Types and Causes of Seattle Pedestrian Accidents
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, a pedestrian is involved in a traffic crash every four hours on average in our state. These crashes occur in myriad ways, but some of the most common scenarios include:
Vehicles turning at intersections and failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
Drivers running red lights or stop signs and striking pedestrians legally crossing
Vehicles backing up without checking their rearview mirror and backup camera
Distracted driving accidents where the driver fails to see the pedestrian
Intoxicated or drug-impaired drivers are unable to react in time to avoid hitting the pedestrian
Parking lot accidents where drivers pull out of spaces without looking
Vehicles drifting onto sidewalks or road shoulders and striking pedestrians
Several factors make Seattle especially perilous for people on foot. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, Seattle roadways are more congested than ever. Meanwhile, the rise of smartphones means more drivers are distracted behind the wheel. Speeding, intoxicated driving, and general recklessness also contribute to the epidemic of pedestrian injuries and deaths.
Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
According to the Seattle Department of Transportation's 2020 Traffic Report, there were 24 pedestrian fatalities in Seattle in 2020, up from 15 in 2019. This marked a tragic 60% increase in pedestrian deaths in just one year and the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the city in a decade.
The report also found that from 2016 to 2020, there were an average of 550 pedestrian-involved crashes each year in Seattle. Of these crashes, an average of 18% resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the human body is simply no match for tons of metal and glass. Even at relatively low speeds, pedestrian accidents frequently result in severe trauma, such as:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage and paralysis
Crushing injuries and internal organ damage
Complex fractures
Extensive "road rash" and lacerations
Amputation or loss of limb
Recovering from catastrophic injuries like these is an arduous process - one that may involve multiple surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, grueling rehabilitation, and astronomical medical bills. Some pedestrian accident victims even face permanent disabilities that rob them of their mobility, independence, and ability to work and enjoy life.
Fortunately, Washington law allows pedestrian accident victims to seek compensation from the at-fault party through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. While no amount of money can undo the trauma you've suffered, it can provide vital financial relief and a sense of justice.
Holding Seattle Drivers Accountable After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident, injured victims are often unsure of their rights. They may even blame themselves if they were crossing outside a marked crosswalk or against the light. But it's important to remember that drivers must avoid colliding with pedestrians, even when the pedestrian does not have the right-of-way.
Under Washington law, a driver can be liable for a pedestrian's injuries if they violated traffic laws or were negligent in any way that contributed to the crash. Examples of driver negligence include:
Speeding
Distracted driving
Intoxicated driving
Failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crossings
Failure to come to a complete stop at stop signs
Failure to look when pulling out or backing up
Drifting out of the designated lane
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident - for example, you were jaywalking or crossing against the light - you may still recover compensation under Washington's pure comparative negligence rule. However, your percentage of fault will reduce your damages award. So, even if a jury determines that you are 99% responsible for your own injuries, you can still recover 1% in damages from the other party. This legal principle ensures that each party is held accountable for their share of fault, regardless of how substantial or minor.
Determining fault in a pedestrian accident case often requires an in-depth investigation. The knowledgeable legal team at Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC will leave no stone unturned in building your claim, gathering evidence such as:
Armed with this evidence, we can develop a compelling case proving the driver's liability for your injuries. We're skilled negotiators who will aggressively pursue a fair settlement with the insurance company. And if necessary, we have the trial experience to fight for you in court.
Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
A serious pedestrian accident can impact every facet of your life. The road to recovery is long and costly. Many injured pedestrians require extensive medical treatment, including:
Emergency medical care
Diagnostic imaging like X-rays and MRIs
Hospitalization
Multiple surgeries
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Medications and medical devices
Mental health counseling
Home health assistance
Long-term care
The medical bills can easily climb into the hundreds of thousands - even millions. To make matters worse, many pedestrian accident victims are unable to work during this time, losing vital income needed to support their families. Those who suffer permanent impairments may never return to their previous job or work at all.
Through a pedestrian accident claim, you can seek compensation for the full scope of your losses, including:
Past, current, and future medical expenses
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disability and disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
No settlement or verdict can erase the trauma you've endured. But it can provide the financial security you need to heal and move forward with your life. It can pay for the best possible medical care, replace lost income, and compensate you for your physical and emotional pain. It's also a way to hold the at-fault driver accountable for the harm they've caused.
