How to Properly Handle a Pedestrian Accident in Vancouver, Wa

Humans can endure different environments, disease, and dealing with other humans. But they’re not able to endure being struck by a motor vehicle. They’re virtually unprotected and vulnerable to severe injuries or death. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, a pedestrian or bicyclist was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle every 150 minutes in 2014. As per the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrian accidents account for 15 percent of all traffic crash deaths.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

There are various was a pedestrian could get hit by a motor vehicle, but the most common reasons are when drivers:

  • Become distracted by use of a cellular device
  • Fail to stop at traffic signals or signs
  • Fail to yield the right-of-way when turning
  • Back into pedestrians
  • Enter roadways from private drives
  • Common pedestrian injuries

In Washington state, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians in an intersection whether the pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Because pedestrians are so exposed, their injuries are often severe. Common pedestrian injuries resulting from being hit by a motor vehicle include:

  • Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
  • Pelvis, hip and leg fractures
  • Spinal fractures and disc herniations
  • Internal organ damage

Never give a statement to the driver’s insurer

Insurance companies know that they could be in for significant losses after a pedestrian is hit by their insured motorist. They’ll take immediate steps to try to mitigate their loss. One of those steps is for an adjuster to call you “just to check on how you’re doing.” Then he or she will ask for a recorded statement. He or she will only try to use that statement against you sometime in the future. Adjusters are trained to trip victims up when taking statements. There’s no law that requires you to give one.

Medical bills resulting from a pedestrian accident can be staggering, and a lengthy recovery period means significant lost earnings. Permanent disability, disfigurement or even death can occur. That’s why it’s essential got you to contact us right after any pedestrian accident. Our goal is to obtain maximized full and fair compensation for your injuries from every source possible. Instead of giving up rights and helping the other side build a case against you, invoke those rights, and call our Vancouver pedestrian accident attorneys immediately for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our experienced accident injury lawyers will build your case for you.