Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer before rushing into a settlement in order to ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
The skilled Seattle pedestrian accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast have years of experience successfully handling pedestrian accident cases in Washington. We know how to prove liability and how to hold at-fault motorists accountable for their actions. Please contact our law offices to obtain more information about your legal rights and options.
Pedestrian Injury Recoveries
- $162,500 recovery for pedestrian crosswalk accident in Kent.
- $150,000 recovery for jogger injured in Seattle.
