Vancouver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

High-Risk Areas for Pedestrians

According to the City of Vancouver’s comprehensive collision analysis, the more lanes a road has, the more dangerous it is for pedestrians. It cited the following roads as being particularly conducive to safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists:

• Mill Plain Blvd
• Fourth Plain Blvd
• Andresen Rd
• NE 162nd Ave

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

The types of collisions that occur between vehicles and pedestrians vary depending on the environment and actions of those involved. Pedestrian accidents often lead to severe injuries, sometimes with life-altering consequences. Below are some typical scenarios where drivers’ negligent actions lead to pedestrian accidents in Vancouver:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who divert their attention from the road, even for a moment, put pedestrians at serious risk. Distractions such as texting, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers can prevent a driver from noticing a pedestrian crossing the street or walking along the side of the road. When a driver’s attention shifts away from the road, their likelihood of failing to see a pedestrian in time to stop increases significantly.
• Speeding: Excessive speed dramatically reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, including the presence of pedestrians. When a vehicle travels at high speeds, it takes longer to stop, so it’s more difficult for the driver to avoid hitting pedestrians on or near the road. Speeding also increases the force of impact in a collision, often resulting in more severe injuries for the pedestrian.
• Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian accidents happen when drivers fail or refuse to yield the right of way at crosswalks or intersections. If a driver approaches a crosswalk or an intersection where pedestrians have the right of way but fails to stop or slow down, they can strike pedestrians crossing the street. Failure to yield incidents are a significant risk in areas with heavy foot traffic.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: If drivers disregard traffic signals, they can endanger everyone on the road, including pedestrians. Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign can lead to a vehicle entering an intersection at the same time as a pedestrian. This dangerous behavior often catches pedestrians off guard, which can lead to devastating consequences.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drinking or doing drugs can significantly impair judgment, reaction time, and visual clarity. If drivers are intoxicated behind the wheel, they might not notice pedestrians in time to avoid collisions. They could also misjudge distances, making them more likely to strike someone. Tragically, impaired driving is a major cause of pedestrian accidents, especially at nighttime when visibility is already low.

The cause of a pedestrian accident shapes the entire case strategy. For example, proving that the driver was distracted or speeding strengthens your claim and helps demonstrate negligence. An accident in a known high-risk area with poor pedestrian infrastructure, such as E. Mill Plain Blvd or Fourth Plain Blvd, may involve negligence on the part of the city or a contractor responsible for maintaining safe roads. Your attorney will use this information to build a compelling case and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries and losses.

What Types of Accidents Affect Pedestrians?

The types of collisions that occur between vehicles and pedestrians can vary depending on the specific environment and actions of those involved. Here are some common types of accidents that affect Vancouver pedestrians.

Intersection Accidents

Intersections along Highway 99 and Main Street in downtown Vancouver are frequent locations for pedestrian accidents. Drivers turning without noticing someone crossing the street or misjudging the pedestrian’s timing can lead to serious collisions.

Crosswalk Accidents

Busy streets like Columbia Street and NE 112th Avenue pose significant risks to pedestrians in crosswalks. A typical scenario involves a driver stopping in one lane, while another driver in an adjacent lane speeds through, striking the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

Backing-Up Accidents

Backing-up accidents are common in parking lots along Chkalov Drive and other commercial areas. Drivers may fail to check their blind spots or properly monitor pedestrians behind them, resulting in dangerous collisions.

Bus Stop or School Zone Accidents

Accidents near bus stops and school zones are common on roads like NE 112th Avenue and Columbia Street, especially near schools and public transportation hubs. Children crossing the street in school zones are particularly vulnerable, as drivers may not expect pedestrians in these areas.

The location and type of pedestrian accident play a key role in shaping your accident case. Whether it’s an intersection on Highway 99 or a school zone near NE 112th Avenue, the specific circumstances help your attorney prove negligence and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Vancouver Pedestrian Accident Statistics

The following statistics from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) highlight the significant risks that pedestrians face on the streets of Vancouver:

• Fatal Injuries: In 2023, three pedestrians (3.8 percent) involved in accidents in Vancouver suffered fatal injuries. While this number might seem small, each fatality represents a tragic loss and underscores the severe consequences that pedestrian accidents can have.
• Serious Injuries: A significant portion of pedestrian accidents in Vancouver led to serious injuries. In 2023, 16.7 percent of pedestrians, or 13 individuals, sustained injuries that police reported as “suspected serious.”
• Minor Injuries: Minor injuries were the most common outcome for pedestrians involved in accidents. Nearly half of all pedestrians involved in Vancouver accidents that year (44.9 percent or 35 individuals) sustained suspected minor injuries.
• Possible Injuries: In some cases, pedestrians involved in accidents suffer injuries of unclear severity at the scene. In 2023, 28.2 percent of pedestrians (22 individuals) reportedly suffered possible injuries that required further evaluation to determine the full extent of the harm.

Only five pedestrians (6.4 percent) involved in Vancouver traffic accidents in 2023 reported no apparent injuries. This means more than nine in ten pedestrians suffered possible, minor, serious, or fatal injuries in Vancouver pedestrian collisions that year.

The Long-Term Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents

The consequences of a pedestrian accident often go beyond the immediate physical injuries. Many victims suffer various long-term consequences that follow them for years or even for life.

Physical Consequences

Pedestrian accidents frequently cause injuries with lasting physical effects. Even after initial medical treatment, victims commonly experience ongoing pain, reduced mobility, and long-term therapy or rehabilitation needs. Severe crash injuries, such as fractures, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries, can result in permanent disabilities. These physical limitations can hinder a person’s ability to perform daily activities, work, or engage in hobbies they once enjoyed.

Emotional, Psychological, and Social Consequences

The impact of a pedestrian accident often extends beyond the physical injuries. Survivors frequently experience emotional and psychological effects like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can arise from the trauma of the accident itself or from dealing with the aftermath, such as coping with long-term pain or adjusting to a new disability. Socially, victims commonly withdraw from activities or relationships due to their emotional difficulties or physical limitations. This withdrawal can lead to isolation and a reduced quality of life.

Financial Consequences

The financial impact of a pedestrian accident can be substantial. Victims often face high medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. If the person’s injuries prevent them from working, they can also lose income, adding to their financial strain. Additionally, some survivors with severe injuries need to modify their homes or vehicles to accommodate their disabilities.

A Vancouver pedestrian accident lawyer can assist in demanding compensation for these financial burdens by pursuing a legal claim. Victims can seek money for the costs of their medical care, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. Fair compensation can alleviate the financial stress that often accompanies long-term recovery after a pedestrian collision.

Types of Claims You Could File If You Get Hurt in a Pedestrian Collision

If you get hurt in a pedestrian collision, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Depending on the situation, you could file one or several types of insurance claims to recover these costs:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claim: If you have PIP coverage on your own auto insurance policy, you could file a PIP claim to cover your expenses, regardless of who was at fault. PIP coverage is a type of “no-fault” insurance because it provides benefits no matter who is at fault for an accident. PIP can cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses like rehabilitation costs. This type of claim is useful when you need financial support to cover initial medical costs.
• Liability Insurance Claim: If a driver caused the accident, you could file a liability insurance claim against their auto insurance policy. A driver’s liability coverage exists to compensate victims of any accidents the covered driver causes. Liability claims can cover a wide range of losses associated with an accident, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Filing this type of claim usually involves negotiating with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
• Health Insurance Claim: If necessary, you could also file a claim with your health insurance provider to cover medical expenses related to the accident. Health insurance will typically cover the costs of doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and other necessary treatments. While health insurance can pay for your medical care, it might not cover all expenses, such as deductibles, copays, or out-of-network costs. Additionally, your health insurance company might seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance after paying for your medical care.

In some cases, you could file a lawsuit to recover the full compensation you deserve after a pedestrian collision. A lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your situation to determine if a lawsuit is a viable option. This includes examining factors like the fairness of your settlement offer(s) and the liable party’s ability to pay.

If a lawsuit is the ideal course of action, your lawyer can handle the entire process, from gathering evidence and filing the necessary legal documents to representing you in court if necessary. This way, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer works to secure the compensation you need.

How Much Is a Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?

If you file a successful injury claim after a Vancouver pedestrian accident, you could receive compensation for the immediate and long-term impacts of the accident on your life. Depending on your situation, this could include compensation for:

• Current medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery costs, and medication copays
• Future medical costs, such as ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care expenses
• Income losses if your injuries stop you from working during your recovery period
• Lost earning potential if your injuries keep you from working in the same capacity
• The pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident and your injuries
• Lost quality of life if your injuries impair your ability to enjoy hobbies or daily activities

How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Vancouver?

Under Washington’s statute of limitations on such claims, you have only three years from the date of a pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault party. If you wait too long and attempt to sue after the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to demand compensation for your losses. This is why it’s so important to contact a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a Vancouver pedestrian accident. A lawyer can start working on your claim right away, preparing your case for court and filing all necessary documents on time.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Vancouver, Washington

If you have sustained injuries in a Vancouver pedestrian accident, you deserve professional support and guidance to pursue the compensation you need. Contact Russell & Hill today at (360) 566-2999 for a free initial consultation with a personal injury attorney in Vancouver. We will discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain your options. Let us focus on getting justice while you focus on healing and recovery.