Yakima Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Mistakes Drivers Make That Cause Pedestrian Accidents

All too often, pedestrian accidents result from careless or negligent actions by drivers. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we believe that pedestrians should feel safe wherever they walk, which is why we are dedicated to doing whatever we can to help injured clients make a recovery. Our legal team can investigate the details of your accident, work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, and put your worries at ease as your case progresses.

Preventable driver mistakes that cause pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, eating, or engaged in other distractions fail to notice pedestrians crossing streets or walking alongside roads.
• Speeding: When drivers exceed speed limits, especially in residential neighborhoods or school zones, they reduce their ability to react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
• Failing to Yield at Crosswalks: Many accidents occur because drivers fail to stop or yield when pedestrians have the right of way.
• Driving Under the Influence: Impaired driving contributes to poor decision-making and slowed reaction times, putting everyone, including pedestrians, at risk.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: This reckless behavior often leads to intersection accidents, frequently involving pedestrians.
• Turning Without Checking for Pedestrians: Drivers making left or right turns at intersections often neglect to ensure the crosswalk is clear, leading to collisions.

Serious Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians have no physical protection, even a low-speed collision can result in severe, life-altering injuries. Serious injuries can leave pedestrians with mounting medical bills and require ongoing care. If you’ve been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, let us fight for your right to compensation and help ease your financial burden.

Common injuries in pedestrian accident claims often include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments, often requiring extensive medical care.
• Broken Bones: Fractures, especially in the arms, legs, or pelvis, can take months to heal and may result in permanent mobility challenges.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are not always immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical intervention.
• Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, bruises, and torn ligaments often leave victims with scars and long-term discomfort.

See a Doctor Right Away After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been struck by a car, you should see a doctor immediately—even if you feel fine. Certain injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms until hours or days after the accident. A medical evaluation can detect these hidden issues early.

Also, visiting a doctor immediately will allow your injuries to be documented without delay, which is critical in preparing a strong case for compensation. Prompt medical attention allows doctors to diagnose and treat injuries quickly, which can reduce the risk of complications down the road.

Compensation You Can Seek by Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Filing a claim after a pedestrian accident can help you recover compensation for the damages you’ve experienced—if it is successful. The defendant or liable party will put obstacles between you and your recovery, though. Get our attorneys on your side, so we can use our vast experience with settlement negotiations and litigation in pursuit of your goal: getting full compensation for your losses.

We fight to secure the maximum recovery for every client, such as:

• Medical Costs: From emergency care to ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, we’ll seek compensation for all injury-related medical expenses.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we’ll pursue compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: We’ll account for the emotional and physical toll of your injuries through non-economic damages.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: Any costs related to your long-term recovery, such as physical therapy, will be included in your claim.
• Property Damage: If personal items were damaged in the accident, we can consider adding the cost of their repair or replacement to your claim.

Can You Still File a Claim If You Were Jaywalking?

A common question from pedestrian accident victims is whether they can still file a claim if they were jaywalking at the time of the accident. The answer is yes. Washington law follows a comparative negligence standard, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.

However, the amount of compensation you receive may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re found 20% responsible for jaywalking, your compensation may be reduced by that percentage. Our attorneys can thoroughly investigate your case to determine liability and minimize any reduction to your claim’s value.