Pedestrian accidents in Spokane Valley are becoming more frequent as our community continues to grow. Whether you’re walking near busy intersections or simply crossing the street, the risks can be high when drivers aren’t paying attention. Pedestrian accidents often lead to serious injuries that can change your life in an instant. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we know how overwhelming it can be to face medical bills, time away from work, and the stress of recovery. Our team is here to guide you through every step and help you secure the compensation you need to get back on track. Call us at (509) 350-4452 for a free consultation with one of our Spokane Valley pedestrian accident lawyers.
WSDOT crash data shows that Spokane Valley sees an average of 26 pedestrian accidents each year, although there was a peak of 39 in 2023. Despite some fluctuations over the years, there are still far too many serious and fatal accidents. In 2023 alone, there were 4 fatalities and 11 serious injuries—the highest numbers in recent history.
Fatal accidents average around 1.6 per year, and serious injuries remain a significant concern, with an average of 5.1 annually. Minor injuries are more common, with an average of 10.6 cases per year, though they have varied over time. Possible injuries have averaged 7.6 incidents per year, showing that even less severe accidents still occur frequently.
This data shows the ongoing risks for pedestrians in Spokane Valley, particularly in busy areas like Sprague Avenue, Pines Road, and Apple Way Blvd. Pedestrian safety remains a priority for the city, as too many individuals continue to suffer serious or life-threatening injuries on Spokane Valley roads. The city’s bike and pedestrian master planning page outlines these efforts.
Determining the cause of a pedestrian accident allows our attorneys to identify who is responsible and build a case based on facts. Our attorneys will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your accident to establish fault and build a strong case for compensation.
Drivers distracted by their phones or other devices often fail to notice pedestrians, leading to serious collisions. Proving that a driver was distracted strengthens your case by demonstrating clear negligence. Our attorneys use several strategies to gather evidence of distraction, including:
When drivers exceed the speed limit and their ability to stop for pedestrians is reduced, the risk of severe injuries increases dramatically, especially at crosswalks and intersections. Showing that speeding contributed to your accident can directly support your claim for compensation. Our attorneys use several methods to establish that the driver was speeding, including:
Speeding can complicate a case because it often leads to more severe injuries, which can increase medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term impacts. In some situations, the severity of the injuries may justify higher damages, but it also means the case might involve more complex negotiations or a longer timeline to assess the full scope of harm.
Pedestrians often have the right-of-way, and drivers who fail to yield are typically at fault. Proving the driver didn’t yield involves several types of evidence, such as:
Our attorneys will work to demonstrate that the driver’s failure to yield directly caused the accident.
When impaired drivers hit pedestrians, the injuries are often severe due to the driver’s reduced ability to respond. Establishing the driver’s intoxication directly impacts liability and proving this not only holds the driver accountable but also strengthens the claim for compensation. Our Spokane Valley pedestrian attorneys use several methods to prove impairment, including:
In some cases, showing intoxication can lead to punitive damages, which go beyond standard compensation for injuries. This can result in a stronger case and potentially higher compensation to account for the driver’s reckless disregard for others’ safety.
Our attorneys focus on understanding the full impact of your injuries, both now and in the future. We work closely with medical experts to assess how your injuries will affect your life and use that information to pursue the compensation you deserve. Some of the injury types we often encounter are:
As we consider the potential for long-term needs, we work closely with medical experts, financial consultants, or other experts to ensure your compensation covers ongoing care, future lost income, and any adjustments you may need to make in your daily life.
Right-of-way laws dictate when a driver must yield to a pedestrian. If a driver fails to yield at a marked or unmarked crosswalk, they are typically liable for the accident. However, pedestrians are also required to follow the law by crossing safely. If they fail to do so, their compensation could be reduced.
In Washington, the pure comparative negligence rule directly impacts the compensation a pedestrian can receive. If you are partially at fault for the accident—such as crossing outside a designated area—your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total damages would be reduced by 20%. This rule ensures that both parties are held accountable based on their actions.
In Washington personal injury law, the statute of limitations sets a strict deadline of three years for filing a pedestrian accident claim. Failing to file within this period means losing your right to seek compensation.
If the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, Washington allows victims to seek compensation through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. This is especially important in cases where the driver cannot fully cover the damages, and it provides an additional avenue for recovering the compensation needed for medical bills and other expenses.
If you’ve been the victim of a pedestrian accident you may be facing a long road to recovery, and the financial impact may be one of your biggest concerns. You need to know how your medical bills will be covered, whether you can afford the care they need, and how to handle lost income due to time away from work. Here’s how compensation can address those worries:
Medical bills are often the most immediate concern. Compensation can cover current treatments, but it’s equally important to account for future medical care. Surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy may be necessary, and we work to ensure these future needs are factored in.
Serious injuries often prevent victims from returning to work right away—or at all. Compensation for lost wages not only covers time missed but also considers how the injury may affect future earning potential, especially if long-term or permanent disability is involved.
Beyond financial concerns, the physical and emotional toll of a serious injury is often overwhelming. Compensation for pain and suffering helps address the non-economic damages that come with physical trauma and emotional distress.
Injuries can affect every part of your daily life, from participating in hobbies to basic activities like walking or driving. Compensation in this area focuses on the ways your quality of life has been impacted.
Being in a pedestrian accident and dealing with the aftereffects can be complex and overwhelming, but there are certain missteps that can hurt your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Avoid these mistakes to protect your claim:
Accidents can be chaotic, but taking photos of the scene, your injuries, and any visible damage is crucial. If you’re unable to do so, ask a witness or someone nearby to gather this evidence. Clear documentation can make a big difference in proving your case.
After an accident, some people dismiss their symptoms or delay seeing a doctor. This can be a major mistake. Seeking medical care right away will make sure that your injuries are properly evaluated and documented and not doing this could weaken your claim by giving insurance companies room to argue your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but these initial offers often don’t account for the long-term impacts of your injuries. Always review offers carefully with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney before accepting, ensuring all future medical costs and losses are considered.
Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, therapy costs, and any lost wages. These records are needed to demonstrate the full financial impact of the accident so that you’re compensated fairly.
While it might seem natural to communicate directly with the insurance company, they are trained to protect their bottom line. Saying the wrong thing can harm your case. It’s best to let your attorney handle all communication with the insurance company.
It’s tempting to talk about your accident, especially on social media. However, even innocent posts can be used against you in the claims process. Avoid discussing the accident publicly until your case is resolved.
Handling a pedestrian accident claim alone can lead to mistakes that reduce your compensation. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can guide you through the claim process and make sure your rights are fully protected.
Pedestrian accidents can leave lasting effects on victims and their families. The lawyers at Russell & Hill, PLLC are committed to helping you get the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today at (509) 350-4452 or by using our contact form for a free consultation with a Spokane Valley pedestrian accident lawyer and let us help you build a strong case.
