Pedestrian accidents are some of the most serious injury cases we see. When you are out walking, you have no protection against the force of a vehicle, and even a low-speed collision can result in life-altering injuries. If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Bellevue, you may be entitled to compensation.
At NextLaw, our Bellevue pedestrian accident lawyers fight hard to protect the rights of injured pedestrians like you. As a team led by a former prosecutor with 100 years of combined experience, we aren’t afraid to go to trial and bring a thoughtful, prepared approach to every case we handle.
When you need help, we answer the call with authentic, human service that is personalized to your individual needs. Call Dan Next to work with one of our Bellevue personal injury lawyers today.
Why Pedestrian Accident Claims Require Special Care
Pedestrian accident cases are different from many other injury claims because the injuries are often severe, and drivers often try to dispute the facts. For example, the driver could:
- Claim they did not see you.
- That you stepped out in front of traffic.
- That you crossed when you didn’t have the signal.
These disputes can be difficult to argue against without legal representation protecting your interests and helping you gather evidence to prove the driver was at fault, such as getting a police report for the car accident.
Pedestrians are also more vulnerable than drivers because they are exposed to the full force of impact in a collision, meaning they are more likely to suffer from serious injuries that require a long recovery. During that time, insurers may push you for a quick resolution rather than taking the time to fully understand the extent of your injuries and compensate you accordingly.
When you work with a Bellevue pedestrian accident attorney, they can help you prove fault and protect you from unfair insurance tactics, ensuring you are fairly compensated for your injuries and other damages.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer serving Bellevue, call (253) 238-2558
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Bellevue
Many pedestrian accidents happen due to careless driving. In busy areas of Bellevue, even a brief lapse in attention can have serious consequences for pedestrians. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents we see in the cases we handle include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Speeding
- Unsafe or rushed turns at intersections
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor visibility or failure to use headlights in low-light conditions
Understanding how your accident occurred is an important part of determining fault. When you and your Bellevue pedestrian accident attorney identify the cause of your accident, it’s easier to hold the appropriate party accountable and pursue the compensation you need.
Bellevue Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Determining Fault in a Bellevue Pedestrian Accident
In any pedestrian accident, figuring out who was at fault determines which insurance company is responsible for paying the damages. While drivers are often at fault for speeding, failing to yield, or driving distracted, fault isn’t always black and white.
Insurers could argue that you, the pedestrian, stepped into traffic, crossed outside a marked crosswalk, or ignored a signal. This is where Washington’s negligence laws come into play.
Washington’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
Under RCW 4.22.005, Washington follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that:
- You can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
This rule is especially important in pedestrian accidents, where fault is often disputed or shared. Even if an insurance company tries to shift some blame onto you, that doesn’t prevent you from pursuing a claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability depends on how the accident happened and what role each party played. When you are injured in a pedestrian accident, the following parties could be held partially or fully responsible:
- The driver: For speeding, failing to yield, driving distracted, or any other form of negligence.
- A rideshare company: If the driver was actively logged into an app like Uber or Lyft.
- A city or government agency: For poorly marked crosswalks, broken traffic signals, lack of road maintenance, or unsafe road design.
- A third-party driver: Who created a hazard or caused a chain reaction that led to the pedestrian being hit.
- A commercial vehicle operator or company: If the at-fault driver was operating a delivery truck or other company vehicle.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Bellevue can explain how fault is assigned under Washington law so that you understand how liability could impact your case and what options you have for pursuing compensation. We can also guide you through the important things to do after a pedestrian accident that can help strengthen your claim.
Click to contact our Bellevue Personal Injury Lawyers today
Call Dan Next for a FREE Consultation With a Bellevue Pedestrian Accident Attorney
At NextLaw, we focus on providing personalized, authentic representation while working relentlessly toward the best possible outcome. With over 150 combined jury trials under our belt, we know how to fight for the case result you deserve.
When you are ready to talk, Call Dan Next to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form