Federal Way Pedestrian Accident Attorney

The state of Washington has stepped up efforts to provide safer roads and sidewalks because it is concerned about the rising number of pedestrian accidents and our Federal Way pedestrian accident attorneys share that same concern. In 2017, the Washington Department of Transportation reported 471 serious injuries and deaths related to pedestrian accidents and 12 of those serious injuries and deaths were sustained right here in Federal Way. And these numbers do not account for all of the injury accidents that are not labeled as “serious” nor do they account for the large number of accidents that are not reported to the police.

Common causes and related factors in pedestrian accidents

As our attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC have seen an increase in clients seeking recovery for pedestrian accident injuries and deaths, we see commonalities in many of the cases with regard to causes and factors. See below for some that we frequently see.

• Backing up in a parking lot – Whether it is at the gym, grocery store, sporting event, or school, many of the car accidents we see involve pedestrians being struck by a motor vehicle backing out of a parking space in a parking lot.
• Road with no sidewalk – When pedestrians are faced with a road without sidewalks, they are to walk on the edge of the road facing oncoming traffic. While this may allow pedestrians to see vehicles coming toward them, they frequently do not have time to get out of the way when a driver does not see them, especially when the car is speeding.
• Bus stop – These accidents frequently happen when a bus driver does not see a pedestrian crossing in front of the bus when pulling away from the bus stop or when a passenger exiting the bus is not given sufficient time to get out of the bus’s path before it pulls away.
• Intersection – Pedestrian accidents at intersections often occur when a driver fails to follow the traffic signal or when a turning driver does not observe a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• Jaywalking – When a pedestrian is crossing the street at a non-intersection, he or she is to yield to traffic, but drivers may still be liable for these pedestrian accidents if they are speeding, distracted, or otherwise operating their vehicle in an unsafe manner.
• Alcohol – Alcohol, consumed by the driver and/or pedestrian, is involved in large number of pedestrian accidents.
• Speed – Speed is a common factor in pedestrian accidents because pedestrians do not have time to get out of the vehicle’s path and drivers do not have as much time to react in emergency situations.
• Distracted driving and walking – Smartphone distractions are often a factor in pedestrian accidents when the driver or the pedestrian is using a smartphone while they should be paying attention to the road.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries or death in a pedestrian accident, contact a Federal Way pedestrian accident attorney at Russell & Hill, PLLC to discuss your accident and injuries. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, you deserve to be compensated and our attorneys will work to see that you secure a maximum recovery.