Bellevue Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Pedestrians are vulnerable. When a collision happens in Bellevue, a pedestrian can suffer serious, even life-altering injuries. Some of the most common serious pedestrian accident injuries include broken bones, concussions, internal bleeding, and spinal cord trauma. All of these injuries require immediate medical attention and the proper ongoing care. Our Bellevue, WA pedestrian accident lawyer handles cases involving even the most serious of injuries. 

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe injuries in pedestrian accidents. A head impact with a vehicle or pavement can cause lasting cognitive problems. These injuries often require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Our Bellevue pedestrian accident attorney team works with medical experts to document the full extent of brain injuries.

Broken bones and fractures are common when vehicles strike pedestrians. The force of impact can shatter legs, arms, ribs, and hips. These injuries often need surgery and months of recovery time. Our personal injury lawyer team fights to recover compensation for all medical expenses and lost income during your healing process.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Many pedestrian accidents happen due to distracted driving. Drivers texting, eating, or adjusting their radio may not see pedestrians in crosswalks or along roads. This type of driver negligence is completely preventable. Our law firm holds negligent drivers accountable when their carelessness causes serious pedestrian accidents.

Speeding and reckless driving contribute to numerous pedestrian accidents each year. Drivers who speed through residential areas, school zones, or areas with heavy foot traffic put pedestrians at risk. When vehicles enter traffic unexpectedly or fail to follow speed limits, they may not have time to stop before striking pedestrians.

Poor visibility and inadequate lighting make pedestrians harder to see, especially at night. Some pedestrian accidents occur because drivers fail to use headlights properly or drive too fast for conditions. Weather conditions like rain and fog also reduce visibility and increase accident risk for pedestrians.

An Overview of Pedestrian Accident Liability in Washington

Washington follows a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents, including for pedestrian wrecks. In other words, the party who caused a pedestrian accident through negligence (whether driver, truck company, or even the pedestrian themself) can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. Notably, under RCW 46.61.235, drivers in Bellevue and elsewhere in Washington must yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care to avoid collisions. 

A driver who fails to stop at a crosswalk, speeds in a pedestrian zone, or becomes distracted by a phone can be held legally liable for resulting injuries. Remember, negligence is the core standard of liability. To recover damages, an injured pedestrian must prove that the motorist breached a duty of care and that this breach caused the accident. Every pedestrian accident in Bellevue should be carefully investigated to determine what exactly went wrong to cause the crash. 

In some cases, multiple parties can share fault for the same pedestrian crash in Bellevue. Washington uses a pure comparative negligence rule to apportion liability (RCW 4.22.005).  The law allows an injured pedestrian to recover compensation even if partially at fault. However, their financial recovery will be reduced in proportion to their share of responsibility. For example, if a pedestrian is at fault for 25 percent of a crash in Bellevue, he or she will be liable for 25 percent of his or her own damages. 

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Seek medical attention immediately after any serious injury from a traffic accident. Your health comes first. Getting prompt treatment creates medical bills and records that document your injuries and link them to the accident. Delayed care can give the insurance company reasons to dispute your personal injury claim.

Call police to report the accident and ensure a report is filed. Police reports provide official documentation of what happened. They often include driver information, witness statements, and the officer's assessment of fault. These reports are valuable evidence in pedestrian accident cases.

Gather evidence at the accident scene if you are able. Take photos of vehicle damage, the location, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses who saw the accident happen. This evidence helps your pedestrian accident attorney build a strong case for compensation.

Pedestrian Accident Claims are Time-Sensitive 

In Washington State, the statute of limitations for a pedestrian accident claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. What happens if you do not file a legal claim in a timely manner? You could be denied the right to seek financial compensation at all. Be proactive: Consult with a Bellevue pedestrian accident lawyer right away after a serious collision. 

Evidence can disappear quickly after pedestrian accidents. Witnesses move away, video footage gets deleted, and memories fade. Starting your pedestrian accident case early gives our legal team the best chance to preserve important evidence. Don't wait to seek legal help.

Some personal injury cases involving government entities have much shorter deadlines. If a city vehicle or government employee was involved, you may need to file a notice within months. Our Bellevue pedestrian accident lawyer understands these rules and protects your right to seek compensation.

We Fight for the Maximum Compensation for Injured Pedestrians in Bellevue

Pedestrians in Bellevue have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for non-economic losses. Do not rely on any insurance company to step up and voluntarily pay out a full and fair settlement. Along with other damages, our Bellevue pedestrian accident attorney can help you seek compensation for: 

• Emergency room care; 
• Hospital bills; 
• Other medical costs; 
• Physical therapy; 
• Loss of current and future earnings; 
• Pain and suffering and mental distress; 
• Disability or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses from pedestrian accidents. This includes medical bills, lost wages, future earnings, and medical costs. We document every expense to ensure you recover full compensation for your economic losses.

Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. These damages recognize how injuries affect your daily life and happiness. Our accident attorney team presents compelling evidence of these harms to secure fair compensation.

Understanding Insurance Company Tactics

The insurance company often contacts accident victims soon after pedestrian accidents. Remember that adjusters work for the insurer, not for you. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Anything you say can be used to reduce your settlement. Let our personal injury team handle all communication.

Insurance companies may try to blame pedestrians for accidents to reduce their liability. They might claim you were jaywalking, not paying attention, or wearing dark clothing. Our law firm investigates thoroughly and gathers evidence that shows the true cause of your pedestrian crash.

Never accept the first settlement offer without consulting a Bellevue pedestrian accident attorney. Initial offers rarely cover the full extent of injuries and losses. Our legal team calculates the true value of your claim, including future medical expenses and long-term impacts, before negotiating for a fair settlement.

Types of Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Economic damages in pedestrian accident cases include all financial losses. This covers medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and costs for future care. Our accident attorney team documents each expense carefully to build a complete picture of your financial losses.

Non-economic damages address the ways injuries affect your life beyond finances. This includes physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Severe injuries that cause permanent disability deserve substantial non-economic damages.

In wrongful death cases, families can recover damages for medical costs, burial expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. Our law firm handles wrongful death claims with compassion while aggressively pursuing fair compensation. We understand that no amount of money replaces a family member, but it can provide financial stability.

How Our Bellevue, WA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hurt in a pedestrian crash in Bellevue? The legal team at McNeese & Trotsky, PLLC, is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. We are proactive and we are committed to personalized advocacy. When you contact us at our Bellevue law office, you will have an opportunity to consult with a Washington pedestrian accident lawyer who can: 

• Hear your story and answer questions about pedestrian accident claims;
• Investigate your pedestrian crash in Bellevue, gathering all of the evidence you need; 
• Represent you in settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
• Develop a strategy focused on helping you get the best results in your legal claim. 

Our legal team has experience handling motor vehicle accidents, auto accidents, car accidents, and other personal injury cases. We understand how pedestrian accidents differ from typical vehicle collisions. Our proven track record shows we know how to win these complex cases.

We take care of the legal battle so you can focus on recovery. Our law firm handles all paperwork, deadlines, and court procedures. We communicate with insurance companies, gather witness statements, and consult medical experts. You can concentrate on healing while we fight for your legal rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents

What if I was jaywalking when the accident happened?

You may still recover compensation even if you were jaywalking. Washington State uses comparative negligence, which means you can collect damages even if partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Our pedestrian accident lawyer works to minimize any fault assigned to you.

How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

Every pedestrian accident case has unique value based on your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other factors. An initial consultation with our accident attorney team allows us to evaluate your case. We consider both current costs and future needs when calculating fair compensation.

Will I have to go to court?

Most pedestrian accident cases settle without going to trial. However, we prepare every case for court if needed. This preparation often leads to better settlement offers. Our law firm has courtroom experience and is ready to take legal action when necessary to protect your interests.

What if the driver who hit me didn't have insurance?

You may have legal options even if the driver was uninsured. Your own uninsured motorist coverage might provide compensation. In some situations, other liable parties like the vehicle owner or an employer might be responsible. Our personal injury lawyer explores all possible sources of recovery.

How do you handle medical bills while my case is pending?

We can help coordinate with your health insurer and medical providers. Some doctors work on a lien basis, meaning they wait for payment until your case settles. Our legal team has relationships with healthcare providers who understand personal injury claims and can work with accident victims during the legal process.

Set Up a Free Case Review With a Top-Tier Bellevue Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

At McNeese & Trotsky, PLLC, our Bellevue pedestrian accident lawyers are skilled, aggressive, and committed to fighting for justice. Hurt in a pedestrian crash? We are more than ready to help. Contact us now for your no-cost, no-obligation case review. From our Bellevue law office, we handle pedestrian accident injury claims in King County and throughout the region in Western Washington.

Call us today at 206-332-1918 for a free, no-risk consultation.