Seattle Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
There has always been a mismatch between cars and pedestrians. A person walking down the street has no protection against the weight of a 4,000-pound motor vehicle. This makes it incumbent upon all motorists to operate their vehicles in a safely manner consistent with Washington’s traffic laws.
But as we all know, far too many drivers are reckless behind the wheel. To make matters worse, these drivers often fail to keep a proper lookout for pedestrians crossing the street. If you have been injured by such negligence and need legal advice and representation from a skilled lawyer, the Emerald Law Group is here to help.
Reckless Driving Frequently Leads to Pedestrian Injuries, Deaths
The tragedy of pedestrian accidents is that they are almost always preventable. Although a minority of accidents are the fault of a pedestrian, more often they are the result of driver negligence. Some of the more common causes of pedestrian accidents in the Seattle area include:
- a driver is speeding and unable to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian;
- a driver is distracted, say by looking at their phone, and fails to see a pedestrian before hitting them;
- a driver fails to stop or yield as directed by a traffic signal or sign; or
- a driver is under the influence of drugs and alcohol, dulling their response time and leading to a collision.
While the reckless driver is still offered some degree of protection by their vehicle, the unfortunate pedestrian is not so lucky. A head-on collision often leaves the pedestrian with serious, life-threatening injuries such as internal bleeding, torn ligaments and muscles, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. Even when not fatal, such injuries often require weeks or months of medical care followed by extensive physical and mental rehabilitation.
If a pedestrian can prove negligent driving caused their injuries, the driver and their insurance company can be held responsible for monetary damages. This includes not just the injured pedestrian’s past and future medical bills, but also their lost wages and reduced earning power, as well as compensation for their ongoing pain and suffering.
Contact Emerald Law Today
Following any pedestrian accident, it is critical for the victim to seek immediate medical attention, even if they “feel fine” and are able to walk away from the scene. Many injuries, such as a concussion or internal bleeding, may not be readily apparent following the collision. It is also a good idea to contact the police and obtain an official accident report, which can prove useful later when seeking monetary damages.
It is also a good idea to contact an experienced Seattle pedestrian accidents lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can assist you in conducting a thorough investigation of what happened and who may be legally responsible for paying any compensation due under the law. So if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident and need to speak with someone, contact the Emerald Law Group today to schedule an initial consultation.
