Were You Injured After Being Hit By A Car?
In Washington State, one in eight traffic deaths involves a pedestrian. In King County alone, an average of 26 people are fatally struck by cars each year. On a national scale, for every pedestrian death, an estimated 13 people suffer severe injuries resulting in permanent damage.
If a motor vehicle struck you or a family member while you were crossing the street or out walking, an inattentive driver is likely to blame. Our experienced Seattle pedestrian accident attorneys vigorously protect the rights of injured pedestrians in seeking compensation for their serious physical and personal losses.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers In Seattle
The Dubin Law Group represents clients in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, and throughout King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Seattle are dedicated to your recovery medically, financially and emotionally. We not only pursue your insurance settlement or lawsuit, but take care of every legal issue, including helping you get access to proper treatment and making sure providers are paid.
Preserving Evidence And Witnesses Following Pedestrian Accidents
Our prompt investigation of pedestrian accidents enables us to preserve evidence and retrieve witness accounts while they are still fresh. In building your case, we seek to show that you were in the crosswalk or otherwise acting safely and legally, but the driver:
- Failed to yield the right of way (left turns, right on red without looking)
- Violated traffic laws (speeding, illegal turn, running a stop sign)
- Was distracted (e.g., cell phone use, talking to passenger)
- Failed to take caution (driving through a residential or school zone)
Attorney Matthew D. Dubin often visits the accident scene himself to gather evidence to prove negligence and liability.
Pedestrian Accidents Can Result In Serious Injuries
When not fatal, pedestrian accidents often result in permanent, catastrophic injuries requiring extensive rehabilitation, surgery, and perhaps a lifetime of care. We assemble a detailed and expert-documented life care plan that projects lost earning potential and future medical expenses. Our demand package also includes full damages for pain and suffering, lost quality of life, and family contributions.
Common Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
At the Dubin Law Group, we have the experience necessary to answer both frequently asked questions about pedestrian accidents and the unique questions that may arise in your case.
Should I hire an attorney in my pedestrian accident case?
Injured people face a variety of challenges as they heal, from working with an insurance company that may not provide the support they deserve to navigating the legal system. A Seattle pedestrian accident attorney can negotiate with insurance providers, preserve evidence and help you pursue compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in a pedestrian accident case?
Filing a personal injury claim in Washington must be done within a specific Statute of Limitations. The Statute of Limitations for your claim depends on the details of your situation, and a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your options.
What kind of damages can I recover in a pedestrian accident case?
The injuries that result from pedestrian accidents are often severe, and injured pedestrians can receive compensation for the many ways that these injuries impact their lives. This includes the cost of current and future medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, disfigurement and the impact that their injuries have on their relationships with loved ones.
Unfortunately, the severity of injuries that often occur in pedestrian accidents means that these accidents are often fatal. In these cases, the surviving family may also recover damages for the loss of that relationship and the loss of financial support that their loved one would have provided.
Who will pay my medical bills following a pedestrian accident?
Navigating insurance coverage can be complex. The driver’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or your own insurance policies may provide compensation to assist with the cost of your medical care. You may also want to explore other options like a personal injury lawsuit with an experienced attorney.
What if I was not walking in a crosswalk at the time of the accident?
It is always recommended that pedestrians obey the rules of the road, and only cross at designated areas. However, just because you were not in the crosswalk does not mean you can’t make a recovery for your injuries. Drivers have a duty under Washington law to exercise reasonable care for the safety of others sharing the road.
Can I make a claim against the driver who hit me?
Yes. As long as it can be shown that the driver was at least partly at fault for causing the accident you can make a recovery for medical bills, lost earnings and other damages.
If I am a pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle, can I sue anyone other than the driver?
A qualified pedestrian accident attorney will explore every possible claim for damages you might have following an accident. For example, if the roadway or sidewalk was poorly designed or poorly lit, that could result in a claim against the city or other governmental entity responsible for the sidewalk. If there was recent maintenance on the vehicle that was done improperly, there may be a claim against the repair shop.
What should I do immediately after being involved in a pedestrian accident?
Above all, please assess your injuries. If you think you might be hurt, stay where you are and wait for aid personnel to assist you. If you are hurt and you try to move around, you could injure yourself more seriously.
Once you have established that you are uninjured, if you are able, you should call the police to report the accident, collect information and photographs of the scene and seek medical treatment. Before speaking to the driver’s insurance provider, you should also speak with a qualified Seattle pedestrian accident attorney.
Using Medical Experts And Pedestrian Accident Reconstruction Specialists
We invest in medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals as necessary if liability is disputed. Even when the insured driver admits fault for a pedestrian injury, Matthew D. Dubin’s knowledge of insurance issues and talent in negotiations or litigation helps you in pursuing the maximum compensation available.
One client was hit by a pickup as it accelerated out of a parking lot. He suffered a crushed leg, two dislocated shoulders, and a head injury. We recovered a substantial settlement for this man, who required more than six months of rehab and several surgeries, still has memory problems, and remains severely limited in the type of work he can perform.
Contact A Pedestrian Accident Attorney In Seattle Today!
Discover how our Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer can help in your pedestrian injury or wrongful death case. Call 206-800-8000 to schedule a free consultation. We can come to your home or hospital, and we are committed to our clients’ well-being during the process of securing compensation.