Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Back in 1995, Feet First began a movement in Washington with the intention of promote walkable communities throughout our state. Since then we have seen walking events all over the state including Kent’s own annual CROP Hunger Walk, walking groups led by neighborhood walking ambassadors, and we have seen an increase in municipal pedestrian support and safety precautions. Approximately 25% – 30% of Washington residents do not drive and Kent has tried to support them by providing park and trail walking guides and improved public transportation. Kent has also put marked crosswalks downtown in order to encourage pedestrian activity.

Even with all of the good that has been done to grow the pedestrian community and to keep them safe, pedestrians make up approximately 15% of all traffic fatalities and injuries in the state of Washington. Kent pedestrian accident attorneys at Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys know from years of experience that when pedestrian accidents occur, serious and often long term injuries or fatalities result. The state of Washington is protective of pedestrians, which is a good thing for pedestrian accident victims. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, contact our pedestrian accident experts to schedule a consultation.

Washington pedestrian law summary

The Washington Department of Transportation provides a summary of Washington state pedestrian laws, the most relevant to pedestrian accidents include the following:

• Street pedestrians – Washington pedestrians are to use sidewalks and when sidewalks are not available, pedestrians are to walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Intersections – Vehicles are to stop at intersections for pedestrians crossing the street in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
• Traffic signals – Pedestrians are to obey traffic signals.
• Sidewalks – Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks and crosswalks and bicycles/cars must yield to them.
• Due care – Drivers are to exercise due care with any pedestrian in the roadway and should avoid hitting them.
• Outside of crosswalks/intersections – Pedestrians crossing the street at a location other than crosswalk or intersection shall yield to the driver’s right of way.

Comparative negligence

Sometimes we get calls from injured pedestrians or their loved ones who want to know if there is any recovery available if the pedestrian was partially at fault in an accident. We tell them, first of all, do not assume you are partially at fault. Let’s discuss the facts of the case before we start thinking about fault. And second, yes, even if the pedestrian is partially at fault, there may still be an opportunity for recovery thanks to Washington’s comparative negligence laws which provide that even a party who is partially at fault in an accident may recover for his or her injuries and the recovery amount will be reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.

For example, a plaintiff crosses a street in violation of a traffic signal and is struck by a speeding car whose driver was texting at the time of the accident. If the pedestrian sustained $100,000 in damages and she is found to be 30% at fault, she will be permitted to recover $70,000 from the driver who was found to be 70% at fault.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you do not need to sort through your recovery alone. Our Kent pedestrian accident attorneys have successfully settled and litigated many pedestrian accident cases and we want to help you get a recovery that fully compensates you for your injuries and damages.