When it comes to navigating their way through the streets, bicyclists, skateboarders, and pedestrians seem like fairly disparate groups, right? As personal injury lawyers in Everett, we find that many people aren’t aware that traffic laws are actually similar for all three groups. What they have in common, as far as the law is concerned, is that they are all powered by people, not engines.

When bicyclists, skateboarders, or pedestrians are hit by cars, the driver’s Personal Injury Protection insurance has to pay for the medical bills and wage loss, up to certain amounts, no matter who was at fault.

It’s common knowledge that pedestrians are protected when walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, under Washington law. But some people may not know that the same laws also protect bicyclists in crosswalks. And while there are no specific Washington State laws governing skateboarders, there is one that states that a pedestrian is anyone on foot, in a wheelchair, or using human power to move, except for a bicyclist. By this definition, skateboarders are governed by the same laws as pedestrians.

Nearly every community in Washington has laws about skateboards, and those laws are far-ranging. In Everett and Bellingham, for example, skateboards are not allowed in certain areas. UW Tacoma has regulations about skateboards and bikes within the university area. Seattle’s law says that skateboarders shall be careful and prudent. While that might seem to go against the mindset of skateboarding, in reality, that is the law in Washington State for all pedestrians, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.

If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian-auto accident, skateboarding-auto crash, or bicycle accident, please call our personal injury firm in Everett for a free consultation. With over 75 years of combined experience in accident and injury cases, we are here to help you.

This website includes general information about legal issues to be used for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances or to create an attorney-client relationship.