Seattle Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer Guides You After a Crash

Pedestrian accidents take place within seconds, yet the impact may take years. A Seattle Pedestrian accidents lawyer assists the victim to understand his or her rights, insurance claims and compensation recoveries. This guide describes the next steps when there is a crash, legal opportunities, and the ways how victims can defend themselves.

Growing Concern of Pedestrian Accidents in Seattle

Seattle is characterized with walkable streets and lifestyle. But there is an increasing concern about the safety of pedestrians. Hundreds of injuries every year are as a result of busy intersections, distractors and bad visibility.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission expresses the same, adding that fatalities of pedestrians have grown in the past 10 years. Many of these crashes are attributed to cities such as Seattle with heavy traffic and mixed roads.

Pedestrian accidents are frequently common in the following situations:

●  Lack of the signal crosswalks.

●  Stopping cars that do not give way.

●  Inattentive or intoxicated driving.

●  Rushing in residential areas.

●  Poor lighting or bad weather

Drivers can cause injuries to even cautious pedestrians when there is negligence on their side.

Typical Reasons of Pedestrian Accidents

Knowing the reason behind pedestrian accidents will allow motorists and pedestrians to be vigilant. In the majority of situations, road conditions are not as large of a factor as human error.

1.   Distracted Driving:

Eating, texting or using applications distract attention. A simple interruption may lead to a severe accident.

2.   Speeding:

Drivers with excessive speed have limited reaction time. This causes the danger of lethal injuries to skyrocket beyond 30 mph.

3.   Impaired Driving:

Drugs or alcohol slows the reaction time, causes poor judgment. Thus, a lot of drunken drivers make fatal errors.

4.   Failing to Yield:

Several accidents occur because some drivers disregard crosswalks or fail to look at the pedestrians before turning.

5.   Poor Visibility:

In marked areas, even the blocked views, dark, or rain are more difficult to see pedestrians.

See also: Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer to Win Your Case Fast

Pedestrian Accident Victims in Washington Legal Rights

Washington law offers high protection to pedestrians. Pedestrians have to have their way over both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Nevertheless, it is not always easy to show fault following a crash.

Washington adheres to the comparative negligence. It implies that a pedestrian may recover the damages even with some fault on their side (e.g. crossing the road in the middle of a block). But their share of fault may diminish the final sum.

The victims can be compensated on:

●  Medical costs (current and later).

●  Lost income from missed work

●  Pain and suffering

●  Emotional distress

●  Rehabilitation or long term care.

A professional legal assistance usually results in a more fair outcome because each case is unique.

Immediate Actions after a Pedestrian Accident

The time after an accident may be disorienting. But it is better to know the next step to get in order to safeguard health and legal rights.

1.   Seek Medical Attention

Always see a doctor. Other injuries such as concussions or internal bleeding cannot be seen immediately.

2.   Call Law Enforcement

The police records are official records. They will be useful in the future.

3.   Collect Evidence

Where feasible, collect information about the driver, license plate number, contacts of the witnesses and scene photographs.

4.   Avoid Early Insurance Statements.

Insurance adjusters can make phone calls shortly after the accident. Thus, do not make recorded statements without knowing your rights.

5.   Enlist the services of an attorney.

To be informed, you can consult a Seattle Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer, who deals with Pedestrian Accidents in Seattle, and know what to do next and how to do it.

Prevention: Pedestrian Safety in Seattle.

Accidents are not always preventable, but additional precautions can minimize the risks. The weather, traffic and construction in Seattle necessitate alertness.

Here are simple safety tips:

●  Use walkways and obey lights.

●  Do not be distracted such as when walking and texting.

●  Eye contact with the drivers should be observed before crossing.

●  Wear reflecting or bright colored clothing when at night.

●  Always follow traffic regulations and do not ignore them even when there is no one on the road.

School drivers themselves can do it by driving slowly and attentively in school zones. On the whole, safety on the Seattle streets is two-sided.

Most commonly asked questions (FAQs).

1.   What would I do when the driver runs away after hitting me?

Call 911 right away. Attempt to remember the make, model or color of the car or any component of the plate number. They can be investigated by the police, and even when you lack motorist coverage.

2.   What is the time limits to bring a claim of pedestrian accident?

Washington has a period of three years in which to file a claim after the date of the accident. Nevertheless, there are cases that might have shorter limits hence hurry.

3.   Is a lawyer necessary during pedestrian accidents?

Not always. But most of them are insurance or fault cases. A Seattle Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer will take care of making you know about your rights and will keep you out of errors that might reduce your claim.

The Bigger Picture: Creating Safer Streets Together.

The safety of pedestrians is not an individual problem. Seattle still has its Vision Zero initiative to stop traffic fatalities by design, education, and enforcement.

Drivers and pedestrians both have a role to play in order to make roads safer. Hence, each precautious decision will save lives and minimize accidents.

Conclusion

The accidents involving pedestrians can alter lives in no time. Nonetheless, it is easier to recover in case you are aware of your rights. The insurance claims, legal action and medical treatment may appear cumbersome, yet good knowledge will assist you to remain in control.

A Seattle Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer is able to take you through the process when it comes to a question, defend your rights, and help you continue moving on.