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Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Get legal help from our Seattle-area pedestrian accident attorneys today
Pedestrian accidents can result in devastating consequences, leaving individuals with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. At Smith McBroom, we recognize the vulnerability of pedestrians and are committed to providing unwavering legal support to ensure that they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. With a proven track record of successfully representing pedestrians in similar cases, our skilled Seattle pedestrian accident attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and help you rebuild your life after a pedestrian accident.
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What are common Seattle pedestrian accident injuries?
Pedestrian accidents can result in a range of injuries, often due to the vulnerable nature of pedestrians when involved in collisions with larger and heavier vehicles. Common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
- Fractures and broken bones. The impact of a collision can lead to fractures and breaks in the bones, particularly in the extremities.
- Head injuries. Pedestrians are at risk of head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, which can have long-term consequences.
- Soft tissue injuries. Sprains, strains, and contusions can occur as a result of the body's impact with the vehicle or the ground.
- Internal injuries. The force of a collision may cause injuries to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Spinal cord injuries. Injuries to the back and spinal cord can result in significant impairment, including paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
- Cuts and abrasions. Pedestrians may suffer cuts and abrasions from contact with the vehicle or the road surface.
- Whiplash. Sudden impact can cause the head and neck to jerk violently, leading to whiplash injuries.
- Knee injuries. Pedestrians may experience knee injuries, particularly if they are struck by a vehicle at an angle.
- Psychological trauma. Witnessing or being involved in a pedestrian accident can lead to emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
- Fatal injuries. In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities.
The severity of injuries often depends on factors such as the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and whether the pedestrian was able to brace for the collision. Prompt medical attention is vital for assessing and treating injuries, even if they initially appear minor.
If you've been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to seek legal advice to understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced Seattle personal injury attorney can help navigate the legal complexities and advocate for your best interests.
What are common causes of Seattle pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents in Seattle, like in many areas, can occur due to various factors involving both pedestrians and drivers. Understanding common causes can help raise awareness and contribute to efforts to prevent such accidents. Here are some common causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Distracted driving/pedestrian distraction. Both drivers and pedestrians can be distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or using electronic devices, leading to a lack of attention to the road.
- Failure to yield. Drivers failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians, especially at crosswalks and intersections, can result in collisions.
- Speeding. Excessive speeding reduces a driver's reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid pedestrians in crosswalks or on sidewalks.
- Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's ability to react and make sound judgments, increasing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
- Failure to obey traffic signals. Disregarding traffic signals and signs, both by drivers and pedestrians, can lead to dangerous situations at intersections.
- Unsafe turns. Drivers making turns without checking for pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections can cause accidents.
- Poor visibility. Low visibility conditions, such as darkness, rain, or fog, can contribute to pedestrian accidents if drivers and pedestrians are not adequately visible to each other.
- Jaywalking. Pedestrians crossing streets outside designated crosswalks or against traffic signals increase the risk of being involved in accidents.
- Left-turn accidents. Similar to motor vehicle accidents, left-turning vehicles can pose a threat to pedestrians if drivers fail to yield or misjudge the distance and speed of pedestrians.
- Inadequate infrastructure. Poorly designed or maintained sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals can contribute to accidents. Lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can increase the risk for both pedestrians and drivers.
- Backing-up accidents. Drivers backing out of driveways or parking spaces may not always be aware of pedestrians behind their vehicles.
Who is liable for my Seattle pedestrian accident?
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident involves evaluating the specific circumstances of the incident. Liability is typically assigned based on factors such as negligence or reckless behavior.
In cases where the motorist's actions directly led to the pedestrian accident, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield, the driver may be held liable. Conversely, pedestrians may contribute to the accident through actions like jaywalking or crossing against traffic signals. However, even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still be eligible for compensation here in Washington.
If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries to pedestrians. Additionally, if a driver fails to yield the right of way to a pedestrian at crosswalks or intersections, and this failure leads to an accident, the driver may be held responsible.
In cases where the accident occurs due to poorly designed or maintained roads, crosswalks, or traffic signals, the entity responsible for maintaining the infrastructure may be held liable. If the driver was operating a vehicle for work purposes at the time of the accident, their employer may also be held liable under certain circumstances.
Washington State follows a comparative fault system, meaning that if the pedestrian shares some degree of fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced accordingly. However, as long as the pedestrian is not 100% at fault, they may still pursue compensation for their injuries and damages.
If you've been involved in a pedestrian accident, seeking legal advice promptly is essential to understand your rights and options for pursuing an injury claim. An experienced Seattle pedestrian accident attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
What is the value of my Seattle pedestrian accident claim?
Determining the value of a pedestrian accident claim involves a careful assessment of various factors, and it can vary widely based on the specific circumstances of the incident and the resulting damages. Some key factors that influence the value of a pedestrian accident claim include:
- Medical expenses. The cost of medical treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical expenses, significantly contributes to the value of your claim.
- Lost wages. If you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact of the accident on your quality of life is a subjective but important component of a claim.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement. If you sustain permanent injuries or disfigurement, the compensation amount may increase to account for the long-term consequences.
- Property damage. Compensation for damage to personal property, such as clothing or personal belongings, may be included in the claim.
It's important to remember that each case is unique, and the value of a pedestrian accident claim is highly specific. Consulting with a Seattle pedestrian accident attorney from Smith McBroom can provide a thorough evaluation of your specific situation. Our attorneys can assess the damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, pursue legal action to seek fair compensation for the injuries and losses suffered in the pedestrian accident.
Do you have a Seattle pedestrian accident attorney near me?
Smith McBroom is located at 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite #210, Seattle, Washington, 98188. We’re right off I-5 and I-405, near Southcenter Mall. There is a bus stop near our office, and we offer free on-site parking.
Experienced pedestrian accident lawyers serving the Seattle area
If you've been the victim of a pedestrian accident, don't face the challenges alone. The dedicated team of Seattle pedestrian accident attorneys at Smith McBroom is here to help you navigate the legal path to justice. Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Don't let the complexities of the legal process overwhelm you. Reach out to our skilled attorneys today. Call our Tukwila-based offices or fill out our contact form today to schedule a consultation.