Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Washington

As a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, it is likely your injuries are very severe. After all, a pedestrian has virtually no protection in the event of a crash—no helmet, no protective clothing, no steel and glass cage surrounding, no airbags, and no seatbelts. Unfortunately, a certain number of pedestrian accidents are hit-and-run accidents, which makes it even more difficult to obtain compensation for your injuries. At the Kadish Twersky Law Firm, our attorneys have long-standing experience with pedestrian accidents. The Kadish Twersky Law Firm has been dedicated to representing clients in Everett, Snohomish County, King County, and Skagit County for more than three decades. During this difficult time in your life, we vow to help you—always with integrity, respect, and professionalism.

Our goal is to recover the damages you deserve following your injury. You receive further benefits due to the fact that the Kadish Twersky Law Firm has recently merged with Palace Law, adding experience, knowledge, and skills to help all our clients. We will help you through the litigation process following your pedestrian accident in a positive, supportive manner. The Kadish Twersky pedestrian accident attorneys represent real people against insurance companies who do not want to pay what your claim is worth, as well as corporations and governmental agencies.

Where and When Do Pedestrian Accidents Typically Occur?

According to People Powered Movement, some states have roads that are particularly dangerous for pedestrians, with just four states (New York, Texas, Florida, and California) being responsible for 42 percent of all pedestrian fatalities in 2016. The most dangerous cities for pedestrians are: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose. The vast majority of pedestrian accidents occur after dark, which is not particularly surprising, as it becomes more difficult to see pedestrians after dark, and few pedestrians wear reflective clothing.

Drivers Must Be Aware of Pedestrians

The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that the number of pedestrian deaths increased between 2016 and 2017 by seven percent. This means that drivers are simply not doing a good job of watching out for pedestrians. Drivers must do the following to avoid hitting pedestrians:

• Always obey the posted speed limit;
• Always slow down in congested areas;
• Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks;
• Always yield to pedestrians and cyclists when turning;
• Always look before you open your car door;
• Always look before you make an intersection turn. 

What Rights Do Pedestrians Have in Washington State?

Washington State residents may wonder exactly what rights pedestrians have, and what laws must be followed to keep pedestrians safe. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks—regardless of whether the crosswalk is marked or not. If another vehicle is yielding to a pedestrian at an intersection, the driver behind should never attempt to pass that vehicle.  If a pedestrian is crossing a street outside of an intersection, drivers must always exercise “due care,” meaning they must pay proper attention to the road and the pedestrians in an effort to always avoid collisions. If a pedestrian does not see the driver, the driver should honk his or her horn.

Drivers must always yield to bicycles and people on sidewalks and in crosswalks, and cyclists on the sidewalk must yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians are allowed to cross the street anywhere—even outside a crosswalk—however, they must exercise care and yield to motor vehicles. Both drivers and pedestrians must obey traffic signals and traffic control devices. If there is no sidewalk available, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road or shoulder.

How Children and the Elderly are Particularly Vulnerable to Pedestrian Accidents

Children are more prone to being involved in a pedestrian accident than are the elderly, but elderly pedestrian accidents are more likely to be fatal.  Children are often victims of pedestrian accidents because they move quickly and are much shorter, making it difficult for drivers to see them. Smaller children may pull away from their parents’ hands, darting into the street without warning—another reason they become auto accident victims.

Older adults, on the other hand, are more likely to be victims of a pedestrian/auto accident due to their slower movements. On a busy city street, an elderly person who walks slowly may be unable to get across the street before the light changes, and impatient drivers may not be paying attention as they should.

Overall, as we age, our hearing, vision, reflexes, and flexibility diminish. An elderly person may not see an oncoming car, especially if it is coming from the side, and might not hear the car either. The elderly tend to be less flexible and agile, therefore less able to quickly get out of the way when they do spot a vehicle headed toward them. Impatient or flat-out negligent drivers are the cause of many serious pedestrian accidents among the elderly, as well as elderly fatalities.

Often these drivers are so focused on getting where they are going that they fail to be alert while driving, not yielding to pedestrians. They may run red lights or disregard other traffic signs, never even seeing the elderly person trying to cross until they hit them. Drivers must be conscientious when operating their automobiles and must be hyper-alert in city situations where children and elderly pedestrians could be trying to cross busy streets.

 How Kadish Twersky Can Help Those Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

If you are a pedestrian who has been hit by a driver in Everett, Snohomish County, King County, or Skagit County, Kadish Twersky can help. We fully understand your situation and will help you get your life back on track. You may be facing months, years, or a lifetime of medical procedures, and may not be able to return to your former job. If you are unable to work, you may also be unable to pay your normal monthly expenses. We can help, following your pedestrian accident contact a Kadish Twersky attorney.