Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Kent, WA
There are many dangers that pedestrians face when walking on city streets. Cars turning into crosswalks, texting drivers not paying attention, and speeding cars are just some of the dangers that can lead to pedestrian accidents. Oftentimes these accidents result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, not to mention the pain and suffering you’ll endure. You may be unable to work, adding even more stress to an already difficult situation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 7,000 pedestrian fatalities in the United States in 2020. That number has been on the rise in recent years, as more and more people are walking on the streets. Fortunately, you do have legal rights and options if you are involved in a pedestrian accident.
However, pedestrian accidents can be complex, and it’s important to understand the legal landscape before making any decisions. In such a case, you may decide that you need a pedestrian accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
As the number of pedestrian accidents continues to rise, it is important to understand the potential causes of these accidents. While many factors can contribute to these accidents, a few seem more common.
Distracted Driving
One of the biggest causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. With so many drivers using cell phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel, it’s no wonder these accidents are rising. Drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings and be prepared to yield to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks and other areas where pedestrians have the right-of-way.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of pedestrian accidents. When drivers are speeding, they have less time to react to potential hazards, including pedestrians. Drivers need to slow down, especially in areas where pedestrians are more likely to be present.
Drivers Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a major factor in many pedestrian accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 32 Americans die in drunk-driving accidents every year. In 2020, over 11,000 people died as a result of alcohol-impaired driving. The NHTSA also reports that drivers with a BAC level above .08 percent are more likely to cause a crash than drivers with a BAC below that level. However, studies show that alcohol impairment can occur even with far fewer BAC levels.
Poor Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can make it harder for pedestrians to see drivers approaching them at high speeds. Rainy or foggy conditions can make drivers less visible, while snowfall may cover objects along sidewalks and roads that could help drivers identify potential hazards ahead. The combination of poor weather conditions with high speeds makes this type of accident extremely dangerous for both parties involved.
Poorly Lit Streets
Pedestrians are often injured when they are hit by vehicles on poorly lit streets. In many cases, the street lights don’t illuminate pedestrians enough, who are then struck by vehicles. Cities should install high-mounted lighting systems that shine down on the road to reduce the risk of accidents.
Pedestrians Wearing Dark Clothing
Dark clothing such as black clothes, dark shoes, and hats can make it difficult for pedestrians to see other pedestrians on the road. This is especially true at night when visibility is low, and drivers may not be able to clearly see the pedestrians crossing the road.
Often, pedestrian accidents occur due to a combination of these factors. For example, a distracted driver may not see a pedestrian in a dark coat crossing the street. Or, bad weather may make it difficult for a driver to see a pedestrian, even if they are paying attention.
To help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and to take precautions when walking near traffic. Pedestrians should make themselves visible to drivers, obey all traffic laws, and avoid distractions like cell phones. We can help make our roads safer for everyone by taking simple safety steps.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases
We handle a wide variety of pedestrian accident cases, including, but not limited to:
It is not uncommon for pedestrian accident victims to receive a settlement that is twice as much as the amount of their medical costs and lost wages. If you have sustained serious injuries or your loved one has died as a result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to even more compensation, typically ranging between $5,000 to $500,000.
In the unfortunate event that the pedestrian dies due to the accident, the pedestrian’s family may be eligible for a wrongful death claim. However, many factors help determine the amount of compensation to receive, such as:
- Severity of the injuries
- Medical costs involved
- Amount of lost income due to the accident
- Intensity of pain and suffering
- Punitive damages, if applicable
People we’ve helped
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
“Zach and his team performed beyond my expectations! I couldn't have had a better firm in my corner!”
“This was such a great experience.”
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
For many types of accidents, it is important to understand the details of what happened. This is especially true for pedestrian accidents. Many pedestrians are injured by drivers who do not see them or who do not stop quickly enough. In these cases, it is important that you have a lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm is dedicated to helping people like you who have been injured in a pedestrian accident. We will determine whether your case has merit and whether there is evidence that a driver was at fault. Our legal team will then prepare your case for trial and ensure that all evidence has been gathered and properly documented to be used at the trial if necessary.
However, before we can do this, we must first prove liability on behalf of our client. If the at-fault party is found negligent and has caused injury or death, then we can file a personal injury case against them. We may negotiate with them and settle out of court before going to trial.
Our attorneys will work on your behalf so that you can obtain the compensation that you deserve. We can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, as well as help with any related medical bills or lost wages due to your injury. We have helped thousands of people throughout the state of Washington.
When you hire a lawyer for a case you will likely have to sign an agreement called an attorney-client agreement. In an attorney-client agreement, you agree to pay the attorney a fee if they win your case or collect money from the other party.
What this means is that you will pay nothing until we win a settlement from your insurance company or obtain a jury verdict for you. The contingency fee agreement takes away the risk from you. You don’t have to worry about paying for legal expenses up front and can instead focus on the case itself.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
It’s important to understand the different types of people who can be sued for a pedestrian accident. However, compared to drivers of motor vehicles, pedestrians are thought to have a greater probability of avoiding collisions. It is not difficult to understand why – pedestrians are typically supposed to choose when to cross a sidewalk or enter a roadway.
From a purely legal sense, the liability in these cases is determined according to the principles of negligence, just like the vast majority of other personal injury claims. A lawyer will help determine liability to receive damages due to your injuries.
Negligent Driver
You can sue the driver who negligently causes the accident. For example, if the driver was speeding or texting and caused an accident, or made an error, they could be liable. A negligent driver is also responsible for any property damage that results from the crash.
Government Entities
A government entity is any entity that is directly funded through taxes or fees by a government entity to carry out its functions. Government entities can also be liable if they negligently create a dangerous condition that causes an accident. For example, if a city installs speed bumps on a road that causes an accident, then the city may be held liable for any damages caused by the bump or other related factors.
Other Parties
If someone else injured you and you can prove negligence on their part, then you have grounds to sue them. These include private entities such as workplace safety agencies and similar organizations, private companies that provide services or facilities to public entities, and private companies that are tasked with road maintenance such as street light maintenance, among others.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Pedestrian accidents can be complicated, and it is important to have someone on your side who can help you navigate the legal process.
The pedestrian accident lawyers at Herschensohn Law firm can help you investigate your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (206) 588-4344 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.