During the beautiful months of a Seattle-area summer, many people head outdoors for walks during their lunch breaks, or whenever they can, for some fresh air. Despite pedestrian crosswalk markings, and traffic laws in place to prevent accidents involving motorists and pedestrians, sometimes accidents still happen and can result in serious injury or even death.
In general, pedestrians are a vulnerable population on the road, and tend to suffer serious injuries or death after a motorist-pedestrian accident. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, annually nearly 5,000 pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle related accidents. Further, over 78,000 suffer injuries as a result of such accidents.
According to reports, a 60-year-old man was hit by a delivery truck in downtown Redmond on July 10. The man was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle following the pedestrian accident. At the time of the accident, according to authorities, the man was still breathing but unconscious. The accident is still under investigation, and it is unclear if alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident. For a period of time, roads were closed near the scene.
When roads are shared by motorists and pedestrians, both have a duty to obey all applicable laws and exercise reasonable care while on the road. This includes things such as being attentive and aware of one’s surroundings, avoiding texting while driving, refraining from speeding and the like. If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, and harm to a pedestrian results, then that driver may be found negligent and can be held liable for damages.
It is important to have the facts of one’s case properly evaluated; this crucial task can be performed by a local personal injury attorney. An injured pedestrian may be able to recover medical expenses resulting from the accident, as well as lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering and more.
Source: Redmond Reporter, “Truck hits pedestrian in downtown Redmond,” Andy Nystrom, July 10, 2013