Did you get hit by a car while walking outside? Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are an all-too-common and often traumatic reality for people who travel on foot. Whether you’re going for a morning jog or walking down the street at night, pedestrians are in a vulnerable position.
If you sustained injuries after being struck by a motor vehicle, it’s important to know that you have rights. At Phillips Law Firm, we can help you pursue compensation and represent you as your Woodinville personal injury lawyer.
Our attorneys have more than 80 years of combined experience, and together, we‘ve recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for our clients. You can count on us to advocate for you as your Woodinville pedestrian accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Woodinville
Pedestrian accidents can happen in a variety of ways. Here are examples of common causes of collisions involving pedestrians:
- Distracted driving: In today’s world, distractions such as texting behind the wheel, talking on the phone, or eating while driving can divert a driver’s attention from the road for long enough to cause a crash. As a result, distractions are a leading cause of collisions in general, and pedestrian accidents are no exception.
- Failure to yield at crosswalks: Drivers sometimes fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks, whether that’s due to inattention or impatience. In Washington State, this behavior is a violation of pedestrian rights, and it can result in the driver being held responsible for injuries sustained by the pedestrian.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions are more likely to have difficulty stopping in time. This often results in pedestrian collisions. Ultimately, speeding lowers a driver’s ability to react quickly, especially in areas where pedestrians are present.
- Running red lights and stop signs: Running a red light or stop sign in an area with pedestrian traffic increases the risk of a collision. Oftentimes, pedestrians are crossing at intersections when a driver disregards traffic signals and causes an accident.
- Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are at a much higher risk of causing accidents, including ones involving pedestrians. All in all, impaired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and a diminished ability to make sound judgments on the road.
- Weather and road conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, or ice can make roadways more dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers may struggle to stop or see pedestrians clearly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Each of these factors increases the likelihood of an accident. They also emphasize the importance of safety for both drivers and pedestrians. For further insight, don’t hesitate to speak with a Woodinville pedestrian accident attorney.
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Types of Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are especially catastrophic because pedestrians have little to no protection against motor vehicles. They are in vulnerable positions, and unlike occupants of cars or trucks, people on foot can sustain serious injuries from even low-speed collisions.
Here are common injuries often sustained by victims of pedestrian crashes:
- Fractures in the arms, legs, and ribs
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis or permanent nerve damage
- Internal injuries, like bleeding
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
- Emotional and psychological trauma
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Is There a Deadline When Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Washington State?
If you’ve been hurt after being involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to act quickly. While you are likely entitled to compensation for your injuries as the victim of the crash, you don’t have forever to file your personal injury claim.
Instead, you must abide by what’s known as a statute of limitations. This is essentially a deadline that you need to meet if you want to pursue compensation in your case. For personal injury cases in Washington State, the statute of limitations is three years.
This time limit goes into effect on the date of the incident. That means you have 36 months from the day you were struck by a vehicle to seek justice. If you fail to file in time, you could lose your right to file entirely, so speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Woodinville, WA, is of the essence.
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Reach Out to Our Pedestrian Accident Law Firm in Woodinville Today
Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern, and if a driver hit you while you were on foot, you shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath of your injuries all alone. Both drivers and pedestrians need to exercise caution by adhering to the rules of the road.
However, this does not always happen, and while Washington State law provides protections for pedestrians, collisions can leave victims facing life-altering consequences for the foreseeable future. If this sounds like your situation, don’t hesitate to call Phillips Law Firm.
As your pedestrian accident attorney in Woodinville, WA, we will make it a priority to advocate for your rights, negotiate for fair settlement offers, and provide you with advice throughout every step of the legal process. Give us a call as soon as possible. We’re here to help.
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