Vehicle Accidents /

Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights in Washington State

Being struck by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian can be a terrifying and life-changing experience. In Washington state, pedestrians are especially vulnerable on Seattle’s busy streets.

If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be facing a mountain of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. You don’t have to go through this alone. A Seattle pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

 

Understanding Pedestrian Rights in Washington

Washington state law prioritizes pedestrian safety, granting them the right of way in most crosswalks and intersections. Despite these regulations, negligent drivers often violate these rights, leading to serious injuries or even fatalities among pedestrians. Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Seattle include:

  • Failure to yield at crosswalks
  • Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone
  • Speeding in pedestrian-heavy areas
  • Ignoring traffic signals or signs
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

When such negligence leads to an accident, the injured pedestrian has the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other related costs.

 

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Seattle?

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to take the following steps:

Seek medical attention: Your health is the most important thing. Get checked out by a doctor or hospital as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or the injury seems minor.

Report the accident: File a police report to document the accident.

Gather evidence: If you are able to do so safely, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles involved. Also, try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Contact a Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer: An experienced lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and help you navigate the claims process.

 

Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bumps and bruises to serious and life-threatening conditions. Here are some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries:

Broken bones: Fractures are a frequent injury in pedestrian accidents, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs.

Head injuries: Severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be caused by a blow to the head and can lead to long-term cognitive problems.

Spinal cord injuries: These devastating injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis.

Soft tissue injuries: This includes injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains, strains, and whiplash.

Internal injuries: These injuries can be difficult to diagnose and may require immediate medical attention.

 

Why Do I Need a Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

If you were injured by a motorist, a Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer can:

Evaluate your case: A personal injury lawyer can help determine if you have a case and walk you through your legal options.

Investigate the accident: Your lawyer will gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to determine how the accident happened and who is at fault.

Deal with the insurance company: Insurance companies are in business to make money, and they may try to deny your claim or offer you a lowball settlement. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate with them and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Handle the legal paperwork: Personal injury cases can involve complex legal documents and procedures. Your lawyer will handle all the legal paperwork for you, so you can focus on your recovery.

 

What Can I Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, hospital stays, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other medical care.

Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages and benefits.

Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Property damage: If your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, such as a phone or glasses, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.

In the tragic case of a wrongful death caused by a pedestrian accident, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for their loss.

 

Don’t Wait to Get Help – Contact a Seattle Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

Contacting a pedestrian accident lawyer right away can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

Our firm at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler (RHHK), has a team of experienced personal injury attorneys who are dedicated to helping pedestrian accident victims in Seattle and throughout Washington state.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. There is no obligation to hire us, but we will give you the legal advice you need to move forward after your pedestrian accident.

START
Get Started

Do you have a case?

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.

See if you have a case
Results
Our Results

The Proof

See All Case Results

Winning is when clients get the closure and compensation they deserve. We haven’t settled for less in the last sixty plus years. And we won’t for the next sixty.

$875,000
Client was a pedestrian and was struck by a car while crossing in a crosswalk. Client was transported to the hospital but unfortunately died as a result of the injuries.
$350,000
Client was a pedestrian and was struck by a truck. Client suffered a closed head injury and multiple fractures requiring hospitalization and surgery.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.

See All FAQs

Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?

It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.

 

Learn More

What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?

A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.

 

Learn More

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.

 

Learn More

How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.

 

Learn More

Impact
Our Impact

3,000+
Success Stories

The change you want to see happens when your story goes beyond the courtroom and makes an impact after the case is closed.

  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • Dan Kyler and Mike Fisher were professional and dedicated throughout the entire process. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
Justice

Let Us
Fight
For Your Story

We will demand the justice you deserve with relentless pursuit. On your side, is a firm ready and able to win.

Learn More About Our Attorneys