Seattle drivers know that they need to share the roadways with pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles. However, it is easy for these drivers to get distracted and fail to notice everyone around them. In these situations, tragedy can strike — particularly if an auto-pedestrian accident occurs. Pedestrian accidents are generally even more serious than other types of accidents since pedestrians have virtually no protection against a car. Therefore, serious injuries including broken bones, head injuries and death are common.
Recently, a man was hit by a car in North Seattle. According to reports, the man — thought to be in his 40s — was crossing Aurora Avenue North when he was hit by a Honda at around 6:00 p.m. The man was seriously injured and is in a local hospital with life-threatening injuries following the accident.
Police are investigating the accident and believe that the man was not in a crosswalk when the accident occurred. Furthermore, the driver of the car stayed on the scene following the accident and has been interviewed by police.
While pedestrians should use crosswalks to cross the street, Seattle drivers still need to be aware of pedestrians on all parts of the road. Drivers need to follow traffic rules and keep their mind on the road whenever they are behind the wheel.
Following an auto-pedestrian accident, accident victims and their families should make sure that a complete investigation is undertaken. As part of this investigation, people should make sure that the driver was not negligent. If the driver was distracted, breaking traffic rules or otherwise negligent, then that driver could be held liable in a personal injury suit.
Source: KOMO, “Pedestrian hit, seriously injured in Aurora Avenue crash,” Dec. 9, 2013