Distracted driving is becoming more of a problem for other drivers and pedestrians alike. Drivers have a responsibility to be aware of pedestrians on and near the roadway. Even a low-speed crash with a pedestrian can cause injuries not visible on the scene. That said, if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident due to no fault of your own, our firm is here to help. Contact a skilled Snohomish County pedestrian accident lawyer from Amy C Brown Law, PLLC to schedule your free initial consultation today.
Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve sustained an injury as a pedestrian, you need an attorney in your corner who can protect your rights and prove you’re entitled to compensation. Over the years, our Snohomish County auto accident lawyer has helped countless clients who have been injured by vehicles on the road, and she is prepared to fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, wages, and other responsibilities.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Washington State
Pedestrian accidents can occur due to various reasons, often involving negligence on the part of drivers. Some of the most common causes of these accidents are as follows:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers engaging with their phones, navigation systems, or other distractions are less likely to notice pedestrians.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Many accidents occur at crosswalks or intersections where drivers fail to yield to pedestrians.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and reaction times.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents are more common in conditions of poor visibility, such as at night or in bad weather.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Running red lights or stop signs can lead to serious pedestrian accidents.
- Left-Hand Turns: Drivers focusing on oncoming traffic while making left turns may fail to see pedestrians.
- Backing-Up Accidents: Pedestrians, especially children, can be hit by vehicles backing up in driveways or parking lots.
- Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and erratic lane changes increase the risk of hitting a pedestrian.
- Lack of Sidewalks or Pedestrian Paths: In areas without proper pedestrian pathways, pedestrians are forced to walk close to moving traffic.
Documenting the Accident
After a pedestrian accident, if possible, you should try and take the following steps:
- Call the Police: Ensure that a police report is filed and that emergency medical services are sent to the scene of the accident.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If possible, take pictures of the scene, including the vehicle, your injuries, and any relevant road signs or signals.
- Collect Contact Information: Get the contact and insurance information of the driver involved, as well as the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Medical records can play a critical role in proving the extent of injuries you sustained.
- Follow Up on Treatment: Keep records of all medical appointments, treatments, medications, and how your injuries affect your daily life.
- Do Not Repair Personal Items: Keep damaged clothing or personal items as they are. They can serve as evidence of the impact and severity of the accident.
- Avoid Social Media: Refrain from discussing your accident or injuries on social media platforms as these statements can be used against you.
Financial Compensation
Once you get in touch with our firm, we will begin building your case. We’ll work to gather all relevant documentation and evidence to prove a) that you were injured due to another party’s negligence and that b) you incurred significant damages as a result. As long as we can satisfy the burden of proof, you should qualify for compensation to help you recuperate from the economic and non-economic damages you’ve sustained.
Examples of economic damages can include medical bills, lost wages from being unable to return to work, and more. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, deal with pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional trauma, and other intangible, yet very real damages.
Contact an Everett, Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t face the uphill battle for compensation on your own. Amy C Brown Law, PLLC has fought on behalf of accident victims in Snohomish County and throughout Washington for years, and we are here to fight for you as well. Contact a skilled Snohomish County pedestrian accident lawyer for a free initial consultation today.
