A walk through the Tacoma Theater District or along the Ruston Way waterfront turns into a physical crisis when a driver ignores the roadway. Pedestrians lack a protective frame, which leaves the body vulnerable to the massive force of a moving vehicle.
These impacts cause severe trauma and create financial instability. A Tacoma Pedestrian Accident Lawyer from our firm provides the assistance you need while you prioritize your recovery. Our Tacoma injury attorneys represent the rights of injured people throughout the Puget Sound, using a legacy of advocacy that began in 1893.
- Washington law uses a pure comparative fault system, which allows you to pursue compensation even if you share some responsibility.
- Drivers must stop for pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at every intersection.
- The statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of the collision to file a legal claim.
- Promptly securing video footage and witness contact information provides a strong factual foundation for your case.
- Documenting all financial losses, such as missed work and medical bills, helps us calculate the impact on your life.
Washington Statutes Governing Tacoma Pedestrian Safety
Washington law establishes clear rules that protect people walking on or near the roadway. Grasping these statutes helps you identify how the driver violated their duty of care. Our team uses a thorough knowledge of these codes to advocate for people who suffered harm due to motorist negligence.
Pure comparative fault principles
Washington employs a pure comparative fault system, as outlined in RCW 4.22.005. This law allows you to pursue damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident. The court reduces your total financial award by the percentage of fault a jury assigns to your actions.
Crosswalk statutes and driver duties
State law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. RCW 46.61.235 states that every intersection constitutes a crosswalk, even if no painted lines are present on the pavement. Drivers must remain stopped until the pedestrian clears the lane in which the vehicle is traveling or the adjacent lane.
The three-year filing window
State law sets a strict time limit for starting a personal injury lawsuit after a pedestrian collision. RCW 4.16.080 generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file your case in court. Missing this date usually results in the loss of your right to seek any compensation, no matter how severe your injuries appear.
Why Choose Jacobs and Jacobs for a Tacoma Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Our family firm provides a legacy of advocacy that spans more than 130 years of Washington history.
- We maintain deep roots in the Puget Sound region, a tradition that began with B.F. Jacobs in the late 1800s.
- Our team of more than 50 members works together to support your pursuit of fair treatment and a successful outcome.
- Tom Jacobs currently handles more injury claims than any other attorney in Pierce County, showing the trust our neighbors place in our work.
- Our attorneys bring the experience of representing tens of thousands of people to even the most complex vehicle accident cases.
- Our offices in Kent and Puyallup offer flexible meeting options, through Zoom, or via home visits to meet your specific needs.
- We manage the adjusters, the paperwork, and the legal deadlines under our philosophy of “We’ll take it from here.”
This client-focused support lowers stress through consistent communication and personalized legal strategies for every person we represent.
Frequent Causes of Pedestrian Injuries in Pierce County
Distraction and speed contribute to thousands of pedestrian injuries on Puget Sound roadways every year. Identifying the exact cause of your crash helps our firm hold the negligent parties accountable for your losses. We investigate every detail of the scene to build a clear picture of the driver’s mistakes.
Distracted driving and mobile device use
Mobile devices frequently take a driver’s attention away from the road in busy Tacoma neighborhoods. A driver who checks a text or looks at a map may not notice a person stepping into a crosswalk until an impact occurs. We seek phone records and digital data to prove the driver failed to pay attention at the time of the crash. Establishing this negligence creates a strong link between the driver’s choices and the injuries you sustained. Distraction remains a leading reason for preventable pedestrian collisions in our region.
Failure to yield during intersection turns
Many serious accidents happen when a driver turns left or right at an intersection without checking for pedestrians. Motorists often look for other cars and fail to register a person walking across the street they enter. These impacts often occur from behind or from the side, giving the pedestrian no time to react.
Our team examines traffic camera footage and witness accounts to show the driver failed to yield the right of way. Proving this failure helps us build a strong argument for your recovery.
Speeding and reduced driver reaction time
Excessive speed makes it harder for a driver to stop when a pedestrian enters the roadway. Drivers who exceed the speed limit in residential areas or school zones create an environment of extreme danger. Higher speeds also increase the physical force of the impact, which often leads to more severe trauma.
We analyze skid marks and vehicle damage to estimate the speed of the car at the moment of the crash. Objective data about vehicle speed helps prove the driver acted recklessly.
Documenting Pedestrian Injuries Through a Legal Lens
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe physical harm because the human body cannot withstand an impact with a vehicle. We focus on how these injuries change your daily life and your ability to work when we evaluate your claim. Proper documentation provides the proof necessary to support your pursuit of a recovery.
Traumatic brain injuries and evidence requirements
The force of an impact frequently causes a pedestrian’s head to strike the vehicle or the pavement. These conditions often lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries that require years of cognitive therapy and specialized monitoring. We document the impact of a brain injury on your memory, concentration, and emotional stability.
Spinal trauma and long-term compensation
Impacts from a vehicle frequently cause damage to the vertebrae or the spinal cord itself. These injuries may lead to chronic pain or permanent mobility issues that require home modifications or specialized equipment. We work with healthcare providers to estimate the lifetime costs associated with these physical changes.
Fractures and orthopedic recovery records
Pedestrians often suffer multiple fractures in the legs, hips, or pelvis during a collision. These injuries require surgeries, pins, and months of physical therapy before you can return to your normal routine. We track every surgery and rehabilitation session to build a complete record of the physical toll.
Strengthening Your Claim Through Professional Advocacy
Drivers and insurance companies often try to blame the pedestrian to avoid paying for the harm caused. You need a team that acts quickly to preserve the facts of your case before evidence disappears. Our team uses several methods to secure the information necessary for a strong claim.
Traffic camera and doorbell footage
Many businesses and homes now possess surveillance cameras that capture the moments leading up to an accident. We act quickly to secure this footage before the owners record over it or delete the files. Visual proof often provides the clearest evidence of which party had the right of way.
Securing this evidence early prevents the insurance company from twisting the facts of the collision. Our team uses every available digital resource to support your account of the crash.
Witness statements and police reports
People who saw the accident occur provide independent accounts of the driver’s behavior and the road conditions. We collect contact information for all witnesses and obtain the official police report as soon as it becomes available.
Witness testimony often resolves disputes about whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk or if the driver was speeding. These statements help us build a factual foundation that counters the arguments made by insurance adjusters.
Forensic scene reconstruction
Complex injury cases may require the assistance of professionals who reconstruct the mechanics of the event. These specialists analyze vehicle crush patterns, skid marks, and final rest positions to determine exactly what happened. Their findings provide a scientific basis for proving negligence in court or during settlement negotiations.
FAQ for Tacoma Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
What if I was crossing outside of a crosswalk?
Washington law allows you to seek a recovery even if you were not in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Drivers still maintain a duty to exercise due care and avoid hitting pedestrians whenever possible. The pure comparative fault rules simply decrease your total award by the percentage of fault a jury assigns to you. We work to show the driver’s negligence was the primary cause of the collision to protect your recovery.
How do I handle a hit-and-run pedestrian accident?
Hit and run incidents are difficult, but your own auto insurance policy often provides a path for recovery. Uninsured motorist coverage usually applies to pedestrians who are struck by a driver who flees the scene. We review your insurance policies to identify every available benefit that helps cover your medical costs. If the police identify the driver later, we pursue a claim against their insurance carrier directly.
Can I seek damages if a bicycle hit me?
Bicyclists must follow many of the same traffic laws as motor vehicles and must exercise care near pedestrians. If a cyclist struck you on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, you may have a claim against their homeowners or renters insurance policy. We help you identify the responsible party and determine which insurance coverage applies to your injuries. These cases involve specific local rules regarding where bicycles can legally operate. For more information, read our blog post on who pays for medical bills in injury cases.
What if my child was injured in a pedestrian accident?
Pedestrian accidents involving children often result in catastrophic injuries with lifelong consequences. The law often holds drivers to a higher standard of care when they operate vehicles near schools, parks, or residential areas. We help families manage the complex legal requirements for settling a claim on behalf of a minor. These settlements often require court approval to ensure the funds remain protected for the child’s future needs.
How long will my pedestrian accident case take to resolve?
The length of a case depends on the severity of your injuries and the clarity of the evidence against the driver. We avoid settling claims until our clients reach a stable point in their medical recovery. Settling too early may leave you without the funds needed for future surgeries or long-term therapy. We provide regular updates on the status of your case and work to resolve the matter as efficiently as possible.
What happens if a government vehicle caused my accident?
Claims involving city, county, or state vehicles must follow a specific notice-of-claim process with very short deadlines. These cases involve different rules than standard private insurance claims.
Our team is experienced in handling these administrative requirements to ensure your right to a claim is preserved. Acting quickly is essential because these deadlines often pass faster than standard statute of limitations periods. Learn more about property owner liability standards that may apply in your case.
Regaining Stability on Your Terms
The weeks following a pedestrian collision involve physical pain, insurance calls, and significant uncertainty about your financial future. Managing these burdens while trying to recover from an injury adds unnecessary stress to a time when you should focus on your family.
Our firm has provided a pillar of strength for the residents of the Puget Sound for over 130 years, helping them resolve the most challenging situations of their lives.
We believe that no one should have to face the legal system alone, especially when they are dealing with an injury that was not their fault. If you suffered an injury as a pedestrian and need a way forward, call us to discuss your case and learn how we can take it from here.
Our team also handles claims involving bicycle accidents and other vulnerable road users throughout Tacoma.