Valet Service Accident Liability

When a Seattle, WA pedestrian accident lawyer evaluates injuries that happen near valet service areas, questions of liability often come to the forefront. At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve worked with clients injured in these environments to understand their legal options, where both drivers and property owners may share fault depending on the situation.

How Valet Services Create Risk For Pedestrians

Valet areas are often crowded, fast-paced, and poorly marked, especially in downtown locations or event venues. Pedestrians walking through these zones might be struck by a valet driver moving a vehicle too quickly or without proper visibility. In these cases, liability may rest with the valet company, the individual driver, or even the property owner who arranged the service.

Valet companies owe a duty of care to both vehicle owners and anyone walking nearby. If a valet driver acts recklessly or fails to yield, that negligence may form the basis for a personal injury claim. One of our recent blogs explains what to do after being hit by a car and why it’s important to gather immediate documentation after any pedestrian incident.

Multiple Parties May Share Responsibility

In some valet-related pedestrian accidents, fault doesn’t fall on just one party. A property owner who hires an unlicensed or underinsured valet service might face premises liability claims. Similarly, a business could be liable if it created unsafe walking conditions, such as failing to provide designated walkways near drop-off zones. Our parking lot accident blog discusses how legal responsibility is shared when multiple factors contribute to pedestrian injuries.

We’ve also seen cases where drivers not affiliated with the valet service cause harm by driving erratically through the area. In those instances, the standard rules of driver negligence still apply.

Proving Fault With Evidence

Video surveillance, valet dispatch logs, and eyewitness accounts are vital to proving how the incident occurred. Our team routinely obtains these materials to support injury claims, especially when commercial insurance policies are involved.

The strength of a claim often depends on how well evidence is preserved in the hours following the accident. Before leaving the scene, be sure to document it yourself with pictures and videos.

What Victims Can Recover

Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs. Washington’s comparative fault rule allows recovery even if the injured pedestrian shares partial blame. As long as someone else is more at fault, recovery is still possible.

We use our legal background to assess who contributed to the injury, and to what extent. With a 9.9 rating on Avvo, we take pride in advocating for those harmed in preventable accidents. We recommend always being vigilant even in parking lots, but we understand that not all accidents are avoidable.

Reputation Matters In Valet Injury Claims

Valet service accidents require attention to timing, setting, and third-party responsibility. That’s why it helps to work with an attorney recognized for trial readiness. We’ve been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, and we’re proud of our record helping injured pedestrians throughout King County. If you are considering using a valet service yourself, check to make sure they are licensed and insured before using them with your own vehicle.

At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we investigate valet-related pedestrian injuries with the urgency and attention they deserve. If you or someone you care about has been hurt near a valet station, we’re here to help.