One moment you were crossing the street, perhaps on your way to work in South Lake Union or enjoying a walk near Lake Union Park. The next, your life was violently interrupted by a collision with a motor vehicle.
Now, you are grappling with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming stress of not knowing what comes next. You were a pedestrian, the most vulnerable person on the road, and a driver’s carelessness changed everything. In these difficult and disorienting days, know that you have rights.
A Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer advocates for injured people like you, fighting to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the resources you need to rebuild your life.
- Your immediate priority is your physical and emotional recovery.
- Washington State law provides specific protections for pedestrians.
- You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Table of Contents
- Common Causes of Pedestrian Collisions
- The Types of Injuries Pedestrians Suffer
- Washington's Laws Protect You
- Why You Need a Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Why Choose Pendergast Law for Your Seattle Pedestrian Accident?
- FAQ: Common Questions for a Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Your Advocates for Justice and Recovery
Common Causes of Pedestrian Collisions
Most pedestrian accidents are not truly "accidents" at all. They are the predictable result of a driver's negligence. A driver who is paying attention and following the rules of the road rarely strikes a person on foot.
These incidents happen because a driver chose to be careless.
- Distracted Driving: This is a leading cause of all traffic-related incidents. A driver texting, adjusting the radio, or talking on the phone is not watching the road for pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections.
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Washington law is very clear about a driver's duty to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, both marked and unmarked. Many collisions happen when drivers ignore this fundamental rule.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: A driver traveling too fast for conditions, especially in residential areas or near schools, has less time to react and stop for a person crossing the street. The higher the speed, the more catastrophic the injuries.
The Types of Injuries Pedestrians Suffer
Because a pedestrian has no physical protection, the injuries sustained are often severe, life-altering, and require extensive medical treatment. The recovery process is frequently long, painful, and expensive, leaving victims and their families facing immense financial and emotional strain.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The head striking the vehicle or the pavement can cause anything from a concussion to a severe TBI, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most devastating outcomes, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis and a lifetime of medical care.
- Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries: Multiple fractures are common, particularly to the legs, pelvis, arms, and ribs. These injuries often require surgery, pins, and plates, followed by months of physical therapy.
Washington's Laws Protect You
The law in Washington State recognizes the vulnerability of pedestrians and places a high level of responsibility on drivers to be aware of their surroundings and protect those on foot.
These laws form the legal foundation of your personal injury claim. A driver who violates these statutes and causes an injury is acting negligently and can be held financially responsible for the harm they cause.
The Law of the Crosswalk
Washington's crosswalk laws are some of the strongest in the nation. They are designed to create safe passage for people on foot. These laws are a critical part of any pedestrian accident claim.
- Duty to Stop: Drivers must stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks, whether they are marked with paint or are unmarked. An unmarked crosswalk exists at any intersection where two roads meet at approximately right angles.
- Cannot Overtake a Stopped Vehicle: It is illegal for a driver to pass another vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian. This is a common cause of serious accidents.
- Yielding Before Turning: Drivers turning at an intersection must yield to any pedestrians in the crosswalk they are turning into.
Proving Driver Negligence
A successful pedestrian accident claim requires proving that the driver was negligent. Negligence is the legal term for carelessness. It means showing that the driver failed in their duty to operate their vehicle safely and that this failure directly caused your injuries.
- Violating a Traffic Law: Proving the driver was speeding, ran a red light, or failed to yield is strong evidence of negligence. The police report often contains crucial information and a preliminary assessment of fault.
- Gathering Evidence: Your legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, which includes obtaining witness statements, securing any available traffic or security camera footage, and sometimes hiring accident reconstructionists to analyze the physics of the collision.
- Demonstrating Your Losses: You also must prove your "damages," which is the legal term for all the ways you have been harmed. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and your physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Why You Need a Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Having a strong legal advocate on your side levels the playing field. Your lawyer's role is to handle every aspect of the legal claim so you can devote all your energy to what matters most: your recovery.
We Take on the Insurance Companies
From the moment you partner with our firm, the insurance company stops communicating with you. We take over completely, so you will never have to speak to an adjuster again.
- We manage all communication: We handle every phone call, letter, and email, protecting you from the pressure and tactics of insurance adjusters.
- We fight back against blame-shifting: Insurance companies often try to argue the pedestrian was at fault. We know the law and use the evidence to prove the driver's responsibility.
- We reject lowball offers: We know what your case is worth and will not let an insurance company take advantage of you with an inadequate settlement offer that does not cover your future needs.
We Build Your Case for Maximum Value
Our work begins with a deep and thorough investigation into your accident. We leave no stone unturned in our effort to build the most compelling case possible on your behalf.
This detailed preparation is what drives successful negotiations and, if necessary, litigation.
- Comprehensive Evidence Collection: We gather the police report, medical records, witness interviews, and video footage. We work with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries and your long-term prognosis.
- Calculating Your Full Damages: We meticulously document every single loss you have suffered. This includes all current and future medical bills, all lost income and diminished earning capacity, and the profound impact the injury has had on your quality of life.
- Strategic Negotiation: We present our comprehensive demand package to the insurance company and negotiate from a position of strength, armed with the facts and the law.
Why Choose Pendergast Law for Your Seattle Pedestrian Accident?
At Pendergast Law, we believe in providing strong, compassionate, and effective legal representation for every person we help.
Our Focus is On You
We measure our success not just in the settlements we obtain, but in the support and peace of mind we provide to our clients during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
You are more than a case file to us. You are a person, a member of our Seattle community who deserves justice.
- Direct Attorney Access: You will work directly with your attorney, who will be available to answer your questions and keep you informed about the progress of your case.
- A Compassionate Approach: We understand the physical and emotional toll of a serious injury. We treat every client with the respect, empathy, and dignity they deserve.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us no fees at all unless and until we win a financial recovery for you.
A Record of Dedicated Advocacy
Our firm is built on a foundation of fighting for the rights of the injured. We have a long history of standing up to major insurance companies and holding negligent parties accountable.
Our approach is proactive, thorough, and relentless.
- In-Depth Legal Knowledge: Our attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of the traffic laws, insurance regulations, and court procedures relevant to pedestrian accident claims in King County.
- Resourceful Investigation: We have the resources to conduct the kind of detailed investigation necessary to win complex cases, including access to respected medical and accident reconstruction professionals.
- Commitment to Fair Compensation: We are committed to fighting for a result that fully and fairly compensates you for all that you have lost, providing you with the financial security needed to move forward.
FAQ: Common Questions for a Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Facing what happens after an accident brings a wave of questions and uncertainties. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from injured pedestrians in Seattle.
What should I do if the insurance company calls me?
If the at-fault driver's insurance adjuster contacts you, it is best to be very careful. Their goal is to get information that helps their case, not yours.
- You are not required to give a recorded statement. You can and should politely decline their request to record your conversation.
- Keep your comments brief and factual. Do not apologize or accept any blame. Do not downplay your injuries by saying "I'm fine" or "I'm okay."
- Direct them to your lawyer. The best response is to provide them with your attorney's name and contact information and state that all future communication should go through your legal representative.
What if I was not in a marked crosswalk?
This is a common concern, but it does not automatically mean you do not have a case. Washington law creates legal "unmarked crosswalks" at most intersections.
- Unmarked Crosswalks: An unmarked crosswalk legally exists at any intersection where there is not a painted crosswalk. Drivers still have a duty to yield to pedestrians in these areas.
- Driver's Duty to See: Even outside of an intersection, drivers have a general duty to be aware of their surroundings and avoid a collision if possible. A driver who was distracted or speeding may still be found at fault.
- Comparative Fault: The insurance company will likely try to argue you were at fault. Washington's "pure comparative negligence" rule means you can still recover compensation even if you are found partially to blame, though your percentage of fault would reduce your award.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
There is no simple calculator that can determine the value of your claim. The value of every case is unique and depends on a wide range of specific factors.
- Economic Damages: This includes all of your medical bills (past and future), lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages: This is compensation for your physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of your life. The severity and permanence of your injuries are the biggest factors here.
- A thorough evaluation is necessary. A skilled attorney will evaluate all these factors after a full investigation to determine a fair value for your claim.
Your Advocates for Justice and Recovery
The road ahead may seem daunting, but you do not have to face it alone. Holding a negligent driver accountable is a critical step toward getting the resources you need to heal and restore stability to your life.
The legal system provides a path to justice, and having a strong advocate to guide you along that path can make all the difference.
At Pendergast Law, we are here to lift the legal burden from your shoulders. We handle the fight with the insurance companies so you can focus on the most critical job: your health. If a driver's carelessness has turned your world upside down, we are here to help you set it right.
Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Call Pendergast Law at (206) 620-0707 or use our online contact form.