Pedestrian Hit by a Car in Spokane: What Compensation Can You Recover?
Between 2014 and 2024, pedestrian fatalities in the United States grew by 48%. Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, exposed to serious physical harm every time they step outside.
If you or a loved one were injured in a Spokane pedestrian accident, understanding your legal rights is critical. A qualified Spokane pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Spokane
Several recurring factors contribute to these dangerous incidents in eastern Washington.
Driver Negligence
The most frequent causes include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and driving under the influence. Washington law requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks, yet violations happen daily.
A drunk driver or a driver running a red light can cause catastrophic damage in seconds. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or broken bones.
Dangerous Road Conditions and City Liability
Not every pedestrian accident is caused by a negligent driver. Poorly designed intersections, missing crosswalks, damaged sidewalks, and inadequate lighting can all contribute to accidents.
In these cases, the city or a government entity may share liability. Establishing liability requires showing that someone acted negligently, whether that’s the driver involved or a public agency responsible for road maintenance.
Injuries Commonly Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries because pedestrians have no physical protection against the force of a vehicle. Some of these injuries have life-altering consequences that affect victims for years.
Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, soft tissue damage, and emotional trauma such as PTSD or anxiety. These conditions affect both physical pain and mental health, making comprehensive compensation essential.
Pedestrian fatalities are also a grave reality. Severe injuries and death devastate families and communities alike.
What to Do After a Spokane Pedestrian Accident
Suppose an accident happened, and you’re the victim. The steps you take immediately after the accident can make or break your pedestrian accident claims.
- Call emergency services and seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor or visible injuries.
- Collect the driver’s name, license plate number, insurance details, and phone number.
- Document the accident scene with photos of vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Report the accident to the police and ensure the police report accurately reflects your account.
- Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.
- Gather witness statements and medical records as early as possible.
- Do not accept any insurance claim settlement before reaching maximum medical improvement, as accepting a payout closes your case permanently.
Compensation You Can Recover
Washington State follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your settlement is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, including medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, and lost income. Victims may also claim costs for ongoing medical care, diagnostic tests, and a long-term treatment plan.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address losses that are harder to quantify, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your mental health. These can be significant in cases involving permanent disabilities or life-changing severe injuries.
Once you recover physically enough to assess your full losses, your pedestrian accident lawyer can help calculate both future medical bills and pain and suffering damages to pursue a fair and just settlement.
How a Spokane Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with insurance companies while recovering from injuries is overwhelming. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer levels the playing field and manages every aspect of your personal injury claim on your behalf.
Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce or deny injury claims. An experienced personal injury attorney will negotiate firmly, collect traffic camera footage and eyewitness testimonies, and prove liability using medical records and accident scene evidence.
Most law firm arrangements in Spokane operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. You only pay if they win your personal injury case. Your legal team handles the legal process while you focus on recovery.
In Washington State, you typically have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can forfeit your right to receive fair compensation entirely.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If you were injured in a Spokane pedestrian accident, get in touch. You deserve experienced attorneys who will fight for a fair settlement. Do not let insurance coverage disputes or insurance provider tactics leave you with unpaid medical expenses and lost pay.
Contact Lowe Law Group in Spokane for a free legal consultation. Our personal injury lawyer team is ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you recover compensation for everything you have lost.
