Bellingham Personal Injury Attorneys
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Washington
Over 7,000 pedestrians are killed by motor vehicles across the United States every year, and over 100,000 sustain injuries severe enough to require a hospital visit. With nearly all Washingtonians walking to their destinations on a daily basis, pedestrian safety is a vital concern state-wide.
Injuries related to pedestrian accidents are often severe, requiring dedicated medical attention and a possibly lengthy recovery process. Sometimes, people may lose the ability to work, which causes undue stress on both themselves and their families. There may be help available through a personal injury claim, to help cover medical costs, lost income, and more.
Our Washington pedestrian accident lawyers may be able to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more on what might be possible in your specific case.
What Is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident is the result of a vehicle, such as a car or a bicycle, striking somebody who is using the road on foot. In Washington State, a pedestrian is any person who is traveling afoot or with the aid of a wheelchair. This may include rollerblading, skateboarding, or using any means of human-powered movement that is not a bicycle.
Some of the most common sites of pedestrian accidents are intersections, parking lots, and other places where pedestrians may cross the flow of traffic. While a pedestrian may be lawfully crossing the street at a marked crosswalk, a driver’s neglect to respect traffic signals or pay adequate attention to the road can cause a collision.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of intoxicants, eg. alcohol
- Neglecting to follow traffic signals
- Speeding
- Poorly lit roadways
- And more
Types of Pedestrian Injuries
The impacts of a motor vehicle accident can be devastating for a pedestrian. If not outright fatal, pedestrian injuries can range from mild to catastrophic. They include:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue damage
- Sprains
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic pain
- And more
Depending on the severity of their injuries, an individual may face a long road to recovery, involving extensive medical and rehabilitative care. They may no longer be able to work, either temporarily or for the rest of their lives. This financial stress, in addition to the physical and emotional pain of living with a temporary or permanent disability, can place an immense burden on both the injured accident survivor and their loved ones.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Washington
The first thing you should do if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident is seek medical attention. Even if you do not think your injuries are serious, having the guidance of a medical professional can ensure your recovery is as quick as possible. Some injuries take time to reveal themselves, and the last thing you want is to accidentally make your injuries worse by not attending to them in time. Having clear medical records can also help you in a pedestrian accident claim, should you seek legal recourse in the future.
The first moments after a pedestrian accident are often full of shock, and it can be difficult, in that moment, to consider a future claim. However, if you are able, and if it is safe to do so, try to collect evidence about your accident while you are still at the site. Take photographs of the area, including the vehicle that struck you, and where you were at the time. Write down the driver’s information, including their name, contact, and insurance number. Collect the contact information of any witnesses. Make note of any security cameras that may have captured the accident on film.
You may be eligible for compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. This may help cover the costs of your medical treatments, rehabilitative care, lost income, pain and suffering damages, and more. If you are considering pursuing a personal injury claim, contact a pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and discover what may be possible in your case.
What Can a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Do for Me?
A pedestrian accident attorney can help guide you through a personal injury claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery. At Border Solutions Law Group, our lawyers prioritize the specific needs of our clients, tailoring solutions to each individual case. With a thorough knowledge of Washington State law concerning pedestrian accidents, we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our service areas across Washington include:
- Seattle
- Bellingham
- Tacoma
- Everett
- Bellevue
- Spokane
- And more
Contact Border Solutions Law Group for a Free Initial Consultation
Have you sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident? Contact us today to see what our pedestrian accident lawyers at Border Solutions Law Group might be able to do. Call us at 604-684-4211 or complete our online form, and book your free initial consultation today.
TOLL FREE:
604-684-4211
CANADA OFFICE:
Suite 408 – 837 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC V6C 3N6
US OFFICE:
Suite 301 – 2219 Rimland Dr.
Bellingham, WA 98226
FAX:
604-305-0338
Frequently Asked Questions
At Border Solutions Law Group, we aim to provide clear, straightforward answers to help you understand your rights.
Here are some common questions we receive related to Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Washington:
Are cross-border injury claims worth more in the U.S.?
The popular perception is that personal injury cases are worth far more in the U.S. than in Canada. This is not always the case. Rushing into a lawsuit in BC or Washington without knowing how the law and insurers work in both jurisdictions is risky. Without the benefit of experience, it can lead to disappointingly unanticipated financial results.
We Help You Avoid The Perils And Pitfalls
At Border Solutions Law Group, our exclusive focus in personal injury is on cross-border cases. Our lawyers are dual-licensed. We regularly fight injury claims in both Vancouver and Seattle.
Over the years, we have analyzed thousands of claims. Our experience is the reason why we have so consistently gained financially favourable outcomes for our clients. We know how to balance the potential awards against the costs. Before launching into a suit, we make sure you’ll end up with a financial win, not a loss.
Why Some U.S. Claims Are Worth More
Unlike British Columbia, Washington state places no cap on certain damages. One of these is for pain and suffering. But maximizing compensation depends on the type of injury. For catastrophic, life-altering injuries, the difference can mean millions of dollars in compensation. But in reality, the vast majority of claims are for soft tissue injuries, which are worth far less.
Legal Costs Are A Key Consideration
The cost of court and legal fees is another important consideration. In BC, your legal costs will likely be covered by the insurer. In Washington, each party is responsible for their own costs. If you hastily initiate a lawsuit and it drags on, you could easily see your compensation reduced down to very little after paying for litigation costs. The key is to know when an award will actually be worth the cost of litigation.
At Border Solutions, we know when you should push forward and when you should settle. We will analyze all the factors, do the number crunching and ensure that you end up financially on top.
Call Us For A Free Case Evaluation
An initial consultation is free. Discuss your case with our lawyer by calling 877-341-0315 or by filing out our online form.
Still have questions? Contact Border Solutions Law Group today to schedule a consultation.