Call Us atWalking or running on the sidewalk should be safe. Instead, the negligence of drivers and others can make this safe walking experience into a nightmare. Serious and even deadly injuries may result from a pedestrian accident. If another person’s negligence is to blame for the crash you may be entitled to a significant financial award through a personal injury claim.
Your case is unique and requires an individualized consultation to get to know your case. Let an experienced Bothell pedestrian accident lawyer review your case and determine your rights. Our personal injury attorneys are here for you.
What to Do after a Pedestrian Crash
First and foremost, a person should seek medical attention after an incident. Their health is certainly the most important thing. In addition to protecting their health, receiving medical attention documents the injuries that were caused by the negligent party. This documentation may prove valuable if proving the personal injury case.
After the accident, the injured party should keep detailed records. This would include holding onto all medical bills, pictures of the collision scene, law enforcement reports, insurance reports, and more. If it is related to the wreck, the injured walker should keep it ready for their Bothell attorney. Any information that may be helpful or related to the case should be retained.
Rights of People Walking in Bothell
Pedestrians are protected by state law and required to follow certain rules. Walkers and pedestrians must follow and be aware of:
- Traffic control signals like stop lights and cross walk signs
- Obligations to be on sidewalks or certain parts of the road
- Limitations on pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Limitations on walking on limited access highways
- Crosswalk rules
These obligations and protections are meant to keep pedestrians safe. Routinely, drivers violate these rules and violate the walker’s rights. If this happens and injury occurs, filing a personal injury claim with a trusted Bothell attorney is likely appropriate to seek compensation.
Potential Causes of Walkers Getting Hit by a Vehicle
A great many pedestrians are involved in accidents with motor vehicles. However, this is not the only way a walker may be harmed. Other common causes of injuries includes:
- Holes in the street, sidewalk, or crosswalk
- Dangerous premises
- Slip and falls
- Weather hazards
- Improper markings on sidewalks or crosswalks
- Malfunctioning traffic or pedestrian signals
Sometimes the DOT or other municipality is responsible for the road design or its maintenance, and could be found liable. Whatever the cause of the collision or injury, if it is caused by another party’s negligence that party may be financially responsible. The injured walker may have the right to file a personal injury case to seek compensation, with the assistance of a Bothell attorney.
Filing a Claim in Time
State law requires an injured pedestrian to file their personal injury claim within three years of the date of that accident. This is a hard time limit that—if missed—will very likely result in dismissal of the claim.
To avoid this possibility, an injured person should speak with a qualified walker injury attorney in Bothell. Filing the case in time helps to protect your rights to compensation.
Get Help from a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Bothell
After your injuries, you may be confused and wondering what to do next. It may all seem too much but a dedicated attorney is here to help. Your injuries may entitle you to compensation after a collision. See an experienced Bothell pedestrian accident lawyer to learn more about your rights to compensation. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
