Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Kennewick, WA Making Sure Clients Get the Compensation They Deserve

Pedestrian accidents can be incredibly serious, especially if a pedestrian is struck by a fast-moving car. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents happen all the time. The accident lawyers at Church & Page PLLC fight for the compensation pedestrians deserve. Rather than accepting a settlement from insurance companies right away, we negotiate for what our clients actually need. We also work with other personal injury and medical professionals who consult us if they have questions about work status, injuries, and future care needs. Our experience in many types of pedestrian accidents allows us to help anyone who walks the streets of Kennewick stay safe. If you’ve been the victim of a pedestrian accident, contact us to speak with an attorney about your case. Reach out to Church & Page PLLC as soon as possible by calling (509) 816-5135 and schedule a free consultation today.

What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Kennewick, WA?

One large reason why pedestrian accidents occur is “distracted drivers.” This happens when someone is using their phone or doing something else rather than paying attention to the road. This can lead to people driving where they shouldn’t and hurting others. Distracted drivers also cause accidents by running red lights, ignoring crosswalks and stop signs, and violating right-of-way rules. Many times these crashes could have been avoided if the negligent party followed the laws designed for safety around pedestrians. If you’ve been in a collision caused by a distracted driver, drunk driver, or reckless driver, you should contact Church & Page PLLC today to get the legal counsel you deserve.

What Damages Can I Claim from a Pedestrian Accident?

All of the costs associated with a pedestrian accident, including medical expenses and more, can be compensated through a personal injury claim. This includes physical injuries such as broken bones and disfigurement of various types, but it also covers non-physical injuries like pain and suffering or loss of consortium. Other damages like lost wages or loss of future earning capacity can also be claimed through a personal injury claim.

The amount of compensation you can recover from a pedestrian accident claim depends on the specific details of your situation, but our firm can help you build a strong argument for the compensation you need. If you’ve been involved in any kind of pedestrian accident, Church & Page PLLC is here to help. If someone else caused your accident, they should pay for it, not you. Trust one of our experienced lawyers to help guide you through the injury claim process and get you the most compensation possible for your case.

What Can a Nearby Pedestrian Accident Attorney Do For Me?

Church & Page PLLC helps accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. We have negotiated past claims with insurance companies on behalf of our clients, so we are familiar with how these negotiations work. This means that you can get the most possible compensation, even if it’s just starting to be offered by an insurer or if your case doesn’t settle quickly. An experienced personal injury attorney will make sure no one takes advantage of you and works hard to get you any type of settlement you deserve. If your financial situation is suffering after a pedestrian accident, contact us today about getting more compensation through a personal injury claim and getting the trusted representation you need.

What Responsibilities Do Pedestrians Have While Out Walking in Kennewick?

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported in 2022 that U.S. pedestrian fatalities (deaths from being hit by vehicles) reached the highest numbers in 40 years. The driver is often at fault because they’re breaking the law (speeding, driving while distracted or under the influence, ignoring stop signs or stoplights, etc.). But that doesn’t mean the driver is always the liable party. As attorneys who often represent pedestrians in accidents, we’re aware of the tactics the driver’s attorneys will use to discredit the pedestrian and remove the blame from the driver. Here are situations where the driver’s attorney could try to claim the pedestrian was at least partially at fault for the accident.

In general, pedestrians have the same primary responsibility as drivers: They’re expected to exercise a reasonable duty of care. That means they should be walking and driving in a safe manner while obeying the laws of the road. If someone speeds, encounters an icy patch, and hits a pedestrian who is waiting on the curb for the walk light, it’s logical that the driver was the one not exercising duty of care.

However, if the pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing against the light and the speeding driver hit them, both sides could be found partially liable for the injuries sustained.

The duty of care not only refers to legal obligations but actions most reasonable people would describe as taking adequate care. A driver could try to claim that a pedestrian was not exercising duty of care if they wore dark clothing while they walked at night, making them hard for a motorist to see. How much fault the pedestrian might be assigned depends on the other factors in the accident.

Is Washington State a Comparative Fault State?

Washington is a pure comparative fault state. That means if both parties in an accident have some of the fault for the accident, they can each be assigned a percentage of the blame. That can affect the overall damages earned by those who were injured.

For example, say a driver hits a pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing against the light, but the driver was speeding. The driver could be found to be 70% at fault and the pedestrian 30%. If the pedestrian were injured and awarded a total of $10,000 in damages, that amount would be reduced by 30%–their share of the blame. Instead of receiving $10,000, the pedestrian would receive $7,000.

What Can I Do to Keep Myself Safe While Out Walking?

The most important thing you can do is to stay vigilant. Earbuds are popular walking accessories, but they may prevent you from hearing a vehicle speeding up behind you, and even without sound, staring at your cell phone while walking can distract you from hearing a vehicle approaching too closely. Keep looking all around you, especially when on the street rather than on a sidewalk or trail.

There are several other things you can do to help keep yourself safe.

• Whenever a sidewalk or trail is available, stay off the road.
• If walking on the road is the only choice, walk facing oncoming traffic.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Cross streets only at corners, not in the middle of the block
• Look both ways before entering a crosswalk.
• Wear bright-colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
• Assume drivers may not be able to see you or may be distracted and get yourself out of their way as they approach.
• Don’t walk while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Nearly half of pedestrian accidents in 2020 involved a pedestrian who was under the influence.
• Pay attention to parked vehicles. People trying to leave a parking spot may not pay enough attention to pedestrians.
• Don’t assume drivers will use their turn signals. Many do not, even when it’s the law. You may have the right of way in the crosswalk, but if the driver doesn’t signal and is distracted, you could end up badly injured.

What Should I Do if I Was Injured by a Driver While Out Walking in Kennewick?

First, see a doctor as soon as possible. There are many injuries that don’t exhibit symptoms right away, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening. Another reason to see a doctor right away is that if you don’t, the driver’s attorney or insurance company may try to claim that injuries that show up later weren’t related to the accident.

When possible, get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. If there are businesses or residences nearby that appear to have security cameras, make a note of that–the cameras may have caught the accident and can provide substantial evidence.

When Should I Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Kennewick?

If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Kennewick, contact Church & Page PLLC today for help with your case. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to handle a wide variety of personal injury cases. Reach out to us as soon as possible so we can start building your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call (509) 816-5135 now to speak with an attorney about your claim or schedule a free consultation online. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the legal counsel you need from qualified attorneys experienced with Kennewick pedestrian accidents.