Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian accidents are not like typical car accidents, where both parties have some level of protection, and because of that, the injuries involved are often significant, sometimes even life-altering. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Central Washington personal injury lawyers are here to help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC for a free consultation today so we can discuss the circumstances of your case and begin building a comprehensive strategy on your behalf.

Pedestrian Laws in Washington

When it comes to pedestrian accident claims, the law is not vague or open-ended. There are very specific rules in place that govern how drivers and pedestrians are expected to interact, and these rules are often what determine who is at fault after an accident. Some of the most important pedestrian laws in Washington State include the following:

• Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way in crosswalks: If you are crossing the street within a marked crosswalk, or even an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, drivers are required to stop and allow you to pass safely.
• Unmarked crosswalks are still legally recognized: Many people assume that if there are no painted lines, there is no crosswalk, though this is not the case. Intersections are typically treated as crosswalks, even without markings.
• Drivers must yield when turning at intersections: Whether a driver is turning left or right, they are still required to yield to pedestrians who are already crossing the roadway.
• It is illegal to pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk: If one car stops to allow a pedestrian to cross, another driver cannot simply go around that vehicle, which is something that unfortunately still happens far too often.
• Pedestrians must follow traffic signals: Just as drivers must obey traffic lights, pedestrians are also expected to follow “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals when they are present.
• Sidewalk use is expected when available: If there is a sidewalk, pedestrians should use it. If there is not, they are generally expected to walk along the edge of the roadway, often facing oncoming traffic.
• Drivers have a general duty to exercise care: Even outside of specific rules, drivers are expected to remain alert and take reasonable steps to avoid hitting pedestrians, especially in areas where foot traffic is common.
• Washington follows a comparative fault system: This means that even if a pedestrian is partially responsible for an accident, they may still be able to recover compensation, though it may be reduced based on their share of fault.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

In many situations, pedestrian accidents occur not because of anything the pedestrian did, but because a driver made a preventable mistake. When you begin to look at these incidents more closely, certain patterns tend to come up again and again. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Washington are as follows:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, adjusting their GPS, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road may not see a pedestrian until it is too late.
• Failure to yield at crosswalks: Even though the law is clear, drivers frequently fail to stop for pedestrians who have the right-of-way.
• Speeding: The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time a driver has to react, and the more severe the impact tends to be.
• Improper or rushed turns: Drivers often focus on other vehicles when making a turn and overlook pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs can significantly impair a driver’s ability to make safe decisions, which increases the risk of a collision.
• Ignoring traffic signals or signs: Running a red light or rolling through a stop sign can easily lead to a pedestrian being struck.
• Poor visibility conditions: Nighttime driving, bad weather, and poorly lit areas can all contribute to accidents, especially when drivers fail to adjust their behavior.
• Backing up without checking surroundings: Parking lots and driveways are common locations for these types of accidents, particularly when drivers are not paying close attention.
• Unsafe road design or maintenance issues: Faded crosswalks, obstructed views, and missing signage can all play a role in creating dangerous conditions.

What to Do if You’re Injured as a Pedestrian

After an accident, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, and in many cases, people are not thinking about legal claims in that moment. That being said, the steps you take early on can have a direct impact on your ability to recover compensation later. If you are injured as a pedestrian, you should consider doing the following:

1. Seek medical attention immediately
2. Contact law enforcement
3. Document the scene if you are able
4. Gather contact information
5. Be careful about what you say at the scene. Don’t apologize.
6. Follow through with medical treatment
7. Keep track of all related expenses
8. Speak with our pedestrian accident lawyers

Statute of Limitations in Washington

One of the most important things to understand about any personal injury claim is that there is a deadline to file it. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for most pedestrian accident claims is three years from the date of the accident. This may sound like a long time, though in reality, it can pass more quickly than expected.

Contact Our Central Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

At the end of the day, pedestrian accident claims are not just about what happened, but also about how well those facts can be presented and supported. Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC represents injured pedestrians throughout Central Washington, and if you are in this situation, it is important to understand that you do not have to face the process alone. Contact the knowledgeable and skilled Central Washington pedestrian accident lawyers here at our firm for a free, confidential case evaluation today so we can discuss your case and begin working toward a positive outcome on your behalf.