Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Seattle, known for its vibrant urban life and scenic views, also faces challenges related to pedestrian safety. Pedestrian accidents in Seattle have been a growing concern, prompting the city to implement various measures to protect its residents and visitors. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Seattle pedestrian accident attorneys at Brumley Law Firm to learn about your legal options. Call today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Brumley Law Firm?

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, choosing the right Seattle personal injury attorney is a crucial step in recovering the compensation you deserve. Here are some reasons why you should consider choosing the pedestrian accident attorneys at Brumley Law Firm:

  • We have over 30 years of combined experience helping accident victims throughout Washington state recover the compensation they deserve.
  • We take a personalized approach in every pedestrian accident case, ensuring that you and your loved ones’ needs are prioritized.
  • We have an impressive track record of success handling personal injury claims, including those involving pedestrian accidents.
  • Our Seattle pedestrian accident lawyers offer free case consultations to discuss the details of your case.
  • We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay your pedestrian accident attorney nothing unless we win your case.
  • Our pedestrian accident lawyers will handle settlement negotiations with your insurance company.

When you choose the Seattle pedestrian accident lawyers at Brumley Law Firm, you will receive unmatched legal representation and constant communication.

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Client Testimonials

“I cannot thank Brumley Law Firm enough for their outstanding work. They exceeded my expectations in every way and I would highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal representation. Their professionalism, expertise, and genuine concern for their clients make them an exceptional lawyer.”

– Oksana M.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I highly recommend this firm! They are responsive, professional and accessible. They made this confusing process easy and straightforward for my daughter and I. We both got a bigger settlement than we were expecting!” 

– Sarah M.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Seattle Pedestrian Accident Resources & FAQs

Types of Pedestrians

A pedestrian is any person traveling by foot or using a mobility device that aids in walking or rolling. Under Washington law, this definition encompasses:

  • Walking Individuals: People who travel by foot, including urban walkers, commuters, recreational walkers, school children, tourists, and shoppers.
  • Wheelchair Users: Those who use manual or electric wheelchairs for mobility.
  • Mobility Scooter Users: Individuals using motorized scooters or similar devices for transportation.
  • Rollerbladers and Skateboarders: People using rollerblades, skateboards, or similar devices for movement.

Common Causes of  Pedestrian Accidents in Seattle

The interplay of factors often exacerbates the risk of pedestrian accidents. For example, a distracted driver might not notice a jaywalking pedestrian in time, or a pedestrian engrossed in their phone might step into an inadequately lit crosswalk, not realizing a speeding car is approaching. Here are some important contributing factors that our Seattle pedestrian accident attorneys typically see:

Traffic Volume

Seattle, being a bustling urban center, experiences high volumes of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This congestion is particularly pronounced in the city’s downtown core, major commercial areas, and near transit hubs.

  • Vehicular Traffic: The constant flow of motor vehicles, including cars, buses, and trucks in dense urban areas increases the likelihood of pedestrian accidents. During rush hours, the high traffic volume can lead to more frequent interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, raising the potential for traffic accidents.
  • Foot Traffic: Popular areas, such as Pike Place Market and the University District, attract large numbers of pedestrians. Events, festivals, and tourist seasons further amplify foot traffic, complicating the navigation for both drivers and pedestrians.
  • Rush Hour Impact: Morning and evening rush hours see the highest concentration of traffic, exacerbating the risk of accidents as commuters are often in a hurry, and stress levels are higher.

Urban Design

Seattle’s urban infrastructure presents several challenges that contribute to pedestrian accidents.

  • Narrow Sidewalks: In many parts of the city, sidewalks are not wide enough to accommodate the high pedestrian volume, leading to spillover onto streets, especially in busy areas.
  • Lack of Pedestrian Crossings: Some intersections and stretches of road lack adequate crosswalks, forcing pedestrians to cross streets at unsafe locations.
  • Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting conditions in certain areas, particularly residential neighborhoods and older districts, make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians at night, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Complex Intersections: Intersections with complicated layouts, multiple lanes, and poor signage can confuse both drivers and pedestrians, leading to dangerous situations.

Driver Behavior

Our Seattle accident attorneys have observed that the behavior of drivers significantly impacts pedestrian safety in Seattle, WA.

  • Speeding: Despite posted speed limits, some drivers exceed safe speeds, reducing their reaction time and increasing the severity of potential collisions with pedestrians.
  • Distracted Driving: The use of mobile phones, in-car entertainment systems, and other distractions take drivers’ attention away from the road, leading to distracted driving accidents.
  • Failure to Yield: Drivers not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks or when turning at intersections is a common issue. This behavior often results from impatience or a lack of awareness of pedestrian right-of-way laws.
  • Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a significant factor in pedestrian accidents, as it severely impairs reaction time and judgment.

Pedestrian Behavior

Pedestrians also contribute to accident risks through various behaviors.

  • Jaywalking: Crossing streets outside of designated crosswalks or against traffic signals increases the likelihood of accidents, as drivers are not expecting pedestrians in these locations.
  • Distraction Due to Mobile Devices: The widespread use of smartphones leads to many pedestrians being distracted, not paying full attention to their surroundings or traffic signals.
  • Ignoring Traffic Signals: Some pedestrians cross streets against traffic lights, assuming they can make it across before vehicles arrive, which can result in dangerous situations. Obeying pedestrian laws in Washington state is crucial.
  • Risky Behaviors: Walking along roadways where sidewalks are not available, standing too close to the curb, and not making eye contact with drivers before crossing are other risky behaviors that increase accident potential.

Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer

Damages in Seattle Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrians may be entitled to various damages and compensation when they are involved in an accident. A Seattle pedestrian accident attorney will help the accident victim recover maximum compensation for these damages.

Medical Expenses

  • Immediate Medical Costs: This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other immediate treatments required after the accident.
  • Ongoing Medical Care: Costs for long-term treatments, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses related to the accident.
  • Medical Equipment: Expenses for any necessary medical devices, such as wheelchairs, crutches, or prosthetics.

Lost Wages

  • Current Lost Income: Compensation for the income lost during the recovery period when the victim is unable to work.
  • Future Earnings: If the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, the victim may receive compensation for the loss of future earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to the non-monetary losses that a pedestrian suffers due to an accident. These are more subjective and include:

Pain and Suffering

  • Physical Pain: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort experienced as a result of the injuries.
  • Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the accident.

Determining Compensation in Seattle Pedestrian Accident Cases

Determining Compensation in Seattle Pedestrian Accidents

The amount of compensation a pedestrian can receive depends on several factors, including:

  1. Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, generally lead to higher compensation due to increased medical costs and greater impact on the accident victim’s life.
  2. Impact on Earning Capacity: If the injuries affect the victim’s ability to work or their future earning potential, compensation will be higher.
  3. Evidence and Documentation: Detailed medical records, proof of lost wages, your police report, property damage, expert witnesses’ testimonies, and documentation of pain and suffering can significantly influence the compensation amount.
  4. Degree of Fault: If the pedestrian is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced according to Washington’s comparative negligence laws.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics and Trends

  • Over the past decade, Washington state has seen fluctuating rates of pedestrian accidents. Recent data, however, indicates a worrying trend of increased incidents, particularly in densely populated areas.
  • According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), 2,131 pedestrians were involved in accidents in 2023, resulting in 153 pedestrian fatalities and 475 serious injuries.
  • Approximately 16% of all fatal school bus crashes that occurred between 2013 and 2022 involved pedestrians.
  • Downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and areas near major intersections and transit hubs are key hotspots for pedestrian accidents.
  • Accidents are more likely to occur during peak traffic hours and at night. Poor weather conditions, which are common in Seattle, also contribute to higher accident rates.

The Impact of Pedestrian Accidents on the Seattle Community

  • Injuries and Fatalities: Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, with a significant impact on victims’ families and the broader community.
  • Economic Costs: Medical expenses, legal costs, and loss of productivity due to pedestrian accidents impose a financial burden on individuals and the city.
  • Psychological Effects: The trauma from accidents affects not only the victims but also witnesses and the community’s overall sense of safety.

Contact Our Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Seattle or anywhere in Washington state, you need expert legal support to ensure your rights are protected. Brumley Law Firm is experienced in pedestrian accident cases and is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. Reach out to our Seattle pedestrian accident lawyers at (833) 832-2727 or use our online form for a free consultation, and let us fight on your behalf for the justice you deserve.