Pedestrians Hit by Cars in Spokane, WA
Protecting Pedestrian Safety by Holding Careless Drivers Responsible
Pedestrian injuries and fatalities are on the rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,205 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2019. The State Highway Safety Offices has reported that the number of pedestrian fatalities across the country has risen by 46 percent since 2010. Thousands more are seriously injured. Unfortunately, among the users of our roads and sidewalks, pedestrians are the most vulnerable. If drivers fail to observe traffic safety laws and/or look out for pedestrians, the consequences are often deadly. When a collision happens with a pedestrian or bicyclist, the car always wins.
When pedestrians walk across a crosswalk or intersection, on the sidewalk, or in a parking, you have the right of the way. If you are a pedestrian who has been seriously injured in a traffic accident, Washington law is on your side. So is the experienced legal team of Spokane pedestrian accident lawyers at Sweetser Law Office. With 35 years of experience representing individuals who have been harmed by the negligence or carelessness of others, our firm has the knowhow, skills, and strong track record of success in personal injury representation in Eastern Washington.
In the aftermath of being hit by a car, pedestrians often deal with extremely severe injuries or life-long disability. Call Sweetser Law Office at (509) 444-4444 for a free case review.
Pedestrian Right of Way: Safer People, Safer Streets
Drivers that fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians are often not paying attention, distracted, or unaware of their surroundings. Some drivers do not look for pedestrians at intersections as a result of fatigue, intoxication, or carelessness. This presents a real danger to pedestrians.
Of the pedestrian injuries we see at Sweetser Law Office, the most common include:
- Brain injuries
- Fractures
- Joint injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Injuries to internal organs
- Degloving injuries
- Road Rash
- Fatalities
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, try to get the driver’s name and contact information, and report the incident as soon as possible to the police and your insurance company.
How Can a Spokane Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?
Legally, the first steps will be proving the driver was careless and violated the rules of the road. Sweetser Law Office immediately investigates pedestrian accident injury claims to secure and preserve evidence relevant to your claim.
We accomplish this by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation, including securing any video footage
- Ordering emergency responder reports
- Obtaining witness accounts
- Ordering medical records and bills
- Consulting with treating physicians
- Calculating wage loss
- Maximizing recovery, settlement, or verdict results
A common insurance defense tactic is to blame the victim – they often claim the pedestrian was jaywalking, crossing against the light, texting while walking, intoxicated or otherwise at fault. Our investigations have found impairment, excessive speed, or distracted driving play significant factors in pedestrian injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?
Parties who may be held liable in a pedestrian accident may include the following:
- The motorist. Motorists are subject to various laws regarding pedestrians, such as giving right-of-way to pedestrians crossing at crosswalks, intersections, or on sidewalks when drivers are entering or exiting driveways. Motorists are subject to all other traffic safety laws as well; where they violate these laws leading to a pedestrian accident, they may be held accountable.
- The municipality. Road maintenance is the responsibility of the local government. Where this maintenance has been neglected or where poor road design has led to an accident, this entity may be found to have contributed to the accident and thus have liability.
- Car and car part manufacturers. Defective vehicles and their components may have contributed to the accident, such as defective brakes, tires, airbags, and more.
- The pedestrian. Pedestrians who fail to obey traffic signals, signs, and more, pedestrians who text while walking and thus prove to be inattentive, jaywalkers, and those who act in a careless manner may all be found to be partially at fault.
Washington State operates under “comparative negligence” which means that multiple parties in an accident can be found to be at fault. When you share the blame for causing the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your “fault.”
If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, Sweetser Law Office is here to help. We can provide a free, no-obligation, case review.Call (509) 444-4444 today!
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What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
In the wake of a pedestrian accident, your first priority is to get medical care. Even if you believe you are not seriously injured, you should be checked out by a doctor. Many injuries do not manifest for hours or even days. You want to get the care you need and establish the medical records needed for your claim. You should also get as much information as possible about the driver involved, such as contact information, license number, license plate, and insurance. Additionally, get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Call the police and get a police report. This is very important because, if the driver is cited for violation of a traffic law, that can be instrumental to your personal injury claim. The police officer will also likely talk to any witnesses and all of this investigatory information can further help your case.
Finally, contact our office for a free consultation with one of our Spokane pedestrian accident lawyers. We can then begin taking the steps listed on this page above to seek the damages to which you are entitled under personal injury law.
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