Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Tacoma

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are on the rise in the United States, injuring approximately 69,000 and killing 4,432 in 2011, an increase of about 3 percent from the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention succinctly state the problem: “Pedestrians — people who travel by foot, wheelchair, stroller, or similar means — are among the most vulnerable users of the road. In the next 24 hours, on average, more than 460 people will be treated in an emergency department for traffic-related pedestrian injuries. In the next 2 hours, on average, one pedestrian will die from injuries in a traffic crash.”

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

There are numerous causes of pedestrian accidents. For instance, the pedestrian may trip and fall in the street, the weather could cause a driver to veer out of control, drivers could be talking on the phone and take their attention off the road, or a pedestrian may be texting and walking distractedly. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • drivers speeding;
  • driver intoxication;
  • ignoring pedestrian signs and traffic signals;
  • texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise driving or walking distractedly; and
  • drivers making turns without looking at their surroundings and checking for pedestrians.

Fault in an Injury or Wrongful Death Claim

Washington follows what’s known as the pure comparative negligence rule. This rule essentially states that in negligence cases, injured parties still can pursue compensation for damages even if they were partly at fault in the accident. So in a pedestrian-motor vehicle accident, if the pedestrian was partly to blame, he or she still can bring a claim to recover losses.

It’s important to note that if the pedestrian is partly at fault, his or her settlement will be reduced in proportion to his or her degree of fault. For instance, if the insurance company finds the pedestrian 40 percent at fault for an accident with $200,000 in damages, then the final settlement will be reduced to $120,000.

Because demonstrating the other party’s fault (and your or your loved one’s lack thereof) is crucial to the successful resolution of your case, ensure you’ve got an attorney facilitating your case and backing you up.

Finding a Pedestrian Attorney for Your Case

When you’re looking for an attorney to help you with your personal injury or wrongful death claim, make sure the lawyer regularly handles pedestrian cases. Find an attorney who:

  • is well-credentialed;
  • has a successful track record;
  • offers a high standard of service;
  • you feel appreciates your situation and with whom you have rapport; and
  • has the wherewithal and resources to fight diligently on your behalf.

Counsel for Pedestrian Accidents in Tacoma

If you need counsel in the Tacoma area, we invite you to set up an appointment with our top-notch team at Daryl Graves Law. With more than 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases, 10.0 AVVO ratings, and an arsenal of effective strategies and resources at our disposal, you can rest easy that if we take your case, we’ll handle it with the attention and tenacity it deserves.

Contact us today for a free, initial consultation – (253) 383-7777.

Client Testimonial:

I could not have asked for more from a law firm.

“Rather than immediately quoting a price and asking for a commitment, Daryl sat down with me and went over all the details of my case with me. After hearing me out, he advised me on the potential outcomes and courses of action for each. Only then were the fees associated discussed. I could not have asked for more from a law firm.”

–J.B., Satisfied Client

Free Consultation

Daryl Graves Law, PLLC practices primarily in the areas of criminal defense law and personal injury. If you are seeking representation in one of these, or simply have a question that you would like to ask an attorney, feel free to call Daryl Graves Law, PLLC at 253-383-7777 or complete the form below.

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