Walking the streets of Kirkland can be enjoyable, but it can also be risky. Pedestrian accidents claim the lives of thousands of Americans each year. Any time that you take to the streets and roadways on foot, you put yourself within close proximity of oncoming traffic—and drivers who may or may not see you. Drivers are not the only peril faced by pedestrians on the roadway; dangerous conditions on the sidewalk or pedestrian path can also cause pedestrian accidents. Uneven pavement, debris in the pathway of pedestrians and other perils are common, and all of them can result in falls among unsuspecting pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident on foot, then reach out to our Kirkland pedestrian accident attorney right away to discuss your legal options.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 75,000 pedestrians are injured on America’s roads and streets every year. Among those, notes the NHTSA, around 5,000 people end up dying as a result of their injuries. In nearly all cases of pedestrian injury and death, the injuries sustained are 100% preventable if not for the negligence of someone else.
In the aftermath of pedestrian vs. passenger auto, serious injuries are almost always revealed. Usually, the pedestrian has little time at the scene to explain their side of the situation to responding law enforcement or are already taken from the scene via ambulance before getting to tell their version at all. When drivers are left to tell authorities what happened, the facts are often cast to the side as the driver slants the story in his or her favor. Many times, the driver’s account of what occurred during the accident makes it into the police report with little regard to what the pedestrian has to say.
Possible defendants in pedestrian accidents include drivers of passenger vehicles, or in the case of accidents occurring due to sidewalk conditions or road maintenance, then the person or entity tasked with maintaining that sidewalk or road. Drivers are usually seen as negligent in pedestrian accidents if:
In Washington State, injured pedestrians have just three years from the date of their accidents to file a claim for damages. Once this statute of limitations expires, you cannot seek reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering related to your accident. Contact Russell and Hill and our Kirkland pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your case now.
At Russell and Hill, our legal experts are standing by, waiting to help you file a pedestrian accident claim and hold the responsible party in your case accountable for your injuries. Contact our Kirkland pedestrian accident attorney to discuss the particulars in your case and determine the best course for moving forward. Reach out to us for your free case consultation now.
