Pedestrians have almost no protection when a vehicle strikes them. In Washington's busy urban centers — Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver — combined with frequent rain and long winter darkness, pedestrian crashes are an ongoing and serious problem. Injury Claim Team connects injured Washington pedestrians with personal injury attorneys who understand crosswalk law and how to prove driver negligence.
Washington Crosswalk and Right-of-Way Law
Under RCW 46.61.235, drivers must stop for pedestrians within a crosswalk, including unmarked crosswalks at intersections. When a driver fails to yield, runs a light, or is distracted, the resulting injuries are often life-threatening. Establishing right-of-way is central to a pedestrian claim.
Common Pedestrian Crash Scenarios
Failure-to-yield at crosswalks, distracted driving, vehicles turning across a walk signal, backing collisions in parking lots, and impaired drivers all cause pedestrian injuries across Washington. Low light and wet pavement sharply increase the danger during the long Pacific Northwest winters.
Comparative Negligence and Pedestrians
Even if a pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk, Washington's pure comparative negligence rule (RCW 4.22.005) allows recovery, reduced by the pedestrian's share of fault. The three-year statute of limitations under RCW 4.16.080 generally applies.
Recovering Full Compensation
Pedestrian injuries are frequently catastrophic — brain trauma, multiple fractures, and internal injuries. A strong claim pursues medical costs, future care, lost income, and pain and suffering, with no artificial cap on compensatory damages in most Washington injury cases.
No fee unless you win. Our network attorneys handle Washington pedestrian accident cases on contingency. Your case review is always free — call 973-566-5599 or request a review online and a specialist will reach out within the hour.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs in Washington
Nothing upfront. Our network attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless they win compensation for you. Your case review is always free and confidential.
Most Washington personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the injury under RCW 4.16.080, though some claim types and government claims have shorter or different deadlines. Acting quickly protects your rights.
Washington follows pure comparative negligence (RCW 4.22.005), so you can recover even if you were partly at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated.
Call 973-566-5599 or request a free case review online. A specialist will review your case at no cost and connect you with an experienced Washington attorney — and reach out within the hour.