Your Right of Way: Pedestrian Accidents in Washington
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.gov), in the United States, a pedestrian is killed every two hours in a traffic accident, and one is injured every eight minutes. Many pedestrian accidents happen due to the fault of a careless driver. In Washington, pedestrians have the right of way and if a car hits you, you also have the right to compensation for your injuries.
A personal injury lawyer in Washington can help you understand your rights and build a case against a negligent driver. According to state law, pedestrians have the right of way to cross the street within a crosswalk, whether it's marked or unmarked.
How Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Unfortunately, pedestrians are at risk every time they take a walk on the street — especially in urban areas. Drivers can engage in negligent behavior in many different ways:
- Failure to yield right of way
- Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Failure to stop before a right-hand turn
- Failure to leave enough room for pedestrians or cyclists
- Drunk driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving
If any of these behaviors result in harm to you or someone you love, call a personal injury attorney to ensure your injuries are taken care of and the parties are held responsible for their actions.
Sometimes an accident may occur because of faulty street equipment, like a malfunctioning traffic light, broken sidewalks, or poor signage. In cases like this, you may make a pedestrian accident claim against the city or municipality.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Because an accident involving a pedestrian versus a vehicle can be so severe, the injuries you suffer can be traumatic. Typical injuries in these types of accidents include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Lacerations and cuts
- Scars and disfigurement
If you've suffered injury in a pedestrian accident, contact a Tacoma personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to begin your recovery process — physically, financially, and emotionally.
