Spokane Valley Pedestrian Accident Statistics
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.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents and Establishing Fault
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.
Distracted Driving
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:
- Phone Records: Showing the driver was texting, making calls, or using apps at the time of the accident.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses may have observed the driver looking at their phone or otherwise not paying attention.
- Traffic Cameras and Surveillance Footage: Video evidence from nearby cameras can capture the driver’s behavior leading up to the collision.
- Police Report: Responding officers may have noted signs of distraction, such as the driver admitting to using their phone or other devices.
- Vehicle Data: Some vehicles have systems that record whether a driver was adjusting controls or using hands-free technology.
Speeding
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:
- Speed Cameras: Capturing the driver’s speed at the time of the accident.
- Skid Marks and Accident Scene Evidence: Longer skid marks can indicate the driver was speeding when they attempted to stop.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses may have seen the driver traveling at high speeds before the accident.
- Vehicle Data: Some cars have black box systems that record the speed at the time of impact.
- Police Reports: Officers often document if they believe speed was a factor based on their observations at the scene.
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.
Failure to Yield
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:
- Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses can confirm that the driver did not stop or yield as required.
- Traffic Camera Footage: Cameras at intersections can show whether the driver ignored a pedestrian’s right-of-way.
- Police Reports: Officers may document the driver’s failure to yield, based on their investigation of the scene.
- Accident Reconstruction: Experts can analyze the scene to show how the accident unfolded, including whether the driver had time to yield but didn’t.
Our attorneys will work to demonstrate that the driver’s failure to yield directly caused the accident.
Drunk Driving
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:
- Police Reports: Officers typically conduct field sobriety tests and document signs of impairment at the scene.
- Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results: These tests can provide clear evidence of alcohol or drug use at the time of the accident.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses may have seen the driver drinking, using drugs, or behaving erratically before the accident.
- Traffic Camera Footage: Video evidence can show erratic driving or swerving prior to the collision.
- Arrest Records: If the driver was arrested for DUI following the accident, this can strengthen your case.
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.
Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
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:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries can lead to lifelong cognitive and physical impairments. We work with medical experts to assess the long-term impact of a TBI and include future care costs in your personal injury claim.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries can result in paralysis or chronic pain. Our team ensures that rehabilitation, assistive devices, and potential home modifications are factored into your compensation.
- Broken Bones: Fractures may seem straightforward, but they often involve surgeries and ongoing physical therapy. We ensure these treatments are accounted for in your case.
- Internal Organ Damage: Internal injuries may require emergency surgery or result in long-term health issues. We consult with your medical team to understand the full scope of these injuries and incorporate them into your claim.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries, like torn ligaments and deep bruising, can lead to chronic pain or mobility issues. We make sure your pain and suffering are factored into the compensation.
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.
Washington Laws Affecting Pedestrian Accident Claims
Right-of-Way
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.
Comparative Negligence
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.
Statute of Limitations
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.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
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.
Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident
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 Expenses
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.
Lost Wages
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.
Pain and Suffering
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.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
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.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident
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:
Not Documenting the Scene
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.
Delaying Medical Attention
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.
Accepting Early Offers
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.
Failing to Track Expenses
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.
Talking to the Insurance Company Alone
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.
Sharing Accident Details Publicly
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.
Not Hiring an Attorney
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.
The Path Forward
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.
