Protecting Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Washington
Your Guide to Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrian accidents often cause devastating injuries because walkers have no protection against the weight and speed of a motor vehicle. In Washington, victims frequently face broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and months of rehabilitation. At the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, we help injured pedestrians throughout Puyallup and the rest of Washington State recover the compensation they deserve after being struck by a careless driver. Our approach centers on clear communication, thorough investigation, and aggressive negotiation with insurance companies so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal pressure.
Why Strong Representation Matters After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accident cases involve complex liability questions, severe injuries, and insurance companies determined to minimize your claim. Having dedicated legal representation gives you a meaningful advantage at every stage. An attorney can preserve evidence before it disappears, coordinate with accident reconstruction professionals, and build a complete picture of how the crash occurred. Beyond the legal work, having someone on your side reduces stress and lets you focus on recovery. Victims who work with an attorney typically recover significantly more than those who negotiate alone, especially when injuries are serious or permanent. Our firm treats every case with the attention and preparation it deserves.
About Our Firm and Our Attorneys
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims
A pedestrian accident claim is a civil case brought by a person on foot who has been struck and injured by a motor vehicle. Washington follows a comparative negligence system, meaning even if the pedestrian shares some fault, they can still recover compensation reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Recoverable damages often include medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. When a loved one dies from their injuries, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death action.
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Key Terms and Glossary
Comparative Negligence
A legal rule used in Washington that allows an injured pedestrian to recover damages even if they were partly at fault, with compensation reduced by their share of responsibility.
Right of Way
The legal priority given to one party to proceed before another. Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks under Washington law.
Damages
The monetary compensation a court or settlement awards to an injured person, covering items like medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the accident.
Statute of Limitations
The deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Washington, most pedestrian injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of the accident or the right to sue may be lost.
PRO TIPS
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, visit a doctor right away after being struck by a vehicle. Some conditions like concussions or internal bleeding do not appear immediately. Medical records also create a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is vital for your claim.
Document Everything at the Scene
If you are able, take photos of the vehicle, the roadway, your injuries, and any traffic signs or signals nearby. Collect names and contact information from witnesses and the driver. This evidence often becomes the foundation of a strong pedestrian accident case.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance representatives may contact you quickly hoping to get a recorded statement or a fast low settlement. Anything you say can be used to reduce your payout later. Speak with an attorney first so your rights and future compensation are fully protected.
Comparing Your Legal Options
When Full Legal Representation Is Essential:
Serious or Long-Term Injuries
When a pedestrian suffers broken bones, head trauma, spinal damage, or other lasting harm, the value of the claim rises sharply. Proper documentation of future medical needs, therapy, and lost earning capacity requires careful legal and medical coordination. Full representation ensures nothing important is overlooked during negotiations or litigation.
Disputed Liability
Drivers and their insurers often claim the pedestrian stepped into the street suddenly or was not paying attention. These disputes require thorough investigation, witness interviews, and sometimes accident reconstruction. Having an attorney guide the process helps establish the true cause of the collision and protects you from unfair blame.
When a Simpler Approach May Work:
Minor Injuries With Clear Fault
If injuries are minor, medical treatment is brief, and the driver clearly caused the accident, the claim may resolve quickly with minimal negotiation. A short consultation with an attorney can still confirm you are not leaving money on the table. Even straightforward cases benefit from a second opinion before you sign anything.
Cooperative Insurance Carrier
Occasionally an insurer acknowledges liability quickly and offers fair compensation without dispute. In those rare situations, the process may move forward with limited legal involvement. Still, having an attorney review the proposed settlement ensures all current and future costs are properly accounted for.
Common Pedestrian Accident Situations
Why Choose the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd
Our firm combines years of courtroom and negotiation work with a client-first philosophy that puts your recovery at the center of every decision. We handle each pedestrian accident case personally, not through a call center or a paralegal who barely knows your name. You will speak directly with an attorney who listens carefully, returns your calls, and explains each step of the process. We also work on a contingency basis for personal injury clients, which means no fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Because we practice both criminal defense and personal injury law, our attorneys understand how traffic investigations, police reports, and criminal citations can strengthen a civil claim. We use that insight to build powerful cases against negligent drivers across Washington. From the initial investigation through final settlement or trial, our team is committed to pursuing every dollar of compensation you deserve. Call 253-544-5434 today to schedule your free consultation and see how we can make a difference in your recovery.
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FAQS
What should I do immediately after being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian?
Your first priority should be safety and medical care. Call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance even if your injuries feel minor, since adrenaline can mask serious harm. Stay on the scene if possible and allow paramedics to evaluate you. While waiting, try to gather the driver’s license and insurance information, photograph the scene, and collect contact details from witnesses. Then call our office at 253-544-5434 as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights before insurance adjusters reach out.
Who can be held responsible for a pedestrian accident in Washington?
The driver of the vehicle is typically the primary party responsible for a pedestrian accident, especially when they were speeding, distracted, impaired, or failed to yield. In some cases, the driver’s employer may also be liable if the collision happened during work-related travel. Other parties can share responsibility as well. A local government may be liable for dangerous roadway design, or a vehicle manufacturer may be accountable for defective brakes or equipment. Our attorneys review every angle to identify all possible sources of compensation.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Washington?
Washington law generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to pursue compensation entirely, so it is important not to delay. Some situations can shorten or extend this timeline, such as claims involving government vehicles, minors, or wrongful death. Talking to an attorney early ensures all deadlines are met and valuable evidence is preserved while it is still fresh.
What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
Pedestrian accident victims in Washington can typically recover compensation for medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury. If a loved one dies from their injuries, family members may recover additional damages through a wrongful death claim. The total value depends on the severity of the injuries, the length of recovery, the impact on daily life, and the available insurance coverage. We work with medical providers and financial professionals to document every loss and pursue the full amount you deserve.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Being partially at fault does not automatically bar you from recovery in Washington. The state follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Even a pedestrian who is 50 or 60 percent responsible can still recover something. Insurance companies often exaggerate a victim’s share of fault to lower their payout. Our attorneys push back with evidence, witness testimony, and reconstruction analysis to make sure the fault assigned to you is accurate and fair.
Does the driver's insurance pay my medical bills?
The at-fault driver’s liability insurance generally pays for your medical care, but usually only at the end of the case as part of a settlement. In the meantime, your own health insurance, personal injury protection coverage, or medical payments coverage may cover treatment costs. We help clients coordinate these benefits, negotiate with providers, and ensure that outstanding liens are handled correctly at settlement. That way you receive the maximum amount possible in your pocket after medical expenses are addressed.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Hit and run cases are especially difficult but not hopeless. Police often identify drivers through surveillance footage, vehicle parts left at the scene, and witness descriptions. Reporting the accident immediately gives investigators the best chance to locate the responsible party. If the driver is never found, your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation for your injuries. We can review your policy, file the claim, and fight any resistance from your insurer to secure the benefits you paid for.
Do I really need an attorney for a pedestrian accident case?
While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, doing so typically leads to significantly higher settlements. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line, and matching that effort alone is difficult when you are also trying to heal. An attorney handles the paperwork, negotiations, evidence gathering, and deadlines so you can focus on recovery. In pedestrian cases with serious injuries, legal representation often makes the difference between a quick low offer and full compensation.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for a pedestrian accident case?
Our firm handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket during the case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and only if we succeed in obtaining compensation for you. This approach makes quality legal representation available regardless of your financial situation. We also offer free initial consultations, so there is no risk in calling 253-544-5434 to learn how we can help after a pedestrian accident.
How long does a pedestrian accident case take to resolve?
Every case is different, but most pedestrian accident claims resolve within several months to a couple of years. Simple cases with clear liability and limited injuries may settle quickly, while complex cases involving disputed fault or ongoing treatment take longer. We typically wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement before finalizing your claim so that all current and future damages are accounted for. Our team keeps you informed every step of the way and moves as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the value of your case.