Pedestrian Critically Injured in Northgate Car Accident

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 27, 2014

A 42-year-old woman was critically injured in a Seattle car accident that remains under investigation. According to a report in the Seattle Press Intelligencer, the pedestrian accident occurred near Northeast 108th Street and Roosevelt Way Northeast in Northgate. Officials say the female pedestrian sustained life-threatening head injuries in the collision. The driver of the vehicle was not injured and remained at the crash site.

Whenever someone is seriously injured in a Seattle pedestrian accident, it is important for officials to conduct a detailed investigation. If the driver violated any of Washington’s right-of-way laws, then, he or she may be held accountable for the crash. Here are a few Washington traffic laws that may affect the outcome of a pedestrian investigation:

• RCW 46.61.235: Under this statute, vehicles must stop at intersections to allow pedestrians to cross the road in a crosswalk.
• RCW 46.61.050: All pedestrians must obey traffic control devices.
• RCW 46.61.261: All drivers and bicyclists are required to yield to pedestrians who are in crosswalks and on sidewalks.
• RCW 46.61.245: Pedestrians do not have the right of way when crossing outside of a crosswalk, but under this statute, drivers must exercise due care to avoid a collision.

It is common for pedestrian accidents to result from driver error. Drivers whose negligence contributes to an accident may be held accountable for the pedestrian’s injuries. Injured pedestrian accident victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, pain and suffering and permanent injuries. An experienced Seattle car accident attorney can help them better understand their legal rights and options.