Whether you walk for exercise or as part of your commute, in an ideal world, you should be able to do so without having to fear for your life. Sadly, pedestrians are not always guaranteed their health and safety, and pedestrian accidents can have devastating—even fatal—outcomes. Pedestrians are arguably the most vulnerable people on the roads, as they do not have the safety features offered by motor vehicles—such as airbags, seat belts, and a heavy metal enclosure—protecting them in the event of an accident. If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to seek justice in the civil courts.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publishes annual reports on pedestrian accident injuries and fatalities. According to their 2015 data, more than 5,375 pedestrians were killed in accidents during that year, and 70,000 are estimated to have sustained injuries in accidents that same year. These numbers represent an increase in both fatalities and injuries compared with the data from 2006. In an ever-changing world where passenger vehicle safety measures are constantly being upgraded, pedestrian safety is on the decline.
Although pedestrians cannot prevent another party’s negligence from causing an accident, there are a few things they can do to mitigate dangers while on their next walk:
Being hurt in a pedestrian accident is a painful and terrifying experience that can leave you feeling unsure of where to turn for help. Here is what you need to do after a pedestrian accident:
If you were hurt while walking and need a pedestrian accident attorney in Seattle, call Russell & Hill, PLLC for a free case assessment. We have a proven track record of helping accident victims recover damages for their injuries, and we can help you too. Our services are offered on a fee contingent basis, which means you do not pay any attorney’s fees until your case has resolved—whether it is via a courtroom win or a cash settlement. Our pedestrian accident lawyers specialize in handling personal injury cases, and we are passionate about helping our clients get the legal justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are common in the US and Washington. More than 6,000 pedestrians killed in this country in pedestrian crashes during the latest reporting year.
When we turn to the Washington State Department of Transportation, we see that there was a total of 2,514 pedestrian accidents during the latest reporting year. Out of those, there were:
Look closely at those numbers and you will see that most pedestrian crashes result in an injury or a fatality.
Pedestrian accidents are often severe because the human body has no protection from the force of a vehicle. The average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. When a person is struck, they commonly suffer from serious injuries such as:
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere but are more common in crowded areas like Seattle. We find that driver inattention is a common cause of pedestrian accidents.
Distracted drivers are a problem in and around Seattle. Drivers are now commonly paying more attention to their phones or other devices. There was a total of 10,921 distracted driving crashes during the latest reporting year in Washington.
Alcohol-impaired drivers are a continual source of concern on our roadways. During the latest reporting year, drunk drivers caused more than 8,200 crashes. Out of those, there were more than 3,000 injuries and over 100 fatalities.
Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include speeding drivers and those who fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections and crosswalks.
Washington is an at-fault state. This means that the driver who causes the crash is responsible for the injury and damage expenses. However, this does not mean that you will get full coverage for your injury expenses. The insurance minimums may not cover total medical expenses for many of the injuries listed above. You also need to consider the many hidden expenses related to pedestrian crashes: lost income of the victim, rehabilitation, home or vehicle modifications, and more.
Your first line of coverage should come through the at-fault driver’s insurance, but if that is not enough, you may need to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. You could be eligible to get compensation for:
A pedestrian accident can be confusing for everyone involved. If you need a pedestrian accident lawyer in Seattle, Russell & Hill, PLLC is ready to help. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 206-516-2045.
