As a pedestrian, there is the expectation that you can safely walk down the street. Unfortunately, accidents happen and we are there to help you recover.
Pedestrians have little to no protection when walking, so when a pedestrian is involved in an accident, severe injuries are almost always the result. Especially in a walkable city like Vancouver, pedestrians must be extra careful while taking a stroll. Each experienced Vancouver pedestrian accident lawyer at NW Injury Law Center has helped represent numerous clients who have been injured. Call our Vancouver personal injury attorneys for a free consultation at (360) 695-1624.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Vancouver, WA
If you have been struck by a car, you may well be in no condition to take useful actions to protect yourself following an accident. In any case, you should call the police and remain at the scene until they arrive.
Seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Even if you do not believe you are injured, many times an injury will not become apparent until hours after the accident. Seeking medical attention promptly not only helps protect you from claims that you were not injured in the accident, but may help you catch any hidden injuries quickly while treatment options are better.
If possible, document the scene and your injuries with photographs immediately. If you are not able to take pictures yourself, a friend or family member with you could take the photos, or even witnesses nearby could be asked to take the pictures on your behalf. Documenting the scene of the accident is invaluable in helping bring out the facts in your case to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Facts About Pedestrian Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 7,522 pedestrian fatalities in 2022. While no precautions can make you perfectly safe from an accident, by taking care to observe all road laws for pedestrians, and being very careful to watch for cars when crossing a road, you can minimize your risks of being involved in an accident.
If your love one suffered a fatality in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim in Washington. Contact our Vancouver wrongful death attorney to set up a free consultation.
What If I Was Partly to Blame for the Pedestrian Accident?
Washington has comparative negligence laws in place for personal injuries after an accident. Even if you partially contributed to your accident, you may still be eligible to receive compensation for the injuries you suffered. Under comparative negligence, the compensation you receive is reduced by the percentage that you were found to be responsible for your accident. If you were found to have been 10% responsible for the accident and your damages were determined to be $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by the $10,000 that you were found to be responsible.
Do I Need a Vancouver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Insurance companies may often appear sympathetic and cooperative in your case, leaving you with the impression that you do not need an attorney to conclude the affair. However, there are strict legal limitations on how long you have to file a claim after an injury. Insurance companies must protect their bottom line, and they are skilled in offering just enough compensation to get your agreement to a settlement.
Often times, it can be difficult to estimate the total medical costs or the amount of money you may lose due to time missed at work, and a quick settlement may leave you with expenses after the settlement money has run out.
Consulting our Vancouver pedestrian accident attorney is free of charge and we can help you understand the merits of your case and explain honestly whether your case calls for an attorney.
Please call our pedestrian accident attorneys in Vancouver at NW Injury Law Center at (360) 695-1624 if you have any questions or would like to speak with us regarding a pedestrian accident or injury. We offer free case reviews and can discuss what your legal options are.