Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Renton, WA

Walking for 30 minutes a day has been shown to improve nearly every aspect of a person’s health. You could walk to a local shop or take an easy stroll along Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. 

Seattle and SeaTac’s surrounding areas are trying to make the roads a safer place for pedestrians by adding more crosswalks and sidewalks, but accidents involving pedestrians still happen every day. Despite the city’s efforts, pedestrians still face certain risks, especially in Renton. While there were fewer automobile accidents overall last year, fatalities involving pedestrians increased in 2020. 

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian-car collision, you have the right to seek compensation for your resulting damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Working with an experienced Renton pedestrian accident lawyer can help you attain peace of mind as you focus on healing.

Common Accidents Facing Pedestrians in Renton

The weight disparity between a pedestrian and a vehicle is stark. The average person weighs less than one tenth of a passenger vehicle. Trucks weigh more than 8,000 pounds; therefore, an accident between a truck and a pedestrian could cause catastrophic injuries. Some common accidents suffered by pedestrians include:

  • Whiplash
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Loss of a limb
  • Traumatic head or brain injury
  • Scars or disfigurements to the face
  • Internal organ damage
  • Broken bones
  • Loss of hearing/sight

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should contact an experienced Renton pedestrian attorney to discuss your legal options. The responsible party should be held accountable and compensate you for your injuries.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right-Of-Way in Renton?

Pedestrians have the right-of-way. However, there are limited exceptions to this rule. For example, a pedestrian does not have the right-of-way when they dart out into a crosswalk when a car is coming. When there are no sidewalks, pedestrians must walk facing traffic on the left side of the road. When pedestrians cross the street anywhere that is not an intersection, the pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to vehicles. If a person is struck while violating Washington State’s pedestrian laws, that person could be liable for negligence.

Washington State is a comparative negligence state. In a comparative negligence state, if a person’s negligence contributed in any way to an accident, their compensation will be reduced in proportion to the amount of their negligence. Pedestrians should walk on a sidewalk when possible, and they should always use a crosswalk to cross the street. All motorists must yield to pedestrians that are using sidewalks and crosswalks.

How Do Pedestrian Accident Cases Work in Renton?

Both drivers and pedestrians owe a duty of care to each other to prevent accidents. Because Washington is a comparative negligence state, a driver’s attorney will try to place the blame for the accident on the pedestrian to limit the driver’s liability. A pedestrian could be found negligent if:

  • The pedestrian is jaywalking
  • The pedestrian failed to use the dedicated crosswalk or sidewalk
  • The pedestrian walked out in front of traffic
  • The pedestrian failed to use pedestrian signals
  • The pedestrian failed to pay attention to their surroundings

This is not to say that drivers can easily avoid liability in a pedestrian accident case in Renton. A driver could be at fault if:

  • The driver violates traffic laws, especially the speed limit
  • The driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • The driver did not obey traffic signals
  • The driver was distracted while driving
  • The driver did not use a turn signal
  • The driver failed to yield at a crosswalk

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Renton, WA, contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Our Renton pedestrian accident attorneys will help you with every step of your case as you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.

The Renton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Premier Law Group Are Ready to Help You

Thanks to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s plan to increase pedestrian sidewalks and crosswalks, Seattle is becoming a more pedestrian-friendly city. Unfortunately, statistics show that hazards remain for pedestrians. Premier Law Group is a Seattle-based law firm that provides excellent legal representation for pedestrian accident victims. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Renton have been nationally recognized for their expertise. We have offices in Renton, Bellevue, and Federal Way, and we represent plaintiffs throughout the entire region. To schedule a no-cost, no-commitment, initial consultation, please contact our law firm today. You can reach us by visiting our website or calling (206) 880-7518.