Bellevue Pedestrian Accident Attorney

When a motor vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the latter always suffers the worst damages. Common pedestrian injuries include broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and other highly serious injuries. If the pedestrian survives, he or she will likely have thousands of dollars in medical bills, as well as significant physical and emotional pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been in a Bellevue, Washington pedestrian accident, contact our attorneys for assistance. Filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim may be the only way to recover financial compensation for your damages. We have a long history of success and dozens of positive testimonials from past clients supporting our capabilities. Contacting us for a free case review could be the first step toward a brighter future.

Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian in Bellevue

The Washington civil justice system holds that if you can prove someone else’s fault for your accident, you can obtain monetary recovery for your losses. Proving fault may require hiring investigators, gathering evidence, and presenting your case to a judge or jury. You can begin to gather evidence the day of the accident. Document important facts such as the driver’s name, your police report number, and photographs. A lawyer can help work with the insurance companies and all these tasks and more during your lawsuit.

Instead of taking care of paperwork, meeting the statute of limitations, and proving your case on your own, an experienced lawyer will do so for you. A lawyer can also give you better odds of securing full recovery through aggressive negotiation tactics. Washington is a pure comparative fault state. This means there is no fault threshold at which a plaintiff must fall to qualify for damages. In other words, a pedestrian could be 99% at fault for the collision, but still obtain some compensation.

The Washington courts will reduce your compensation award by your percentage of comparative fault. You would receive $90,000 of a $100,000 verdict, for example, if the courts found you 10% at fault for your injuries. Minimizing your fault during litigation is important if you wish to maximize financial recovery. Hiring an attorney to represent your case is the best way to navigate the law and obtain the money you need to move forward.

Bellevue Pedestrian Accident Facts

Traffic collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists are rather common in Washington. Washington reported 2,146 pedestrian collisions the most recent year data is available on pedestrian accidents. Eighty-six pedestrians in Washington lost their lives and 282 suffered serious injuries the same year. In 2017, the city of Bellevue reported 2,979 total traffic crashes. Over 600 of these accidents caused injuries, while two were fatal.

Pedestrians are at serious risk of fatal injuries during a car accident, without anything – even a bike helmet – protecting them from injury. Damages frequently include lacerations, bone fractures, contusions, and traumatic brain injuries. Although nothing can reverse the personal injuries you suffer in a pedestrian accident, filing a lawsuit can bring the compensation you and your family need to move forward with financial stability.

Click Here: Seattle Pedestrian Safety Tips

How Do I Determine Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?

Since Washington is a fault accident state, drivers who cause collisions must pay for their victims’ damages—including the damages of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. If you are filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver, you will need to provide enough evidence to prove that he or she caused the accident.

If you are filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit, you will need to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your accident. To accomplish this, you will need to provide enough evidence to prove four important elements.

The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care. All drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and drive their vehicles safely.
The at-fault driver breached his or her duty of care in some way.
The at-fault driver’s breach of duty directly caused your pedestrian accident.
You sustained damages in the accident that you can collect in your lawsuit.

Proving fault can be difficult in some pedestrian accident cases. Liability may be unclear, and the court or insurance company may believe that you share responsibility for the collision. If the insurance company believes you are partially at fault, it could reduce or deny your award. During the lawsuit process, the court will reduce your award by the percentage of fault you share according to Washington’s comparative negligence laws.

It is important to speak to an attorney at Colburn Law as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation. Your attorney will have access to investigatory resources and expert witnesses who can provide testimony on your behalf.

How To File a Police Report After a Pedestrian Accident

Washington state law requires involved parties to report any accident that results in injury, death, or at least $700 in property damage. If you call 911 as soon as possible after the collision, the responding law enforcement officer will complete the accident report on your behalf. If an officer does not respond to the scene, the driver must submit the report to the Washington State Patrol within four days of the collision.

You should always contact law enforcement after a pedestrian accident. Not only will this fulfill the reporting requirement, but the police report will provide foundational evidence in your case. Additionally, you may have serious injuries that require medical attention. Calling 911 will also bring emergency medical services to the scene, and you can receive the treatment you need.

Average Settlement Amount For Pedestrian Hit By Car

If you are hit by a negligent driver, you have the right to recover compensation for the damages you sustained due to his or her actions. You can collect funds for economic damages, or your financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. You can also recover compensation for non-economic damages, known as pain and suffering.

The settlement you will receive depends on the specific losses you sustained because of the accident. If you sustained a traumatic brain injury, for example, your damages and settlement will likely be higher than a pedestrian who sustains a broken leg. As a result, it can be difficult to estimate an average settlement amount for pedestrian accidents.

To determine the full extent of your damages, contact an attorney at Colburn Law as soon as possible. Your lawyer will evaluate your claim and calculate your maximum settlement award. During each stage of your claim, your attorney will use this information to evaluate offers and advocate for your best possible outcome.

Statute of Limitations in Pedestrian Accidents

All civil lawsuits in Washington are subject to the statute of limitations, or a filing deadline. If you do not file your claim within the stated time period, the court will likely dismiss it—preventing you from recovering compensation. In Washington, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit.

Schedule a Free Legal Consultation in Bellevue

A pedestrian accident could change your life forever. If you lost a loved one, suffered a serious injury, or have a disability because of a negligent or reckless driver, the Bellevue pedestrian accident lawyers at Colburn Law can help. We have the lawyers, resources, and experience you need for a strong personal injury case against an at-fault driver or another party.

Whether you know exactly who caused your injuries or you need a professional investigation, come to us to review your case. Initial evaluations are always free. Submit a query now to learn more about your case, or contact us at 206-919-3215.

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Greg is a caring, compassionate lawyer who worked hard and protected my interests. I highly recommend him! – Samantha L. More Client Testimonials