If you were hit by a car while walking in Puyallup, Washington, you may have the right to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term injuries. Contact Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group today for a free consultation with a Puyallup pedestrian accident attorney.
Pedestrian accidents often occur at busy intersections like Meridian Avenue, Valley Avenue, and East Main Avenue, where heavy traffic and limited visibility create serious risks for people on foot. At Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group, our legal team provides the aggressive advocacy needed to challenge insurance companies and protect your family’s financial future.
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, contact our Puyallup personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Since 1893, our firm has served as a pillar of the Pierce County legal community. Founded by B.F. Jacobs and passed down through generations to Tom Jacobs, we have spent more than 130 years advocating for injured people throughout the Puget Sound.
We take it from here, managing complex investigations and aggressive insurance adjusters while you focus on your recovery. Whether your accident occurred near Pioneer Park or the Puyallup Tribal Reservation, a pedestrian accident attorney in Puyallup is ready to discuss your legal options.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Our Puyallup pedestrian accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.
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Why Hire a Puyallup Pedestrian Accident Attorney from Our Firm?
Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group brings a 130-year legacy of legal service to every case. We are more than just a law firm; we are neighbors who have stood by Washington families through their most difficult moments.
Our deep local roots and decades of experience in the Pierce County Superior Court give us a unique perspective on the dangers pedestrians face on our roads.
- Deep Pierce County Presence: We have maintained a physical presence in the region since 1893, understanding local traffic laws and court personnel better than outside firms.
- A Proven History of Success: Our team has advocated for thousands of injured individuals, building a reputation for reliability and persistence in Washington courts.
- Large-Scale Resources: With a team of over 50 professionals, we have the power to gather critical evidence and take on major insurance corporations.
- Clear and Constant Communication: We prioritize keeping you informed, ensuring you understand every step of your pedestrian accident claim.
Our firm is dedicated to reducing the stress of the legal process. Learn more about how a Puyallup personal injury lawyer can provide the support you need after a life-altering crash. We handle the paperwork and negotiations so you can focus on healing and your family.
Washington Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws
Understanding the legal framework is essential for a successful claim. Under RCW 46.61.235, drivers must stop for pedestrians within marked and unmarked crosswalks. In Washington, every intersection is considered a crosswalk, even if there are no painted lines.
This law is a critical authority signal that our attorneys use to prove driver negligence.
- RCW 46.61.235 (1): The operator of an approaching vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk.
- RCW 46.61.245: Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.
- RCW 46.61.261: Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks, and drivers must yield before crossing a sidewalk at a driveway or alley.
These statutes establish a high standard of care for motorists. If a driver failed to yield while you were crossing SR-161 or walking through a neighborhood near Pioneer Park, they may be held legally responsible for your damages.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Puyallup
Identifying the cause of a collision is the first step a pedestrian crash lawyer in Washington takes to prove liability. Most incidents involving people on foot in our region are the result of motorist negligence or a failure to share the road as required by state law.
- Distracted Driving: Motorists focused on phones or navigation systems near the South Hill Mall often fail to notice pedestrians in their path.
- Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: Many accidents occur when a driver turns right or left through a crosswalk without checking for people on foot.
- Speeding in Residential Zones: High speeds on local streets like 9th St SW or 7th Ave SE significantly reduce a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid a pedestrian.
- Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs lack the coordination and judgment necessary to safely navigate Puyallup’s busy intersections.
- Backover Accidents: These frequently occur in parking lots or driveways when a driver fails to check behind their vehicle before reversing.
Establishing these reckless behaviors is vital for a successful claim. If you believe your injury was caused by any of these factors, contact our firm to speak with a pedestrian accident attorney Puyallup families rely on for comprehensive representation.
Who Can Be Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
A Puyallup pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm investigates every potential source of liability. In many cases, the driver is not the only party responsible for the harm you suffered. We look for all avenues of recovery to ensure your medical bills are covered.
- The Individual Driver: Most claims are filed against the motorist who struck the pedestrian due to negligence, speeding, or distraction. If you were struck by a negligent motorist, our Puyallup car accident lawyer can help investigate the collision and pursue compensation.
- Employers of Commercial Drivers: If you were hit by a delivery van or a service truck on Valley Avenue, the company that employs the driver may be vicariously liable for the accident.
- Rideshare Companies: If a driver for Uber or Lyft was logged into the app and active at the time of the crash, additional insurance coverage may be available to you.
- Government Entities and City Road Design: Sometimes, poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or lack of proper lighting at an intersection contribute to a crash. In these cases, we may pursue a claim against the city or state.
How Long You Have to File a Claim – Statute of Limitations
It is vital to understand the timeline for legal action in Washington. Under RCW 4.16.080, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally three years from the date of the accident.
If you do not file a lawsuit within this three-year window, you will likely lose your right to recover any compensation for your injuries. Our team ensures that all filings are submitted to the Pierce County Superior Court well before this deadline.
However, we recommend starting the process as soon as possible to preserve evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness memories.
If you were injured by a vehicle, speak with a Puyallup pedestrian accident lawyer today. We offer free consultations and only charge fees if we win your case.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Puyallup
The period after a pedestrian accident is often confusing and overwhelming. Medical appointments, insurance calls, and financial concerns often arise in the days and weeks following the crash.
Taking the right steps during this time can help protect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation. A Puyallup pedestrian accident lawyer can also guide you through these challenges while you focus on recovery.
- Follow All Medical Treatment Plans
Continue attending follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions recommended by your doctors. Medical records documenting your treatment at facilities such as MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital can become essential evidence showing the seriousness of your injuries. - Keep Detailed Records of Expenses and Symptoms
Maintain copies of medical bills, prescription receipts, transportation costs to appointments, and documentation of time missed from work. It is also helpful to keep a journal describing pain levels, mobility issues, and how your injuries affect daily life. - Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media
Insurance companies often monitor social media accounts when evaluating injury claims. Even innocent posts or photos may be taken out of context and used to challenge the severity of your injuries. - Limit Communication With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance representatives may contact you repeatedly after the crash. You are not required to give recorded statements or accept early settlement offers before understanding the full impact of your injuries. Referring these communications to your attorney can prevent costly mistakes. - Consult a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Speaking with a lawyer in the weeks after the crash allows time to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify potential sources of compensation. Early legal guidance can also help preserve surveillance footage, witness statements, and other critical evidence that may disappear over time.
Taking these steps can strengthen your claim and reduce the stress of dealing with insurers while you recover. A Puyallup pedestrian accident lawyer can help ensure your rights remain protected throughout the recovery process.
Common Pedestrian Injuries and Their Legal Impact
Because pedestrians have no protective frame or safety gear, the physical toll of a vehicle impact is usually life-altering. We discuss these injuries through a legal lens to explain how they determine the value of your pedestrian injury lawyer Puyallup claim.
Traumatic Brain and Head Injuries
A pedestrian’s head often strikes the pavement or the vehicle’s windshield during an accident. Traumatic brain injuries can range from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. These cases require significant documentation from neurologists to prove the long-term financial and personal impact on your life.
Victims with serious head trauma may also benefit from speaking with a brain injury lawyer in Puyallup about the long-term impact of their injuries.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis. These are among the most complex cases we handle, as they require a detailed projection of lifelong care costs, home modifications, and specialized medical equipment.
Internal Organ Damage
The force of a vehicle impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs. These injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate surgery. We include the full cost of emergency interventions and follow-up monitoring in our compensation demands.
Recovering Compensation After a Puyallup Pedestrian Crash
A successful claim aims to provide the financial stability your family needs while you recover. We evaluate every aspect of your life that has been touched by the accident to ensure the insurance company pays for the full scope of the damage.
- Past and Future Medical Bills: We pursue recovery for everything from the initial ambulance ride to future physical therapy sessions.
- Lost Income: If your injuries keep you away from your job, we seek the wages and benefits you would have earned during that time.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: If you can no longer work in your previous field due to your injuries, we calculate the lifetime loss of income.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages account for the physical agony and emotional trauma you have endured since the accident.
Our team analyzes your current bills and works with experts to forecast future expenses. We strive to provide a recovery that covers your immediate debts and protects your future.
Call a Washington State Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Local Puyallup Pedestrian Accident FAQ
Can a pedestrian be at fault in Washington?
Yes, under the pure comparative fault system, a pedestrian can be found partially at fault for stepping into traffic suddenly. However, you can still recover compensation even if you are partially to blame; your settlement is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do pedestrian accident settlements take?
The timeline varies based on the severity of your injuries and whether the insurance company negotiates fairly. Settlements can take anywhere from a few months to over a year if the case goes to trial at the Pierce County Superior Court.
What if I was hit by an uninsured driver?
If the driver has no insurance, we can help you file a claim through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. We also assist families with Puyallup wrongful death lawyer services if the accident was fatal.
Contact a Puyallup Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Our firm has been a part of the Washington legal landscape since 1893, and our commitment to our neighbors in Puyallup is our top priority. We take pride in our ability to take the legal burden off your shoulders, giving you the space to focus on your recovery.
We are here to ensure that a driver’s negligence does not define your family’s future.
Call our office at (253) 845-0577 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a Puyallup pedestrian accident lawyer.
Let us take it from here.