Accidents between cars and pedestrians can cause devastating injuries, resulting in both physical pain and significant financial stress. A Redmond pedestrian accident lawyer could help you hold the responsible driver accountable and pursue compensation for your medical bills and other injury-related expenses. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney could increase your chances of achieving a successful case outcome, so contact Narwal Injury Law today.

Who Is Legally Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?

To sue for compensation, the individual who caused your injury must have been acting negligently. Negligence refers to situations in which an individual fails to meet the duty of care they owe to others. Drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and pay attention to nearby pedestrians and other cars on the road. Pedestrians have a duty to be aware of their surroundings, follow traffic signals, and cross the street at designated crosswalks.

Depending on the circumstances, the driver, pedestrian, or both could be legally responsible for an accident. For example, a driver would be considered liable if they ran a red light and hit a pedestrian using a crosswalk, but a pedestrian who causes an accident by suddenly and unexpectedly running onto the road into the path of a vehicle would generally be at fault. Both a driver speeding and a jaywalking pedestrian could be considered partially responsible for a resulting accident.

If both individuals are found to be liable, the court or insurance company assigns each person a percentage of the responsibility and reduces their compensation accordingly. For example, if the jaywalking pedestrian had $100,000 in damages but was considered 30 percent at fault, they would receive $70,000. A Redmond lawyer could examine the details of your pedestrian accident to determine who might be considered liable and how much compensation you can expect to receive.

When Should an Injured Pedestrian Hire a Lawyer?

Washington uses an at-fault car insurance system, meaning injured individuals must file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. If your injuries are relatively minor, the driver was clearly responsible for the accident, and you do not plan to file a lawsuit, it is possible to handle the insurance claim on your own.

However, if any factors make the situation more complex, hiring a lawyer is a good idea. Accurately estimating medical expenses can be difficult, and a Redmond pedestrian accident attorney could recommend appropriate medical experts and consultants to ensure that all of your medical expenses are considered. Doing so is important because an injured individual can only receive compensation once, even if future medical costs end up being higher than originally anticipated. In addition, letting a lawyer handle communication with the at-fault individual’s insurance company could help you avoid making mistakes that hurt your case.

Discuss Your Redmond Pedestrian Accident Case With an Attorney Today

If you have been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, filing a lawsuit could help you hold the responsible driver accountable and receive compensation for your medical bills and lost income. A Redmond pedestrian accident lawyer could guide you through the process, ensuring you get the justice you deserve.

Narwal Injury Law has the knowledge and experience needed to support you throughout your personal injury case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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